PM pushes for “special mechanisms” to drive science & tech advancement

During the 9th extraordinary session on February 15, the National Assembly heard a presentation on the Draft Resolution to pilot policies aimed at removing obstacles in science, technology, and innovation activities.

During a group discussion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the necessity of implementing specific policies to support the Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which focuses on the breakthrough development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. He noted the importance of being truly innovative and researching special mechanisms and policies rather than just specific ones. This "specialness" is reflected in several key points:

Special mechanism in infrastructure development: Due to the weak state of Vietnam's infrastructure, especially in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, there is a need for a mechanism to mobilize public-private partnerships and resources from businesses, society, and the public, in addition to state resources.

Special mechanism for management and governance: This involves adopting forms such as public leadership with private governance, public investment with private management, and private investment with public use, to enhance the management and governance of science and technology activities.

Special mechanism for commercializing scientific works: Scientists need support to commercialize their scientific works. This includes special mechanisms in procedures, decentralization, and empowerment for provinces, cities, ministries, and sectors, eliminating the "ask-and-give" mechanism, reducing administrative procedures, and managing and evaluating based on overall effectiveness.

Exemption from liability: For those drafting and developing policies, there needs to be a mechanism for exemption from liability in the event of risks. However, this mechanism is not currently available for those implementing the policies.

Special mechanism for attracting human resources: Policies should aim to attract not only individuals from outside the state sector into the state sector but also to develop private science and technology enterprises and attract foreign workers to Vietnam. These policies will cover areas such as taxes, fees, charges, housing, accommodation, visas, and labor contracts to promote science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.