Unleashing the power of innovation in reforming the two-level government apparatus: The pioneering role of the Science and Technology sector

Plan No. 02-KH/BCĐTW on promoting interconnected, synchronous, fast and effective digital transformation to meet the requirements of restructuring the political system is an important step in the process of building a modern, streamlined and effective administration. Not only is it an administrative plan, it is also a strategic vision of a digital government serving people and businesses. In this journey, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and local Departments of Science and Technology are playing a pioneering role - making science, technology and innovation the key driving force of reform.

The plan emphasizes the need to clearly define functions, tasks, and powers among government levels, avoiding overlap and dispersion; at the same time, increasing the application of information technology and digital transformation in all public administration activities. Each administrative agency must become a "dynamic cell" in the system, where technology, data, and innovation are used to serve people faster, more accurately, and more transparently.

The core content of the Plan does not stop at organizational arrangement, but also aims at innovating leadership and management methods. The government must not only "manage" but also "serve"; not only "give orders" but also "listen and accompany". This is the consistent spirit of administrative reform in the new period, where people and businesses are the center, and technology and innovation are the driving force.

In that reform picture, the Ministry of Science and Technology and local Departments of Science and Technology are identified as the core force, leading the process of applying technology and innovation in state management.

Firstly, the Ministry of Science and Technology plays a strategic advisory role in applying science , technology and digital transformation to implement Plan 02. From building a national database on science and technology, developing a research task management platform, to deploying an electronic registration and licensing system in the field of intellectual property.

Second, the Departments of Science and Technology are a direct bridge between technology and local management practices. By deploying digital platforms for administrative processes, integrating scientific data and innovation into management activities, the Departments are contributing to turning "technology" into "a tool to serve the people". Many localities have formed local innovation ecosystems, where the government, businesses and people participate in the digital transformation process.

Third, the science and technology sector plays a role in creating the technical foundation for modern public administration. Shared data systems, artificial intelligence platforms, and predictive analysis models are developed and applied to help governments at all levels make decisions based on scientific evidence. This is one of the key factors that helps the operation of the two-tier model become effective, transparent, and consistent.

The greatest spirit of Plan 02, which is also the soul of administrative reform, is "taking people and businesses as the center of service". This is not just a slogan, but has become a specific action criterion: Every change in the organizational apparatus, every initiative in digital transformation must aim to improve people's experience and satisfaction.

Removing difficulties in administrative procedures and digital transformation in operating the 2-level local government model.

Science and technology are the levers to realize that vision. Online public service platforms, electronic records management systems, online patent registration, or open data portals on science and technology are all making the government closer, more transparent and better serving. Each technology initiative deployed not only helps save time and costs for the people, but also demonstrates the spirit of "a creative and serving government".

Plan No. 02 is an important turning point in the process of modernizing Vietnam's administrative system. Reorganizing local governments according to a two-tier model not only helps to make the apparatus more streamlined and effective, but also opens up opportunities to build a digital, smart, and service-oriented government.

On that path, the Science and Technology sector is asserting its pioneering role: from thinking to action, from research to application, bringing technology and innovation into every public administration process. When science, technology and people are in harmony with a common vision, that is the solid foundation for Vietnam to build a modern, transparent, effective and humane government.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/khoi-day-suc-manh-doi-moi-trong-cai-cach-bo-may-chinh-quyen-hai-cap-vai-tro-tien-phong-cua-nganh-khoa-hoc-va-cong-nghe-197251012143205266.htm