Science Handbook: Mastering Core Technology

MES - Panacim smart manufacturing system at Phenikaa Smart Electronics Factory. (Photo: NGOC VY)

Q: What is core technology?

Answer: Core technologies are basic and key technologies, considered the foundation of a certain industry or technology field. These are technologies that, when mastered, will help that country or organization to control and develop advanced and complex products and services; they are the basis for developing other applied technologies.

For example, microchip and semiconductor technology is the foundation for many modern technologies such as AI, 5G, smart cars. Biotechnology is the foundation of many important industries that are essential in medicine, agriculture , environment and food industry.

New material technology includes advanced alloys and composites that help create products with superior features. Energy technology such as renewable energy, nuclear power and energy storage technology helps green the economy . Information and communication technology includes technologies related to networks, security, artificial intelligence and big data.

Question: What is the role of core technology? Why will mastering core technology help strengthen and ensure national security?

Answer: Core technology plays many important roles in promoting the economy and increasing competitiveness.

Mastering core technology helps countries be proactive in production, reduce dependence on foreign technology, create high added value in key industries such as electronics, aerospace, healthcare or energy; is the main driving force for transformation, digital economic development, creating a foundation for science, technology and innovation development, supporting the development of high-quality human resources and innovation ecosystem, promoting the connection between scientific research and practical application.

Core technology plays a special role in social security and improving the quality of life, improving access to advanced technology for people and businesses.

In the field of national security and technological sovereignty, mastering core technologies helps control technologies in the military, cybersecurity, and defense. A country that masters core technologies will minimize the risk of being affected by foreign technology embargoes or restrictions; helping to protect the safety of data and important national information from external threats.

Dr. To Van Truong, an independent expert on natural resources and environment, former Director of the Southern Institute of Water Resources Planning, commented: “In the digital age, technology is not only a tool for development but has become a pillar of national security. Reliance on foreign technology, especially in strategic areas such as defense, data, communications and healthcare, can easily lead to the risk of information leakage, supply chain disruption or external manipulation.

Major countries such as the US, China, South Korea, etc. are competing fiercely to dominate core technology. Vietnam has also made remarkable steps in the fields of AI, telecommunications and semiconductor chips to gradually reduce its dependence on foreign countries.

Investing in core technology not only serves development goals but is also a measure to protect sovereignty in cyberspace and ensure national stability in the face of global political and economic fluctuations. That is why a long-term strategy is needed, mobilizing the State, businesses and researchers to create a self-sufficient and sustainable technology ecosystem. Mastering technology today means maintaining independence and the future of the nation tomorrow."

Our Party and State have identified early on that mastering a number of core technologies is the number one priority in developing the digital economy and digital society, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data (Big Data). AI and Big Data are being applied in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, education and manufacturing. Microchip and semiconductor technology have become the focus of the digital era, associated with automation and smart electronic products. In the field of energy and environment, core technologies realize solutions to problems of electricity, water, waste, etc.

Many specific policies on core technology development have been issued, typically Decision No. 1018/QD-TTg on the Strategy for developing Vietnam's semiconductor industry to 2030 with a vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister on September 21, 2024.

The strategy sets clear goals: Phase 1 from 2024 to 2030 builds a foundation for the semiconductor industry with a workforce of more than 50,000 engineers and bachelors; Phase 2 from 2030 to 2040 develops 200 design enterprises, 2 chip manufacturing plants and 15 packaging plants with expected revenue of more than 50 billion USD/year, workforce of more than 100,000 engineers and bachelors; Phase 3 from 2040 to 2050 becomes the leading country in the semiconductor industry, with expected revenue of more than 100 billion USD/year.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has also implemented national-level programs, identifying strategic technologies and core technologies that need priority, such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, blockchain, nanotechnology and 5G and 6G mobile communications.

In terms of international cooperation, Vietnam is making efforts to attract foreign investors in the high-tech sector to expand production. At the same time, it is cooperating with universities and multinational companies to improve the quality of human resources, with the goal of developing 100,000 digital technology enterprises by 2030.

According to VU QUYNH TRANG/Nhan Dan Newspaper

Original article link

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/so-tay-khoa-hoc-lam-chu-cong-nghe-loi-141355.html