"Unleash" science and technology breakthroughs

The draft Law on Science, Technology (S&T) and Innovation, which was recently submitted by the Government to the National Assembly on May 6, is an institutional step forward and shows a new vision: placing faith in human intelligence and the desire for creativity as a core driving force in national development. The highlight of the draft law is the granting of autonomy and full responsibility to research institutions, from professional activities, apparatus building to spending mechanisms under the contract method. This is a breakthrough in the management and development of S&T as well as innovation activities in the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW (dated December 22, 2024) of the Politburo "on breakthroughs in S&T development, innovation and national digital transformation".

The breakthrough is not simply about administrative reform, it is a change in thinking from “managing to control” to “managing to open up”. Presenting the draft law at the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long affirmed that the State will focus on managing the goals, outputs and effectiveness of research, instead of intervening in the implementation methods. This change is expected to promote the research process. In case the project does not achieve the expected results, research organizations will no longer be responsible for compensation as before and will be exempted from civil liability for damages incurred by the State during the research process. In essence, science is an uncertain journey of discovery and not all failures are wasted. Research that fails to achieve its goals can still provide lessons, avoid mistakes or open new directions. Exempting civil liability for research organizations when projects do not achieve expected results is a recognition of the uniqueness of scientific research, encouraging the spirit of daring to think, daring to do, daring to accept failure to move towards breakthroughs.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung also affirmed that accepting risks does not mean loosening responsibilities. Although accepting risks in each specific task and project, the new policy will evaluate the effectiveness of operations based on the overall organization and research program, paving the way for a natural selection mechanism - where scientific organizations are given the opportunity to develop sustainably when they prove their effectiveness, or will have their resources reduced or be dissolved if they operate inefficiently, stagnantly, or wastefully. This is a fair, transparent approach that focuses on real value rather than formality. Autonomy will create a flexible mechanism, encourage innovation, dare to accept risks, motivate scientists to pursue challenging problems, and create scientific breakthroughs.

In particular, the draft law on science, technology and innovation adds provisions on ownership and commercialization of research results, granting ownership and autonomy to research institutions over the achievements and assets formed from these activities. This not only promotes practical application but also empowers scientists - who have quietly contributed for many years but have not been rewarded properly - to legitimately enrich themselves. The minimum profit of 30% from commercialization for direct researchers is an acknowledgement of their merits, intelligence and individual role in the innovation ecosystem. Allowing scientists to participate in establishing and operating science and technology enterprises is also a way to "open the door" for science to step out of the "ivory tower", closer to life and the market. Along with that, preferential policies on personal income tax, rewards for basic research, and attracting domestic and foreign talents not only contribute to filling the gap in research resources, but also demonstrate the spirit of respecting human talent - the central factor in every innovation strategy.

This draft law was issued very timely, following Resolution 193/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly (February 19, 2025) "on piloting a number of special mechanisms and policies to create breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation", concretizing Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo. Once passed and effectively implemented, the draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation will create a strong "push", not only "untying" the constraints of the old mechanism, but also opening up the huge creative resources hidden in each person, arousing the creative potential of the business community, especially private enterprises, small and medium enterprises. When scientists are trusted, businesses are supported and people benefit from research achievements, science and technology will truly become the foundation for a knowledge-based economy, a sustainable and civilized society.

TRAN LUU

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/coi-troi-de-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-dot-pha-post794814.html