Building a prosperous Vietnam from the foundation of science, technology and innovation

Speaking at the program "Vietnam Science and Technology Festival 18/5" organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) on May 16, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasized: Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are not only the driving force for economic growth, but also the foundation for building a prosperous Vietnam, a strategic tool to improve labor productivity, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life of the people.

National motivation and mission

This year's festival with the theme: "Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation: Breakthroughs to bring the country into a prosperous and strong era" takes place in the context of the science and technology sector focusing on implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo , considering the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as a key factor to turn Vietnam into a high-income developed country by 2045.

According to Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung: Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are not only the driving force, but also the national mission. The Ministry of Science and Technology will make breakthrough reforms from institutions to financial mechanisms, from management thinking to output evaluation methods, in order to promote knowledge to become a real growth driver.

The Minister emphasized: "The country has all the conditions for scientists to dream big dreams and together solve national problems. Science is not just research in laboratories or on books, but must be applied to life, bringing prosperity and happiness to the people."

The Minister compared the current Ministry of Science and Technology to "five fingers on a hand" including: Science and Technology, Intellectual Property, Innovation, Quality Measurement Standards and Digital Transformation.

Minister Nguyen Manh Hung said: "Science and technology are knowledge-producing machines; intellectual property turns knowledge into tradable assets; innovation turns knowledge into products and social wealth; quality measurement standards ensure the shape and quality of products; digital transformation is the new environment and tool for development. These five fingers create a comprehensive whole for science and technology to develop sustainably."

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung spoke at the program.

Looking back on the past, the Minister expressed his pride and deep gratitude for the efforts, intelligence and silent dedication of previous generations, who laid a solid foundation for today's achievements, contributing to making Vietnam's appearance brighter and stronger.

The festival has shown the commitment of the Ministry of Science and Technology in the coming time, which is concretized through strategic pillars: Perfecting the legal system, mechanisms, and policies to promote research - innovation - technology application; unlocking capital sources, diversifying funding forms, simplifying research support processes; repositioning the role of enterprises - from beneficiaries to leading subjects in innovation and technology commercialization; prioritizing the development of key technologies such as AI, microchips, biology, new energy, digital technology - as a breakthrough platform; promoting the linkage between institutes - schools - enterprises - the State to form a comprehensive innovation ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said that science and technology is identified as the top key and the main driving force to restructure the economy, establish a new growth model, and turn Vietnam into a high-income developed country by 2045.

In the context of the world entering a period of profound transformation with AI, IoT, and green transformation, Vietnam has many challenges and opportunities for breakthroughs. The Government has identified that science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are the shortest path, the vital factor for Vietnam to develop rapidly, sustainably, inclusively, autonomously, and self-reliantly, successfully achieving the country's 100-year goals.

In which, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are the driving force for economic growth, the foundation for Vietnam's prosperity, and a strategic tool to increase labor productivity, protect the environment, and improve the quality of people's lives.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung gave a speech to help guide and inspire the country's journey of science and technology development.

Promoting that spirit, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung proposed 8 solutions for ministries, branches and the community of experts and scientists to implement synchronously.

Firstly, continue to improve institutions, create a transparent and open legal corridor, and untie the hands of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation. In particular, it is necessary to promptly concretize Resolution 57 and the draft laws and policies that the National Assembly is considering passing to make institutions truly become a bridge for digital transformation in the socio-economy.

Second, continue to develop the national innovation ecosystem in a comprehensive direction, especially paying attention to the public-private partnership model, with policy support orientation so that people and businesses become the center of the ecosystem.

Third, promote basic research activities to master strategic and core technologies. The State plays a leading role, investing in the right direction to promote development in line with world trends such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and new energy.

Fourth, to continue developing high-quality human resources for science and technology, it is necessary to have a suitable remuneration mechanism, create a favorable environment, and grant autonomy models to scientists, especially young scientists and Vietnamese intellectuals abroad, to contribute.

Fifth, promote the application of science and technology in managing economic digital transformation, considering investment in science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as a vital factor, a key tool to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy, meeting the development requirements of the country in the coming period.

Sixth, promote science diplomacy, proactively integrate deeply into science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, take advantage of advanced knowledge and technology in the world, and actively participate in global knowledge networks. Science diplomacy must be a manifestation of a country that knows how to listen with reason, dialogue with knowledge, bring Vietnamese science to the world, and be a bridge bringing elite values ​​to Vietnam.

Seventh, strengthen the role of standards, measurement and quality to meet integration requirements and protect consumers, and enhance the position of Vietnamese goods in the international market.

Finally, arouse the passion for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in society, honor scientists and successful initiatives to inspire the younger generation, making Vietnam Science and Technology Day truly a festival for all people, where every citizen and business can contribute their achievements to the development of the country.

Honoring scientists

Within the framework of the program, the Ministry of Science and Technology honored many outstanding scientific and technological products and works in 2024, recognizing important contributions to socio-economic development and improving people's quality of life.

This activity is not only an excellent honor for scientists, businesses, research institutes and universities but also spreads the spirit of innovation and creativity, arousing the motivation to contribute in the Vietnamese scientific community.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy Minister Bui The Duy, scientists, business representatives and research institutes were honored.

Also at the event, the Ministry of Science and Technology officially announced the new Action Program and Mission of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) - a restructured science funding institution to improve management efficiency, reduce administrative procedures and create maximum favorable conditions for organizations and individuals to carry out science and technology tasks.

This is the first time a national-scale scientific commitment announcement ceremony has been held simultaneously between scientists, inventors and businesses, demonstrating the substance and strong application orientation of the science and technology industry in the new development stage.

Vietnam Science and Technology Day on May 18, 2025 carries a strong message: Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are not only the key to development, but also the mission to create the future of Vietnam. With a pioneering spirit, once again, the Ministry of Science and Technology commits to continue to accompany the scientific community, businesses and people, creating a comprehensive innovation ecosystem - where every creative idea has the opportunity to become reality, every scientific product contributes to improving the quality of life, protecting the environment and enhancing national competitiveness.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/xay-dung-viet-nam-thinh-vuong-tu-nen-tang-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-doi-moi-sang-tao-197250517100516577.htm