Party leader To Lam orders removing obstacles to science-technology development

Addressing a national conference on science-technology development in Hanoi on January 13, To Lam emphasized that science and technology serve as a key driving force for socio-economic development in many countries, and to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming an advanced industrial country by 2030 and a developed, high-income economy by 2045, Vietnam has no choice but to prioritise science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the core drivers.

These are essential factors to help the country escape the middle-income trap, prevent stagnation, and realize its ambition for prosperity, said the Party leader.

He highlighted that, in this context, Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation provides strategic directions that have been widely supported by officials, scientists, and businesses both domestically and internationally.

The resolution serves as a reform policy in the field of science and technology, focusing on breaking free from old thinking and introducing specific actions to drive breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, creating strong foundations for national development in the new era, he stated.

To make the resolution effective, the Party General Secretary proposed that all levels, sectors, and localities immediately get down to work on it, considering investments in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as a long-term strategy, with both wins and losses. Data must be regarded as a new resource and as a raw material for production; digital transformation as a tool for changing production and business methods; and innovation as the “magic wand” to achieve sustainable prosperity, with scientists playing a central role.

He pointed out the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as a strategic mission for the entire Party, people, and armed forces. All tasks will be monitored and assessed regularly; those who perform well will be rewarded, while those who fail or act negligently will face criticism and penalties. Weak leadership will be replaced immediately to prevent the nation from missing development opportunities.

In 2025, key foundational issues need to be identified and addressed to lay the groundwork for the period 2026-2030, creating a boost for new productivity and inspiring social confidence, he stressed.

Outlining the roadmap, Party chief said, by the first quarter of 2025, reorganization of scientific and technological institutions should be completed, with targeted investments in strong research organizations. A concrete plan must be developed to cultivate high-quality human resources, particularly in scientific and technological talents. Breakthrough measures must be implemented to attract leading technology corporations and Vietnamese and international tech talents.

Importantly, he held that the budget must be prioritized for science and technology as a strategic national breakthrough. He requested rapid development of high-quality human resources, by developing mechanisms to attract talents, particularly in science and technology, including overseas Vietnamese and international experts, through offering attractive policies on citizenship, income, housing, and work environment.

Procedures should be transparent, competitive internationally, he emphasized.

He underscored the necessity of intensifying investment in technology infrastructure, including optimizing and upgrading digital infrastructure, building 5G base stations, expanding broadband internet, and extending fiber-optic coverage, alongside establishing a national data center and implementing Data Law and data exchange platforms by 2025.

Again, the General Secretary stressed that Resolution 57 has dismantled barriers, addressed bottlenecks, and created mechanisms for breakthroughs, unleashing creative energy and resources, driving the development of science, technology, and digital transformation. He urged ministries, sectors, and localities to focus resources on certain economic sectors with comparative advantages and potential, avoiding spreading efforts thin and ineffective.

They include technological solutions to practical issues such as efficient resource use, environmental protection, climate adaptation, high-tech agriculture, food security, health sciences, and 4.0 industries. Focus should be placed on advancing key digital transformation areas, particularly the implementation of Government Decree 06 on the application of population data, electronic identification, and authentication to serve digital transformation, and the establishment of the national data center.

The January 13 conference brought together leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, leading scientists, intellectuals, top domestic and international enterprises, as well as outstanding students and lecturers in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

It evaluated the implementation of the resolutions of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat on science and technology development. It particularly sought to implement Resolution 57 dated December 22, 2024, of the Politburo on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The overarching goal was to create a transformative shift in awareness and execution, contributing to the development of a prosperous and strong nation.