The government has decided to spend 5% of GDP on science and technology, about more than 20 billion USD/year, with many special policies to make breakthroughs in scientific development.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Kien - Deputy Head of the General Department - Central Party Office - said that with Resolution 57 and special investment from the State, scientists will not worry about lack of money - Photo: TRAN HUYNH
General Secretary To Lam signed and issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation on December 22, 2024.
Scientists will not worry about lack of money
Speaking at a seminar on Resolution 57 organized by the University of Technology (Ho Chi Minh City National University) on February 14, Mr. Nguyen Duc Kien - Deputy Head of the General Department - Office of the Party Central Committee - said that the Central Steering Committee on Science and Technology Development, Innovation and Digital Transformation headed by the General Secretary has been established.
The Steering Committee has implemented many important contents very drastically, quickly, and neatly, eliminating the mindset of "if you can't manage it, then ban it". Notably, the first meeting of the Steering Committee decided to spend 5% of GDP on science and technology, about more than 20 billion USD/year.
"Resolution 57 sets 11 targets, in which the budget for research and development (R&D) reaches 2% of GDP, of which social funding accounts for 60%. If Vietnam's GDP in 2024 is 470 billion USD x 2% equals 9.4 billion USD/year, and social funding is over 60%, then the state budget will spend more than 3 billion USD/year on R&D, which is a huge resource while the budget is still limited.
At the same time, allocate at least 3% of the total annual budget expenditure (about 60,000 billion VND) for science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation and gradually increase according to development requirements. Thus, scientists will not lack money. This is a great concern of the Party," Mr. Kien emphasized.
Professor Mai Thanh Phong discussed at the seminar on Resolution 57 organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology - Photo: TRAN HUYNH
Make scientists feel more secure
Commenting on Resolution 57, Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong - Principal of the University of Technology (Ho Chi Minh City National University) - said that the most important breakthrough in Resolution 57 is about innovation, institutional and mechanism reform.
For a long time, innovative scientific research has often encountered institutional difficulties, according to the general opinion of many scientists. For the first time, a separate resolution issued by the Politburo with more complete and comprehensive regulations is believed to create a major turning point in this field.
"The new institution in the resolution accepts the risk of venture capital and delays in scientific research, technology development, and innovation, and has a policy of exemption from liability for businesses, organizations, and individuals in the case of testing new technologies and new business models that cause economic damage due to objective reasons.
This helps scientists feel more secure when conducting research, thereby arousing the boldness and creativity of scientists," Mr. Phong emphasized.
Besides, the resolution shows a stronger level of investment in funding, infrastructure, etc. for science and technology, while previously this source of funding was limited.
This could also be a breakthrough, paving the way for the country's science and technology career.
Institutional and policy clearance
Mr. Phong also said that Resolution 57 with its institutional and policy breakthroughs on innovative scientific research for training institutions will create motivation for the Polytechnic University - which already has experience and advantages in this field - to continue implementing its cherished strategic plans.
"The school aims to build a development strategy to become a center of science, technology and innovation in the Southern region, gathering scientists and technology corporations to cooperate with the school," Mr. Phong shared.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dam Bach Duong - Director of the High Technology Department (Ministry of Science and Technology) - expects that with its leading role in science and technology in the South, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology will research, prepare arguments and proposals to upgrade existing key laboratories or build new key laboratories (AI, high-speed railways, etc.).
Mr. Dam Bach Duong hopes that scientists from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology will have many advantages to contribute to science and technology activities after Resolution 57 is issued - Photo: TRAN HUYNH
Ho Chi Minh City National University trains talents at all levels, supports scholarships and tuition fees
Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai - Vice Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University - said that the Party Executive Committee of Ho Chi Minh City National University has completed the draft of the action program to implement Resolution 57.
At the same time, this university also sent official dispatches to the People's Committees of provinces and cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Binh Thuan... to coordinate the implementation of Resolution 57.
"We want to coordinate with provinces and cities to build the best mechanism for scientific and technological activities. From there, scientists can more easily carry out their scientific and technological activities.
In addition, the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City National University is also developing a number of key research programs, strengths of Ho Chi Minh City National University, and investing in building a modern laboratory system.
Currently, the Training Department is also building a talent training program at all levels of training (bachelor, engineer, master, doctorate) with a proposal for the state budget to support tuition fees and provide scholarships so that learners can study with peace of mind, especially postgraduate students.
In the near future, if there is a coordination mechanism with the locality, we will use that budget source," Ms. Mai added.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/danh-hon-20-ti-usd-nam-cho-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-nha-khoa-hoc-se-khong-lo-thieu-tien-20250214155000494.htm
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