In the Year of the Dog, scientific and technological management will undergo significant changes towards progress… This is the sentiment of several scientists as the new year approaches.
Professor Dr. Tran Van Sung, Director of the Institute of Chemistry (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology): In the new year, the scientific and technological force will have a strong momentum.
![]() |
Professor Dr. Tran Van Sung (Photo: VNN) |
It must be acknowledged that Vietnam’s scientific and technological workforce has made significant advancements in equipment, potential, and expertise. In 2006, this workforce will have the momentum to rise further.
In reality, investment funding for science and technology has gradually increased over the years. 2006 also marks the beginning of a five-year plan. Management models for science and technology have been refined based on experiences from the previous five-year plan. Therefore, many changes in a progressive direction are expected.
The year 2006 will witness many transformations in the economy, society, and science and technology.
However, there are also significant challenges and difficulties as businesses and science and technology must compete more with international counterparts. Hence, there is a need to elevate our standards to be on par with regional and international levels.
Certainly, Vietnam will join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Alongside economic growth, science and technology must also undergo fundamental changes. The reason is that when joining the WTO, Vietnamese enterprises must adopt more technology to survive and compete with foreign entities. Thus, businesses and scientists must collaborate more closely to address scientific and technological issues, especially in high technology, as posed by enterprises.
![]() |
Professor Dr. Ha Huy Khoai (Photo: VNN) |
The current scientific content of research projects applied in Vietnam is not high because the production reality does not demand much. Investment in science and technology by enterprises is still limited. Integration will require a closer connection between science and production.
Professor Dr. Ha Huy Khoai, Director of the Institute of Mathematics (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology): Universities must move towards integrating with research.
In the Year of the Dog, there will be many important events, including international integration. Science, too, needs to break free from localism (knowing only what to do, deviating from the main path of science, and receiving little attention). Basic research and applied research must closely align with global interests and societal needs.
In the Year of the Dog, there is a need to promote the establishment of world-class universities.
![]() |
Professor Vũ Tuyên Hoàng (Photo: VNN) |
Vietnamese universities must strive to integrate with research. Only then can they become strong institutions that truly embody the essence of a university. Currently, most universities in Vietnam lack research, making them lag behind and contrary to global trends. Globally, most major research is conducted at universities. It is hoped that this situation will improve as Vietnam is implementing a higher education reform project.
Professor Vũ Tuyên Hoàng, President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations: Talent is the source of growth for science and technology.
In 2005, Vietnam faced many challenges and difficulties. However, Vietnam has overcome these obstacles, achieving social, economic, and five-year plan targets, with contributions from science and technology.
My hope is to prioritize the scientific and technological workforce, accurately identify and nurture talent, and implement incentive mechanisms to enhance science and technology growth in our country.
Talent begins with the individual’s effort. Young people and young scientists need to have ideals and the determination to strive for self-improvement, harnessing internal strengths while rapidly adopting foreign achievements but also innovating to create unique Vietnamese contributions.
Minh Sơn (conducted)