Besides the exemption from civil liability for damages caused in scientific research, which was recently approved by the National Assembly in the Resolution on piloting some mechanisms and policies to remove obstacles in national science, technology, innovation and digital transformation activities (Resolution), the issue of further freeing scientists to dare to dedicate themselves to the development of the country is a matter that is being raised.
The resolution states that if an organization in charge of implementing a science and technology task using state budget funds has fully complied with regulations and research content as explained but does not achieve the expected results, it will not be required to reimburse the funds already used.
Ms. Bui Thi An, Vice President of the Hanoi Union of Science and Technology Associations, believes that scientific research always requires foresight to select new topics. Choosing topics that others have already researched, and then lagging behind, is unacceptable. Furthermore, research that is "forward-looking" cannot guarantee 100% success.
According to Ms. An, we have always demanded that research be successful, so all research proposals and topic selections must aim for success. This has led to an "unstable" mindset that if a project is not successful, the council will not approve it, meaning there will be no projects to work on. If scientists have no work to do, they will not have publications or contributions, which in turn leads to related problems in the process of recognizing professorships and associate professorships.
Ms. An argued that the pressure to succeed in research projects sometimes leads to a lack of authenticity in scientific research. This is why some successful projects don't stem from market demands; sometimes, these successes are forced, resulting in impracticality, and many projects receive "excellent ratings" but remain shelved. This represents a significant waste and creates a sense of "fear" among scientists. Because of unavoidable circumstances, not subjective factors, the negative consequences of committing to research discourage scientists from taking risks.
"Failure to succeed will result in disallowance of expenses, leaving scientists with no money for compensation, especially since the funds have already been spent. This creates a sense of anxiety and discouragement among scientists," Ms. An pointed out, noting that the National Assembly's recent adoption of a Resolution piloting several mechanisms and policies to address obstacles in national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation has "paved the way" for scientists to dare to take risks and change their mindset to take action. Ms. An also believes that issuing the Resolution at this time is appropriate as the country enters a new era, which requires scientific researchers to dare to innovate, dare to take responsibility, and dare to take risks.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Huan, a member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, believes that the National Assembly's adoption of a Resolution piloting certain mechanisms and policies to remove obstacles in national science, technology, innovation and digital transformation activities is only the first step in implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of national science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Mr. Huan assessed that the National Assembly's adoption of this Resolution is a crucial "turning point" in scientific research, technology, and innovation. Because scientific and technological research and innovation cannot be guaranteed to succeed. If it fails and is considered wasteful, no scientist will dare to undertake it, or will only work on projects that are certain, easy, and simple. They will be hesitant to take on high-tech, high-risk projects.
However, Mr. Huan also believes that many documents need to be issued to institutionalize all the major policies outlined in Resolution 57. “The Law on Science and Technology and the Law on Intellectual Property need to be amended. Currently, scientific research and innovation touch upon many fields, including expenditure control. If funding is simply allocated to scientists, who would dare to undertake it? Instead of seeing any inventions or projects, all we see are documents proving receipts, and requiring scientists to sign hundreds of signatures before payment is processed – this is a major drawback.”
In Resolution 57, the Politburo requested: Urgent revision, supplementation, and comprehensive improvement of legal regulations on science, technology, investment, public investment, public procurement, state budget, public assets, intellectual property, and taxation to remove bottlenecks and barriers, unleash resources, encourage and develop science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation, and human resource development; reform management methods and the implementation of science and technology tasks to suit each type of research; reform the financial management mechanism in the implementation of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation tasks, simplifying administrative procedures as much as possible; and grant autonomy in the use of research and development funds. An open approach, creative application, and pilot programs should be adopted for new practical issues. Risk, venture capital, and time lags should be accepted in scientific research, technological development, and innovation. There should be pilot mechanisms for businesses to test new technologies under state supervision; and policies to exempt businesses, organizations, and individuals from liability in cases where testing new technologies or business models results in economic losses due to objective reasons. Venture capital funds should be established for innovative startups, technology incubation, and digital transformation.
Source: https://daidoanket.vn/mo-loi-de-nha-khoa-hoc-dan-than-10300867.html
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