This figure demonstrates the clear dynamism of e-commerce, digital services, the software industry, and digital platforms, reflecting the strong shift in the economy amidst comprehensive digital transformation.
However, despite the positive results, the development of the digital economy has not yet reached its full potential and met the demands placed upon it. Domestic research and development capacity remains limited; spending on research and development is only about 0.4% of GDP, still low compared to many countries in the region and around the world. In this context, promoting the role of science and technology diplomacy is not just an option, but has become an objective and essential requirement to supplement resources, overcome internal limitations, and narrow the development gap.
Recognizing this issue, at a recent meeting with Ambassadors and Heads of Vietnamese representative offices abroad attending the 14th National Congress of the Party, General Secretary To Lam directed that high priority should be given to economic diplomacy and science and technology diplomacy. Accordingly, in the coming time, Vietnamese representative offices abroad need to play a more pioneering and proactive role in connecting and expanding markets, promoting technology transfer, cooperation in innovation and digital transformation; directly contributing to the implementation of 11 strategic technologies, as well as promoting large-scale projects with ripple effects, boosting the socio-economic development of the country.
To realize this important directive, it is necessary to adhere closely to Resolution No. 59-NQ/TƯ dated January 24, 2025, of the Politburo on international integration in the new situation, Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly on some specific mechanisms and policies for implementing international integration, and at the same time thoroughly understand the viewpoints and guidelines of the 14th National Congress of the Party. Based on that, it is crucial to promptly concretize these into action programs and plans with clear objectives and timelines, ensuring that the resolution is quickly put into practice.
Ministries, sectors, and relevant agencies need to proactively research and propose robust mechanisms and policies to attract high-quality intellectual and human resources to serve the national digital transformation. Science and technology diplomacy must truly become a strategic bridge, connecting the Vietnamese intellectual community globally, attracting international experts, mobilizing green financial resources and high technology, and directly serving key national projects. Alongside this, it is necessary to strengthen support for connecting localities, businesses, and universities in Vietnam with international partners; proactively mobilize international resources for high-tech development and high-quality human resource training; and actively encourage leading global technology corporations to commit to expanding investment and cooperation in building semiconductor and artificial intelligence ecosystems, as well as promoting technology transfer to Vietnam.
To effectively capitalize on opportunities from international cooperation, it is necessary to continue innovating and reforming more decisively, removing institutional barriers, and making institutions a real competitive advantage in the development of science and technology. At the same time, special attention must be paid to improving the organizational capacity of all levels, sectors, and localities to ensure that correct policies are effectively implemented in practice; clearly defining the people and businesses as both the subjects and the central beneficiaries of services; and measuring the effectiveness and satisfaction of the people and businesses in foreign affairs activities.
Science and technology diplomacy, when implemented proactively, systematically, and effectively, will contribute to making science and technology and digital transformation truly key drivers serving the goal of rapid and sustainable development.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/hut-ngoai-luc-phat-trien-kinh-te-so-731377.html
