Raising awareness of responsible business in the field of science and technology

Photo caption — Training conference on policies and laws for responsible business practices in the field of science and technology by 2025 to raise awareness of responsible business.

In the context of science, technology (S&T), innovation and digital transformation increasingly playing a key role in socio- economic development, responsible business practices (RBP) are becoming an urgent requirement for the Vietnamese business community.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Nguyen Nhu Quynh, Director of the Legal Department ( Ministry of Science and Technology ) emphasized that RBP is not a new issue in the world, but in Vietnam this is still a concept that needs to be spread more widely.

According to Dr. Quynh, RBP or Responsible Business Conduct requires businesses to focus on sustainable development in addition to profit goals when conducting business activities. “The core of responsible business practices is that businesses must ensure that their activities do not infringe upon the rights and legitimate interests of other entities and serve the goal of sustainable development,” Dr. Quynh emphasized.

That includes responsibility to workers, consumers, the community and the environment. Factors that help businesses balance economic benefits and social values. Dr. Nguyen Nhu Quynh cited: "From mandatory environmental impact assessments before investment, to regulations on labor safety, honest advertising or protection of intellectual property rights, all are concrete manifestations of responsible business. For example, the case of the "Aquarina" water production enterprise being handled for causing confusion with the "Aquafina" brand shows that the law is protecting consumer rights and requiring businesses to behave transparently and honestly."

At the conference, Dr. Nguyen Tien Dat, Faculty of Economic Law, Academy of Policy and Development (Ministry of Finance) also said that in the era of digital transformation, enterprises operating in the field of science and technology need to become models of professional ethics and social responsibility.

According to Dr. Dat, RBP in the field of science and technology is the way enterprises conduct research, produce and trade technology in a sustainable, ethical and socially conscious manner. The goal is to balance innovation and responsibility to the community, ensuring scientific progress serves the common good.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Dat also pointed out the difference between RBP and corporate social responsibility (CSR): "If CSR is mainly directed outward such as sponsorship, charity and community support, RBP focuses on integrating responsibility values right into core activities: from management, human resources to supply chain. RBP is not just about doing good, but doing the right thing in every operating process."

The Party and State's policies are increasingly emphasizing responsibility in business. The article by General Secretary To Lam (March 2025) and Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation both emphasize the development of the private economy associated with business ethics and environmental protection.

Decision 843/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister promulgating the National Action Program for the period 2023 - 2027 also aims to raise awareness of RBP in enterprises, towards sustainable development.

According to Dr. Nguyen Tien Dat, the Vietnamese legal system has created a clear foundation for implementing RBP: The Law on Science, Technology and Innovation 2025 stipulates that science and technology activities must be honest, have professional ethics, ensure health and safety and protect the environment. The Law on Intellectual Property requires businesses to protect their creative assets while respecting the rights of others. The Law on Technology Transfer requires clear contracts, safety training and technical support during transfer.

Along with that, regulations on standards, technical regulations, conformity declaration or the Law on Digital Technology Industry also encourage businesses to innovate responsibly, master technology and develop high-quality human resources.

Many Vietnamese enterprises have been pioneering RBP practices with specific models. For example, Vinamilk applies ISO 26000, commits to Net Zero 2050; TH Group develops circular agriculture, prioritizing local labor; Vietcombank prioritizes green credit, does not finance projects that harm the environment; FPT integrates ESG into its sustainable development and risk management reports.

According to Dr. Dat, these models show that RBP not only brings a positive image but is also a "passport" to help Vietnamese enterprises participate more deeply in the global supply chain.

Dr. Dat emphasized that for RBP to spread strongly, policy communication plays a key role. The Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents 2025 has for the first time legalized the concept of "policy communication", requiring drafting agencies to disseminate and collect opinions right from the drafting stage. However, to be effective, it is necessary to increase resources, specialized personnel and coordination between management agencies - enterprises - media.

In the context of Vietnam moving towards a green economy and sustainable development, businesses behaving responsibly is no longer an option, but a survival requirement.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Dat affirmed: "Responsible business practices are not a slogan, but a way for businesses to survive in the digital age."

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/tang-cuong-nhan-thuc-ve-kinh-doanh-co-trach-nhiem-trong-linh-vuc-khoa-hoc-va-cong-nghe-20251023121225485.htm