Breakthrough under Resolution 57: Placing scientists truly at the center and as key players.

Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in national science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation has identified scientists as central and crucial, along with appropriate incentive mechanisms and policies. Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation cannot achieve breakthrough development without a team of scientists.

Create mechanisms to attract and retain talent.

The development of science , technology, innovation, and digital transformation is a decisive factor in the development of nations; it is a prerequisite and the best opportunity for our country to develop into a prosperous and powerful nation in the new era – the era of national progress. Resolution 57 sets the goal that by 2030, the human resources for scientific research, technological development, and innovation will reach 12 people per 10,000 people; and there will be 40-50 science and technology organizations ranked regionally and globally. Based on the set goals, the Resolution has focused on expanding and diversifying forms of honoring, commending, and rewarding scientists and inventors in a timely and appropriate manner; valuing every invention, innovation, technical improvement, and initiative that enhances work efficiency and performance, no matter how small.

Simultaneously, attractive mechanisms and policies regarding credit, scholarships, and tuition fees should be implemented to attract talented students to study key fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and technology, especially at the postgraduate level. Talent training programs should be developed and implemented across various fields. Special mechanisms should be enacted to attract Vietnamese people abroad and highly qualified foreigners to work and live in Vietnam. Special mechanisms regarding citizenship, property ownership, income, and working environment should be established to attract, value, and retain leading scientists, experts, and chief engineers from both within and outside the country. A network of domestic and international experts and scientists should be built, connected, and developed.

Expressing his agreement with the Politburo's guiding viewpoint in Resolution 57, which identifies "scientists as the key factor," along with solutions to attract, utilize, and retain leading scientists, experts, and "chief engineers" both domestically and internationally, Dr. Nguyen Quan, Minister of Science and Technology , stated that this viewpoint is even more relevant in the context of Vietnam implementing many important large-scale projects such as: the North-South high-speed railway, nuclear power projects, semiconductor microchips, artificial intelligence, etc. Without leading scientists forming strong scientific teams, these projects certainly cannot succeed.

Previously, Resolution 20 on the development of science and technology to serve the cause of industrialization and modernization in the context of a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration stipulated: "There should be a policy of special emphasis on leading science and technology personnel, science and technology personnel assigned to lead important national tasks, and talented young science and technology personnel." However, this content has not been implemented due to constraints imposed by various regulations in different laws.

“For scientists to truly be key players, there needs to be mechanisms and policies to better value and reward them. Resolution 57 has outlined many important solutions. However, it should be noted that the reward system for scientists is not simply about salary and income, but more importantly, about working conditions and a creative environment (visa system, housing, travel for themselves and their families, etc.), meaning that scientists must be given the highest level of autonomy in research and technology application. They must have autonomy in finance, organization, and personnel,” Dr. Nguyen Quan stated specifically.

Dr. Nguyen Quan suggested that relevant laws, including the Law on Science and Technology, the Law on State Budget, the Law on Public Asset Management, and the Law on Public Officials, need to be reviewed and amended to create truly groundbreaking policies and mechanisms that facilitate scientists. One immediate step in implementing the fund mechanism is to allocate a suitable percentage of the budget for R&D activities (for example, 10% or 15% of the 3% of the total budget expenditure for science and technology) to science and technology development funds from the central to local levels at the beginning of each fiscal year, without requiring a list of pre-approved tasks as is currently the case. This would allow scientists to proactively carry out research activities as soon as research tasks are proposed and commissioned.

Empowering scientists to pursue their passions.

From the perspective of scientists, Dr. Pham Huy Hieu, Lecturer in Engineering & Computer Science at VinUni University; Head of Research, Vietnam University and College Innovation Network, stated that Resolution 57 also emphasized the importance of developing and utilizing high-quality human resources and talents to meet the requirements of national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

In particular, Dr. Hieu highly appreciated the Resolution's issuance of a special mechanism to attract overseas Vietnamese and highly qualified foreigners to work and live in Vietnam. This not only correctly positions the role and status of scientists in society, but also inspires the desire to contribute and the commitment of intellectuals both domestically and internationally, creating motivation for them to strive to fulfill their responsibilities and mission in the new development phase of the country.

With the close guidance of the Politburo through Resolution 57, Professor, Dr. Tran Tuan Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, believes that to become a key factor, intellectuals and scientists need to continue to be proactive, creative, constantly improve their professional skills and update their knowledge. Most importantly, they should direct their research towards practical issues that the country needs, such as the rational use of resources, disaster prevention and environmental protection, climate change, biotechnology, high-tech agriculture, food security and sustainable development, and many other fields.

Furthermore, imparting knowledge and experience to the younger generation through teaching and research guidance is essential. This not only helps spread a love of science but also fosters a desire for innovation within the community. Scientists also need to actively participate in the policy-making process, acting as a bridge between science and policy-making bodies. This ensures that policies are scientifically sound, practical, and feasible.

In an article celebrating the arrival of the new year 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated a specific requirement: “Clearly define and implement breakthrough mechanisms, policies, and solutions at both strategic and tactical levels to ensure that high-quality human resources, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation truly become top national priorities in accordance with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, creating breakthroughs, soaring high, and reaching far in the effort to “catch up, keep pace, accelerate, break through, and surpass,” putting the country on a trajectory of rapid and sustainable development.”

Following the Politburo's Resolution 57 and the Government's Resolution 3, on January 13th, the National Conference to implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation took place with the participation of agencies, departments, organizations, and localities nationwide. Not only intellectuals and scientists, but the entire population is eagerly awaiting a revolutionary breakthrough on the path of national development, aiming towards a "New Era, an era of striving for prosperity and strength for the nation." As General Secretary To Lam urged and called for, he clearly stated: “We need to thoroughly understand and act urgently and decisively, transforming awareness into concrete actions, will into reality. Every opportunity that comes our way must be seized promptly, because if we let opportunities slip away, we will be failing history and the people.”

According to VNA

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/dot-pha-theo-nghi-quyet-57-de-nha-khoa-hoc-thuc-su-o-vi-tri-trung-tam-then-chot/20250113100151554