Creating new values ​​for breakthroughs in scientific and technological development

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan conducted a field survey at the Faculty of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City National University.

Carrying out the task of reviewing the draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan and the working delegation of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment recently had a working session and on-site survey at Ho Chi Minh City National University.

Comprehensive revision, reducing pressure and procedures for scientists

Reporting on the results of science and technology activities of Ho Chi Minh City National University, the school representative said that the school currently has 3,023 lecturers, of which 1,620 have a doctorate degree or higher. Regarding intellectual property, the school has 891 applications for protection, 318 granted certificates, 7 international patents and 13 applications under review. Ho Chi Minh City National University is also an official member of the Network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers in Vietnam recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO. According to the latest results, Ho Chi Minh City National University is in the group of 40% of the best universities in the world, ranked 901-950 globally and 184th in Asia.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan conducts a field survey at the Faculty of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City National University. Photo: Nhat Truong

In addition to the achievements, Ho Chi Minh City National University is also facing some difficulties and obstacles in implementing the Law on Science and Technology 2013. That is, there is a lack of mechanisms and policies to attract highly qualified scientists and lecturers, while funding for scientific research is limited and facilities do not meet requirements. In addition, there is no mechanism to encourage businesses to invest. Management work is still inadequate due to unclear decentralization and delegation of authority, and lack of autonomy for public science and technology organizations.

Ho Chi Minh City National University recommends that the Law on Science and Technology this time needs to be comprehensively revised, focusing on breakthrough solutions to properly implement the spirit stated in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation.

At the meeting, scientists contributed many profound and specific opinions, contributing to the completion of the draft Law. Some opinions proposed to supplement the acceptance of risks in scientific research and technology development along with specific solutions.

“The draft allows scientists to accept risks. However, in reality, tireless research without final results is not only a risk but also related to luck. Scientists can change the direction of the topic but must appear before the financial council to explain. Therefore, the new draft law should have more specific provisions on changing the direction of research, helping to reduce pressure and procedures for scientists,” Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Thao, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research, Ho Chi Minh City National University, proposed.

Scientists also raised issues related to human resource training, international cooperation, product commercialization and policies to attract domestic and foreign scientists. Regarding preferential policies for private or foreign enterprises, there should be specific directions to avoid legal overlap between the Investment Law and the Enterprise Law.

Creating momentum for scientific and technological development

Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University, Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Hai Quan said that with great potential and outstanding achievements in science and technology, the school proposed to make the two national universities special public science and technology organizations with special mechanisms. At the same time, this organization can apply the policies of the National Innovation Center to promote all existing potential.

Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Hai Quan also recommended not to apply corporate income tax to public universities with many scientific and technological activities because educational activities are non-profit activities, or there are regulations to transfer the tax amount that universities must pay to invest in scientific and technological activities of the units.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan visits application products of the University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City National University. Photo: Nhat Truong

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo clearly demonstrates the spirit of attracting high-quality intellectuals from abroad to work in Vietnam. However, according to Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Hai Quan, the current draft Law is still general, so it is necessary to have more specific and detailed regulations on policies, standards, and conditions to attract and recruit talents.

Taking note of the comments at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan raised many important issues related to the development and completion of the draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation. Emphasizing the new thinking in legislative work, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly stated that the Law is not only for management but also to create development space, create new values ​​for society and science and technology; at the same time, promote the empowerment of research institutes. However, this needs to be accompanied by a control mechanism and accountability.

According to the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, one of the important goals of the Law is to build a close connection between enterprises and scientific research organizations as well as between the central and local levels. This is to avoid wasting resources and promote investment. Patent valuation is currently a big challenge, so there needs to be sharing and cooperation between relevant agencies. In particular, this amendment to the Law must address risks in scientific research and create motivation for the development of science and technology.

The Vice Chairman of the National Assembly also said that it is necessary to build a scientific ecosystem between the public and private sectors; at the same time, establish a set of ranking criteria for scientific research organizations. State resources will be allocated based on this ranking order. In addition, the draft Law needs to focus on honoring scientists, recognizing and respecting their achievements. This will motivate scientists to contribute more to the development of the country.

The Vice Chairman of the National Assembly suggested that Ho Chi Minh City National University and other scientific organizations should not only stop at research but also cooperate with businesses to bring products to the market. "If research products only stay in the library, the goal of developing science and technology will not be achieved," the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly noted.

Nhat Truong

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/khoi-tao-gia-tri-moi-cho-dot-pha-phat-trien-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-post408649.html