Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam speaks at a meeting with representatives of the scientific community yesterday. — Photo VGP

HÀ NỘI — Scattered investment and red tape have held back science and technology research in Việt Nam, scientists said at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam yesterday.

The dialogue between the Deputy PM and representatives of the scientific community aimed to remove hurdles for science and technology research in the country.

According to a report by the Ministry of Science and Technology, although the State has priotitised scientific and technology research, State budget allocation has failed to meet demand.

Investment has remained scattered and failed to focus on fields Việt Nam has strengths in and should be prioritised to build institutions to regional and international standards.

“With the current way of investment, it is difficult for Việt Nam to have a science and technology infrastructure, institutions and laboratories of regional and international standards which can effectively support the economy,” the report said.

Vice chairman of Việt Nam Academy of Science and Technology Nguyễn Đình Công said regulations on management of science and technology research and projects did not meet reality, causing difficulties for executing the work.

“It takes too long from executing an idea to project approval and result application," he said.

"Scientific research risks being mired in administrative red tape.”

Other problems that affect science and technology research include a lack of trust of management bodies in scientists, complicated processes for project approval, bidding and finalization and shortcomings in regulations to encourage private enterprises in scientific research, the scientist said.

Deputy PM Đam said he appreciated scientists’ efforts to overcome difficulties to do their jobs.

He acknowledged the importance of scientists gaining autonomy in professional practice, finance and organisational issues.

He asked State bodies to review mechanisms and regulations to create favourable conditions for scientists, especially in terms of establishing autonomy and securing financial resources.

He emphasised the importance of practical research, asking for transparency in the appraisal process of scientific projects.

The Deputy PM also asked the Ministry of Science and Technology to further study policies on intellectual property and mechanisms to encourage scientists from the non-State sector to carry out scientific research. — VNS