Minister Tran Duc Thang: Promoting scientific and technological breakthroughs across the industry

On November 14, Minister Tran Duc Thang chaired the Conference to promote breakthroughs in scientific research, technology and innovation associated with training in the Ministry's institutes and schools.

On November 14, at the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a conference on “Promoting breakthroughs in scientific and technological research and innovation associated with training of institutes and schools”. Minister Tran Duc Thang attended and directed the conference.

Minister Tran Duc Thang (sitting in the middle), Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan - Director of the Academy of Agriculture chaired the Conference "Promoting breakthroughs in scientific and technological research, innovation associated with training of institutes and schools". Photo: Khuong Trung.

The conference was held in both in-person and online formats, with the participation of Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien; leaders of institutes and schools; units under the Ministry; and representatives of agencies and enterprises operating in the fields of science, technology and innovation across the country.

Science and technology must become a direct driving force.

In his opening speech, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien sent his greetings and thanks to the delegates, scientists and experts who attended the Conference. He emphasized that the event took place at a time when the whole industry was looking forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Agriculture and Environment sector (November 14, 1945 - November 14, 2025) and preparing to welcome the 43rd anniversary of Vietnam Teachers' Day November 20.

Minister Tran Duc Thang presented flowers and congratulated the Academy leaders on Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20. Photo: Khuong Trung.

According to the Deputy Minister, the Agriculture and Environment sector has always played a pivotal role in the economy. From a backward agricultural sector, Vietnam has risen to become an agricultural export powerhouse. These achievements stem from the Party's correct guidelines, the State's policies and especially the strong development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

The Deputy Minister said that over the past 80 years, science and technology have made important contributions to growth, changing productivity, quality and production efficiency; creating the foundation for the formation of many smart agricultural models, applying high technology, biotechnology and automation.

To effectively implement Resolution 57 of the Politburo on scientific and technological breakthroughs and innovation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment identifies key task groups:

That is, propose to immediately amend problematic regulations of specialized laws, cut administrative procedures to promote research, transfer and application of science and technology in production.

Based on the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation; Law on Technology Transfer; and the National Strategy on Science and Technology, the Ministry will continue to review, adjust and supplement the sector's programs and plans. At the same time, the Ministry will arrange and perfect the system of affiliated science and technology organizations in a streamlined and effective manner.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien delivered the opening speech at the Conference. Photo: Khuong Trung.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive change in thinking when proposing scientific and technological tasks. Research must originate from practical needs, aiming at commercializing products, improving the quality, safety and value of agricultural products. In particular, biotechnology is identified as a breakthrough field, in the spirit of Decision 4290 of the Prime Minister and Resolution 36 of the Central Committee.

Promote digital transformation, digitization from documents to production processes and traceability. Deputy Minister said that Minister Tran Duc Thang has directed the completion of the land database in 90 days, with a volume of up to 46.9 million land plots, serving the digitalization orientation of the whole industry.

Building a mechanism to promote the “3-house” linkage model: State - School - Enterprise. This is considered a “machine” that, if operated synchronously, will create breakthroughs for research, transfer and commercialization of scientific and technological results.

Focus on developing high-quality human resources. Currently, the whole industry has 11,472 scientists, including 44 professors, 283 associate professors, 1,668 PhDs, 4,776 masters and 3,343 university-level staff. However, the big question is: what motivates scientists to devote themselves? From income, research conditions to incentive mechanisms.

Strengthen international cooperation, receive and transfer advanced achievements of the world to serve sustainable agricultural production.

The Deputy Minister hopes that the Conference will receive many suggestions, especially difficulties and problems in practice, so that the industry can effectively implement the above groups of solutions.

Many outstanding results of science and technology in the period 2021-2025

Reporting at the Conference, Director of the Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Long said that science and technology activities in the 2021-2025 period achieved many positive results compared to the 2016-2020 period.

Director of the Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Long reported at the Conference. Photo: Khuong Trung.

The whole industry has recognized 225 varieties of plants, livestock, aquatic products, and forestry (up 6.6%); 150 technical advances (up 1.8%). There are 158 exclusive patents/intellectual property/utility solutions, up 34% compared to before.

Science and technology also contribute 72 scientific bases to serve the development of legal documents and state management tasks.

Many advances have been put into practice, demonstrated through 1,000 production models applying science and technology, 31 new devices and materials, and the strong development of international published research: 3,665 international articles (up 49%) and 6,540 domestic articles (up 34%).

In training, institutes and schools have trained 415 masters and 212 doctors during this period. The Ministry also developed and promulgated 193 national technical regulations (QCVN) and issued 1,864 national standards (TCVN); is continuing to develop 3 more QCVN and 82 TCVN to be completed in 2025.

Mr. Long said that these results have been widely applied, helping businesses and farmers reduce investment costs, increase profits, and improve production efficiency by 10-30%. Many large enterprises have invested in high-tech agriculture, created value chains, and applied modern production processes, contributing positively to industry growth.

The Ministry's science and technology activities have been recognized with 01 Ho Chi Minh Prize, 03 State Prizes for Science and Technology and many other awards such as Vietnamese Talents, Science Initiative 2024.

Developing an innovation ecosystem at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture

Speaking at the Conference "Promoting breakthroughs in scientific research, technology, innovation associated with training", Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan said that the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture is honored to be selected by the Ministry to accompany the Department of Science and Technology to host this important event, in the context that the Party and State attach special importance to science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan - Director of Vietnam National Academy of Agriculture. Photo: Khuong Trung.

According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan, in the era of knowledge economy, building an innovation ecosystem is a mandatory requirement for universities. This is also the direction that the Academy persistently pursues. Based on the policies of the Party and the State, the Academy has proactively developed an ecosystem model suitable for agricultural characteristics, ensuring all components, while absorbing the quintessence from advanced models in the world.

Over the years, the Academy has effectively promoted its resources to build an innovative ecosystem with its own identity. The Academy identifies people as the center; focuses on investing in technology research infrastructure; focuses on improving research quality; promotes commercialization and technology transfer; considers digital transformation as a new driving force; and builds a culture of creativity and quality culture as the foundation for development. The core values ​​of Solidarity - Ethics - Leadership - Responsiveness - Class with the motto "Quality is survival, scientific research is the lifeblood of the school" have become the pride of every member of the Academy.

Minister Tran Duc Thang uses technology to write a guestbook at the Vietnam National Academy of Agriculture. Photo: Khuong Trung.

To contribute to promoting the innovation ecosystem and effectively implementing policies on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in the spirit of Resolution 57 and other important resolutions, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan proposed:

That is, continue to perfect the legal framework to promote research, innovation, intellectual property and commercialization of scientific and technological products, creating space for schools to develop innovation ecosystems, especially technology valuation, spin-off development and international intellectual property registration.

At the same time, invest in a strong enough laboratory system and research facilities so that universities can make breakthroughs in the spirit of Resolutions 57 and 71.

In addition, continue to increase investment in research and technology infrastructure such as GMP, technology demonstration zones, sandboxes, and innovation zones to promote links between schools, businesses, and localities in research and technology transfer.

Finally, consider investing in the Agricultural Innovation Center at the Vietnam National Academy of Agriculture to strengthen the connection of innovation activities between training schools and the entire Agriculture and Environment sector.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/bo-truong-tran-duc-thang-thuc-day-dot-pha-khoa-hoc--cong-nghe-toan-nganh-d784293.html