Summary
Highlights
The National Conference on Breakthrough Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and National Digital Transformation was held by the Politburo and the Secretariat. The conference, attended by over 97,500 delegates, aimed to assess the implementation of central and Politburo resolutions on science and technology and to deploy Resolution 57 of the Politburo. General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man led the event, which took place live at the National Assembly House and online at over 15,000 points. Before the conference, leaders visited exhibitions of scientific products and solutions developed by Vietnamese scientists and businesses, focusing on smart city management, non-cash payments, disaster warning systems, and public security applications, all geared towards serving citizens and businesses effectively.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented the government's action plan for implementing the resolution, which includes 41 target groups, 9 task groups, and 140 specific tasks. The plan emphasizes decisive institutional reform, removing barriers, and transforming institutions into competitive advantages for scientific and technological development and digital transformation. It also calls for increased investment, fostering high-quality human resources, and accelerating digital transformation in state agencies and enterprises. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man discussed legislative solutions to promote science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, identifying shortcomings in current legal frameworks and pledging to streamline legislative processes. The National Assembly will review and approve laws related to science, technology, digital technology, investment, finance, and trade to enhance the legal basis for digital governance.
General Secretary To Lam underscored the historical significance of the conference, referencing President Ho Chi Minh's emphasis on science and technology at the first congress of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations in 1963. He equated science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the 'golden key' to becoming a high-income developed nation, vital for avoiding the middle-income trap. Resolution 57 is viewed as a 'breakthrough' in science and technology, reflecting the nation's strong aspiration for development. To Lam highlighted that despite previous resolutions, progress has been hampered by implementation issues and persistent limitations. Resolution 57 is intended to revolutionize scientific thought and action, removing barriers to accelerate science and technology development.
General Secretary To Lam urged all governmental levels and sectors to promptly implement Resolution 57, translating its solutions into institutional frameworks and allocating resources. He emphasized that investment in science, technology, and digital transformation is a long-term strategy, accepting potential delays and risks. Data is considered a new resource, crucial for the digital age, and digital transformation is a tool for innovating production and business methods. To Lam also stressed the central role of scientists and intellectual workers in driving innovation across both natural and social sciences. He demanded clarity on the roles of the state, businesses, scientists, and the public in this transformative process, emphasizing that the state must build legal frameworks, infrastructure, and human resources while protecting intellectual property rights and national sovereignty.
General Secretary To Lam called for the immediate institutionalization of Resolution 57, ensuring that outdated regulations are removed and laws are revised for consistency and clarity, with each issue governed by a single law. He advocated for a shift from a management-heavy approach to one that encourages development, mobilizes national resources, and fosters creativity. To Lam also highlighted the need to reorganize science and technology agencies, develop high-quality human resources, and attract top technology experts through streamlined and competitive policies. He proposed establishing science and technology funds, encouraging venture capital, and prioritizing public budgets for science, technology, and digital transformation. For 2025, the government should allocate at least 3% of the budget to this area and increase it to 2% of GDP in the next five years. He also called for increasing investment in infrastructure, especially energy for the next 5-10 years, optimizing digital infrastructure, building 5G base stations, and expanding broadband internet and fiber optic coverage, with a focus on high-speed low-Earth orbit satellite systems.
General Secretary To Lam emphasized prioritizing resources for key economic sectors with high potential, avoiding scattered investments. This includes technological solutions for sustainable resource use, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, high-tech agriculture, food security, human health, and Industry 4.0. A particular focus is on advancing digital transformation, especially implementing Project 06 and building a national data center by 2025. The goal is to ensure 100% of administrative procedures related to businesses are processed online efficiently and to eliminate provincial administrative boundaries for these procedures. The national data center must be completed with accurate and comprehensive data to drive comprehensive digital transformation and foster a modern digital economy and workforce. To Lam concluded by calling on the entire Party, people, and military to unite and innovate to successfully implement Resolution 57, emphasizing that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are critical for the nation's sustainable development and security.