To do scientific research is not just on paper.

The science and technology market is quiet.

Every year, the country has thousands of scientific research results and inventions from universities, research institutes, research centers, organizations, individuals, etc. Many research results have great potential for application, because they originate from practical production problems. This is a huge source of intellectual property contributing to research results and inventions serving commercial exploitation and production development in Vietnam.

However, the commercialization of scientific research into practice is still limited. Many enterprises and investors still face difficulties in implementing investment projects to develop and apply science and technology in bringing products to market. There is currently a paradox that enterprises need technology, while research institutes and universities have research results but cannot transfer them. Therefore, many intellectual properties remain only on paper.

Always concerned about making scientific research valuable in practice, Dr. Hoang Van Ha - Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) shared that scientists really want to commercialize their scientific research. However, scientists face many difficulties and limitations in doing business, raising capital, and selling products.

From the perspective of enterprises, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Nghe An Agricultural Materials Joint Stock Corporation Truong Van Hien pointed out that in the process of production and business, enterprises have many problems that arise and need the advice, support and companionship of scientists. However, the lack of information and connection channels has prevented enterprises and scientists from coming together. The most difficult thing is to match what scientists have with what customers need.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Trinh Hoa, co-founder of Buyo bioplastics company, said that a commercialization project requires a strong team, with both knowledge and market experience. Enterprises have financial resources to invest in modern equipment and machinery, but lack a research team, master technology, and develop existing products. Therefore, enterprises need to cooperate with scientists and research organizations.

Sharing about the shortcomings in the current science and technology market, Chairman of the Association of Science and Technology Enterprises Hoang Duc Thao said that enterprises want scientists to support research and development of new products at the lowest cost, in order to optimize profits. On the contrary, scientists believe that the evaluation of inventions, useful solutions and their participation in the business cooperation process must be appropriate. Scientists' efforts through intellectual property must be quantified with appropriate material value, to motivate the research team. However, if calculated correctly in terms of economic value, in many cases it is beyond the reach of enterprises, so it is difficult to satisfy scientists.

Currently, science and technology enterprises are exempted from tax for 4 years and have 50% reduction in corporate income tax payable for the next 9 years. However, the procedures and documents to enjoy this preferential policy according to the guidance in Circular No. 03/2021/TT-BTC guiding on tax exemption and reduction of corporate income tax for science and technology enterprises are still very complicated, causing difficulties for enterprises in accessing the policy. In addition, science and technology enterprises want to borrow preferential capital, although they have collateral, but do not have the opportunity to access it, do not know of any organization that provides training, guidance and methods, steps on how to prepare documents and procedures according to the provisions of law related to incentives for science and technology enterprises.

Connecting supply and demand

A strong science and technology market will contribute to creating breakthroughs in productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the economy. Therefore, finding solutions to support the commercialization of scientific research is something that needs to be promoted in the coming time. In particular, the most important thing is to connect the two subjects: the "supply" side (research institutes, universities, scientists, etc.) with the "demand" side (enterprises).

Associate Professor Dr. Truong Ngoc Kiem - Director of the Center for Knowledge Transfer and Startup Support (Hanoi National University) affirmed that strengthening cooperation between scientists, research groups and enterprises is very important. This is an inevitable trend in the development process of countries to link scientific research with practice, stemming from practical needs and solving practical problems. Only then can the results and products created be quickly applied in practice, contributing to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people.

According to BK-Holdings Director Nguyen Trung Dung, universities themselves need to have an innovation support organization to promote this field at the school level. Most of the time in Vietnam are only at the first level of using an existing unit within the school to carry out the innovation mission. To meet the current urgent requirements, innovation support models such as enterprises or joint ventures with schools to undertake technology transfer and innovation activities are suitable orientations.

From a management perspective, Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat said that the Ministry continues to improve the legal framework in the field of science and technology; build appropriate mechanisms to strengthen the connection between institutes - schools - enterprises to form and develop the force of science and technology enterprises and startups in Vietnam. Thereby promoting the application and commercialization of research results created from research institutes and universities, while improving the quality of human resources in society, meeting the needs of the labor market.

In particular, focus on promoting the handling of assets formed from scientific and technological tasks using the State budget, especially assets that are the results of scientific and technological tasks.

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