Accepting risks in research is acceptable if the right procedures are followed and the motives are pure.

This is one of the six key issues raised by Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung at the recent 2026 4V1M Annual Conference:

1. Identify the position and role of the 4Vs:

It is affirmed that the "4V1M" coordination model (4 key institutes/universities and 1 Ministry) is the core force and the national team for solving major national problems.

The development and growth of the 4Vs is a measure of the development of the country's science and technology. Therefore, a special and superior mechanism is needed to unleash the potential of these four units.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung delivered a speech at the conference.

2. Transforming management and investment thinking:

Instead of focusing on detailed control of invoices and documents (input), the focus is on evaluating the results (output), effectiveness (outcome), and socio- economic impact of the scientific task.

Science and technology are risky fields, and there needs to be a mechanism to accept risks in scientific research if the process is followed correctly and with pure motives.

State budgets should focus on major tasks and key laboratories that meet international standards, instead of being fragmented.

3. Guiding principles for action:

All policy mechanisms must stem from the practical problems faced by scientists, research institutes, and universities.

We boldly allow the 4V (Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment) to pilot new mechanisms and policies that have no precedent. If successful, we will summarize, evaluate, and replicate them nationwide.

4. Regarding financial institutions and mechanisms:

The Ministry of Science and Technology has agreed on the principle of reporting to the Government to allow a pilot program of "block grant" funding for the 4Vs based on output commitments and strategic objectives, granting maximum autonomy to the units in coordinating and using this budget.

Relevant functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in coordination with the 4V units, are reviewing unclear aspects regarding the valuation of intellectual property assets. The view is that the State invests to create assets, but for those assets to generate profit, ownership or exploitation rights must be granted to the lead entity/author.

There is a need for clear and bold regulations allowing authors/researchers to receive a high percentage of profits (at least 30% or more) from the commercialization of research results to create incentives.

5. Regarding investment in infrastructure and laboratories:

The Ministry of Science and Technology plans to allocate approximately 20% of the total science and technology budget to invest in the national key laboratory system.

The state should not only invest in "hardware" (construction, machinery) but also in operating and maintenance costs during the initial period (3-5 years) before these laboratories can become self-sufficient.

Key laboratories that receive investment must operate on an open mechanism, shared by all four institutions (4Vs) and the external scientific community and businesses.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung and other delegates attending the 4V1M conference pose for a commemorative photo.

6. Regarding key science and technology programs:

4V conducts research on selecting major national problems and proposes that the Ministry of Science and Technology "commission" 4V to solve them (such as semiconductors, AI, atomic energy, water security, social sciences for policy planning...).

Focus on 11 strategic technologies approved by the Prime Minister and 6 key product groups identified in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation Development until 2030.

Develop a national scholarship/funding program to attract and retain young talents and postdoctoral researchers to work in domestic laboratories.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/chap-nhan-rui-ro-trong-nghien-cuu-neu-lam-dung-quy-trinh-va-vi-dong-co-trong-sang-197260216221011341.htm