Vietnam aspires to master science and technology for development in the new era

National Assembly deputy Bui Thi An, member of the National Assembly Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, highlighted the significance of the resolution and shed light on Vietnam’s aspirations in an interview granted to VOV.

VOV: Party General Secretary To Lam has just signed and issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. How do you assess the directives outlined in this resolution?
Deputy Bui Thi An: As a scientist, I highly appreciate the Politburo’s first-ever resolution dedicated to breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. This underscores the crucial role of science in Vietnam’s development, especially as the country aims to enter a new era. Sustainable growth is impossible without strong investment in science and technology.

Resolution No. 57 marks a strategic shift in thinking about science and technology. It also acknowledges the role of science in national progress. Practical examples show that applying technology significantly boosts productivity. Vietnam has transformed from a food importer to the world’s third largest rice exporter, earning US$5.7 billion annually. The fisheries sector has maintained a 9% annual growth rate for the past two decades, playing a major role in agricultural exports.

This resolution sets the foundation for Vietnam’s future advancements, including nuclear energy management and high-speed rail development, while establishing the country as a semiconductor industry hub.

VOV: According to the Resolution, Vietnam will accept risks in scientific research. Does this affirm a mindset of liberating creative potential?
Deputy Bui Thi An: Previously, it was believed that scientific research had to result in success, but Resolution 57 now allows for the acceptance of “risk in scientific research.” It specifies that new practical issues can be trialed, risks accepted, and investments made in risky ventures, with a grace period for research. Companies will be encouraged to experiment with new technologies under state supervision, while they are exempt from liability for economic losses due to external factors during trials of new business models or technologies.

This approach is crucial because scientific research can succeed but also face failure. It is impossible for every research project to succeed 100%. The previous mindset forced scientists to ensure all results were successful, which led to the fact that many projects were described as outstanding in theory but they were impractical in application. Accepting risks encourages creativity in research.

In any field, achieving set goals requires two key factors - institutions and people. While the institutional framework has been addressed in Resolution 57, the next step is selecting capable leaders for scientific institutions and agencies. These leaders must provide strategic guidance, while researchers should focus on practical, applicable studies.

VOV: Does the introduction of the Resolution reflect the alignment between the Party’s thinking and awareness with the dynamic reality of the country’s development needs in the new era?
Deputy Bui Thi An: No country aiming for sustainable development and high productivity can overlook the importance of science and technology. Science and technology play a crucial role in increasing labour productivity, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable national growth. The Party has recognized this importance and placed science in the right position, by issuing Resolution 57-NQ/TW.

I fully support the objectives outlined in the resolution, especially the goal of “gradually mastering strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, blockchain, semiconductors, 5G-6G, quantum and nano technologies, satellite communications, and other emerging technologies.” The resolution also specifies that “the entire nation will be covered by 5G in six years, and at least three leading global tech companies will be attracted to establish headquarters, invest, research, and manufacture products in Vietnam.”

I believe the phrase “mastering technology” is crucial. Without mastering technology, a country will remain dependent on others and fail to truly develop. Mastering technology allows for independence in research and application, contributing to self-reliance in many areas, including national sovereignty and security.

The resolution accurately identifies the key areas for investment, such as AI, IoT, big data, blockchain, semiconductors, 5G-6G, quantum and nano technologies, satellite communications, and other emerging fields. These are essential technologies in science and technology, and without their adoption, the country will stagnate. Applying these technologies will boost labour productivity, enable sustainable development, and foster greater transparency.

VOV: The resolution sets the goals that by 2030, Vietnam will be among the top three Southeast Asian countries in artificial intelligence research and development, digital competitiveness, e-government, and become a digital technology industrial hub with at least five tech companies of international caliber. In your opinion, what should we do to achieve the goals outlined in the resolution?
Deputy Bui Thi An: These are ambitious goals that present an enormous challenge for Vietnam today. To master technology, we first need strong financial resources and human capital. When the Politburo sets such goals, it implies long-term plans for human resource training. A key point is the need for a substantial budget to develop science and technology. I believe this vision is far-reaching and high, and although it’s a major challenge, it’s necessary. Without it, Vietnam cannot develop.

Achieving the goals will be a massive challenge for Vietnam, but I believe with determination, it can definitely be done. If we have a well-organized implementation plan, assign specific responsibilities, evaluate progress regularly, and invest appropriately in line with the resolution, we can overcome all challenges to achieve the goals. If we fail to reach these goals, the world and the region will continue to develop, but Vietnam will be left behind.

VOV: As a scientist, how do you define your mindset when participating in the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW?
Deputy Bui Thi An: This is a very new resolution, with many new points. To understand these new aspects, we need to study it carefully and determine how we can contribute, and to what extent we can participate. As scientists, we will do whatever we can, and once committed, we will complete the task thoroughly.

In fact, scientific research is very challenging, especially when it comes to new concepts. Therefore, we welcome Resolution 57-NQ/TW with enthusiasm, but we also need to prepare many other conditions for ourselves, change our mindset, and strive for higher efforts. If we do not change ourselves, we cannot fully embrace the new opportunities that the resolution brings. Thus, for scientific staff, we must invest, change, and renew ourselves in order to grasp Resolution 57-NQ/TW and contribute our small part to the country's scientific development.