Taking science and technology as new growth drivers

Ho Chi Minh City is rewriting the “formula” for its growth model, using science and technology as a new driving force for development. This approach not only realizes Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo but also reshapes the role of a megacity after the merger.

A corner of Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park.

By promoting the application of scientific and technological advances, digital transformation... in production and business, as well as in the management activities of the public authority, the city has gradually shifted from extensive to intensive development, towards the goal of sustainable development.

Leverage from science and technology

According to experts, science and technology have played an important role in promoting economic growth, improving people's lives and creating great strides in many fields for Ho Chi Minh City.

Specifically, in terms of economic driving force, by 2024, the contribution rate of science and technology to labor productivity growth (TFP) has reached about 50%. In digital transformation, the city has implemented comprehensive digital transformation programs, especially in sectors such as health, education and public administration to build Ho Chi Minh City into a smart city in the near future.

Regarding the startup and innovation ecosystem, this locality is "named" as the cradle of science and technology of the whole country, gradually forming the largest startup and innovation ecosystem in the country, with more than 2,200 startups; attracting more than 100 venture capital funds and organizing hundreds of startup events each year.

Scientific research activities at Ho Chi Minh City National University.

Mr. Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, said: In recent years, the city has affirmed its leading position in the country in the fields of science, technology, innovation, as well as digital transformation. The issuance of specific policies under Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 (such as policies to attract and retain scientists and talents; non-refundable support policies for start-up and innovation projects; sandbox policies; tax exemption policies for start-up and innovation activities) has created a solid foundation for implementing major projects, aiming to build a comprehensive and sustainable innovation ecosystem.

In addition, the city is emerging as an important hub in the field of research and development (R&D). At the same time, it demonstrates strong innovation and technology development capabilities, along with efforts to promote an ecosystem conducive to research and innovation.

In this trend, Ho Chi Minh City also promotes cooperation with international partners to implement development projects, such as cooperation with Singapore to develop green economy, or recently cooperation with Australian partners, countries with strengths in science and technology to promote research projects, exchange experiences, transfer technology on digital transformation, energy transformation, green economy and super city governance model using technology.

However, it is necessary to frankly admit that the potential and advantages of Ho Chi Minh City in science and technology have not been effectively exploited. The development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in recent times, although bringing many positive results, is still not commensurate with the development potential of this locality.

This is one of the reasons why the superiority, dynamism, creativity, leading role, driving force and leadership of Ho Chi Minh City for the region and the whole country have tended to decline in recent times.

Dr. Tran Du Lich, member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, commented that over the past 10 years, the city's position and role have shown signs of decline, both in terms of its contribution to the economy and in the development model and in improving the management mechanism.

In the flow of the new era - the era of national growth - is the opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to consolidate and enhance its position and role in the country and affirm its corresponding position in the region and the world.

Science and technology are the "keys" to breakthroughs

After nearly four decades of innovation from a centralized bureaucratic subsidy mechanism to a socialist-oriented market mechanism, Ho Chi Minh City is always proud to be a dynamic city, daring to think, daring to do, leading in innovation and creativity, always the economic locomotive of the whole country, the growth engine of the Southern Key Economic Zone and the whole country.

In the context of the 4.0 industrial revolution exploding strongly around the world, to continue maintaining its role as the country's economic locomotive, Ho Chi Minh City is reshaping its growth model, in which science and technology are the main driving forces.

Delegates visit digital transformation solutions at the Digital Technology Exhibition held in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Lam Dinh Thang added: The issuance of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation is a core opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to make further breakthroughs to contribute to making science and technology, innovation and digital transformation the key to promoting all resources to contribute to promoting socio-economic development.

Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City has issued a plan to implement Action Program No. 63-CTrHD/TU dated February 27, 2025 of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee on implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

In particular, the goal of making science, technology, innovation and digital transformation the top important breakthrough is determined, the main driving force to rapidly develop modern productive forces, perfect production relations, innovate management methods, and develop the city's socio-economy in the new era.

The goal by 2030 is to form 5,000 innovative startups; form at least five international-level applied research and innovation centers (CoEs) in key areas; promote and support the formation of 5-10 large technology enterprises.

At the same time, training and attracting human resources for scientific research, technology development and innovation reaches 12 people per 10,000 people; the rate of commercial exploitation of results from scientific research, technology development and innovation reaches 8-10%; the contribution rate of total factor productivity to economic growth is over 55%...

PROGRAMME

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lay-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-lam-dong-luc-tang-truong-moi-post920542.html