The meeting between Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải and Vietnamese scientists at the end of September was seen by many as the “Diên Hồng Conference” of Vietnam’s science and technology (S&T). However, what do we need to do to realize that spirit?
 |
| Minister of Science and Technology Hoàng Văn Phong |
Minister of Science and Technology Hoàng Văn Phong discussed this issue.
What does the Minister think about the opinion that currently we are only harnessing 20% to 25% of the capabilities of Vietnamese S&T personnel?
I agree that the current mechanism is still restrictive, inadequate, and does not mobilize scientists to work to their fullest potential. However, this does not mean that all scientists are only working at 20% to 25% of their capacity. If that were the case, then where did the achievements in S&T in Vietnam come from?
It is unfortunate that many scientists blame the state for the mechanism without trying to “dive in” and collaborate with the government to research and resolve these difficulties. They complain and lament everywhere but do not “roll up their sleeves” to do anything practical for the country’s S&T.
Why do they recognize the challenges in the mechanism, which only harness 20% to 25% of their potential, yet do not strive to do more? Because policies cannot determine the mindset of each scientist… The percentage of potential harnessed is ultimately determined by the character and awareness of scientists regarding their work.
In the current S&T activities in Vietnam, there are still many “issues” such as project chasing and using research funding to supplement income, resulting in low-quality research or slow implementation. Some projects cannot be accepted, or if accepted, they are merely formalities, lacking quality. According to the Minister, what are the fundamental and comprehensive solutions to this issue?
This is a phenomenon of “black market” and “speculation” in current S&T activities. To some extent, I believe this is due to the salary levels of scientists not ensuring a decent life for themselves and their families, which leads them to such actions. We also need to empathize with them. But that does not mean we support their “black market” antics in S&T research. A true and resilient scientist is willing to overcome all difficulties, sacrificing their own benefits to achieve good results without needing any mechanisms or perks.
We cannot completely solve this problem, as even advanced countries face issues of S&T speculation. However, with more appropriate mechanisms and policies, especially regarding salaries and benefits for scientists, along with renewed processes for project management, acceptance, and evaluation, I believe this situation can be improved.
One issue that is always of concern: what can be done to quickly bring S&T advancements into social life and serve production and business?
The former Soviet Union serves as a significant example for us to consider. Despite a strong S&T potential, 80% of research projects from the Soviet Union were left “in the drawer.” Western countries acquired the rights to those projects to create new products and technologies to sell back to the Soviet Union. The mechanism of subsidies and bureaucratic central planning created this situation. For Vietnam today, to ensure that S&T projects are quickly applied and implemented, we need to thoroughly address the following issues:
– First, we must recognize that S&T projects are also commodities, and scientists are their authors with the right to sell these commodities, as long as they do not violate the law.
– Second, scientists need to innovate their working mindset, becoming more connected with social life to understand the needs of life, thus guiding their research, except for specific basic science programs directed by the state. Third, businesses must recognize the role of S&T in production and business, especially as we approach WTO membership.
Does this mean that the establishment and development of the S&T market in Vietnam will be crucial for the growth of Vietnam’s S&T?
Recently, the government approved a series of projects and issued various decrees related to S&T. All of these play an important role and provide direction for Vietnam’s S&T in the coming time. The project on developing the S&T market in Vietnam is one of them. There needs to be a clear market between scientists and businesses, along with intermediaries in S&T to bring supply and demand closer together, helping each side understand their respective positions and roles… Only then can Vietnam’s S&T become a “commodity” and integrate into production and business.
I want to emphasize Decree 115, which was issued at the beginning of September, regulating the autonomy and self-responsibility of public S&T organizations. With this decree, I believe Vietnam’s S&T has been “unshackled” from restrictive mechanisms and will soon unleash its inherent potential. All of this means that scientists will have a legitimate income that reflects their efforts. They will generate new technologies, and the market (including the state and businesses in need) will invest in their research and implementation or buy with fair market value…
In my view, the current basic policies are fairly flexible. The issue is how to implement and apply those policies effectively. If everyone is united, I believe Vietnam’s S&T will make new, positive strides in the near future!
Thank you, Minister.
Trần Lưu
