Proposed policies include tax incentives, streamlined visa processes, and improved housing and employment conditions for international scientists.

On the morning of February 15, the National Assembly discussed a draft resolution aimed at piloting policies to address obstacles in science, technology, and innovation.

The draft resolution was submitted following the issuance of Resolution No. 57 by the Politburo in December 2024, signed by General Secretary To Lam, which emphasizes breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Speaking at the session, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that for Vietnam to achieve rapid and sustainable development, it must rely on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

This is an objective necessity, requiring institutional reforms and government-led legal revisions. Some laws may even be presented at the National Assembly’s session in May.

To ensure the swift implementation of Resolution 57, the government has submitted a draft resolution to the National Assembly for piloting several policies.

However, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the current draft does not fully cover all necessary aspects and emphasized the need for further legal amendments.

He also suggested that beyond "specific mechanisms," Vietnam must introduce "special mechanisms."

Five key "special mechanisms"

The first is a special mechanism for developing infrastructure in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Vietnam’s infrastructure in these areas remains weak, requiring substantial investment.

The Prime Minister highlighted the need for mechanisms to mobilize resources from public-private partnerships, businesses, society, and individuals.

The second is a special mechanism for managing scientific and technological activities, balancing public leadership and private sector governance, as well as public and private investment.

"For instance, in public investment with private management, the government could fund scientific infrastructure while allowing private entities to manage it. A special mechanism would allow the state to design policies, laws, and oversight tools while entrusting management to enterprises," the Prime Minister explained.

The third is a special mechanism for commercializing scientific research and projects. This includes regulatory reforms, decentralization of authority to provinces, ministries, and agencies, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, and simplifying administrative procedures.

The fourth involves legal liability exemptions for policy implementation. The Prime Minister acknowledged that while drafters of policies may already have immunity in certain cases, there is no equivalent protection for those executing policies.

This gap creates reluctance among officials, leading to fear of responsibility and inaction. He emphasized the need for a mechanism that provides legal protection for both policymakers and implementers when unforeseen risks occur.

The fifth is a special mechanism for attracting human resources. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of policies targeting professionals outside the public sector, private enterprises, and foreign experts. These policies should cover taxation, fees, housing, land, visas, and employment contracts.

He particularly emphasized the need for visa policies that would allow foreign scientists to enter Vietnam "anytime they wish."

With these five special mechanisms in place, the Prime Minister asserted that Vietnam could develop tailored tools for effective governance, preventing violations, corruption, abuse, and waste.

Accepting risks in scientific research

Additionally, the Prime Minister argued that Vietnam must be willing to accept risks and time delays in scientific research.

Breakthroughs in science require experimentation, meaning some projects will succeed while others may fail.

He likened this process to "tuition fees" - an investment in knowledge, experience, and intellectual development.

However, he cautioned that policies must exclude personal motives and only apply to risks that arise from honest, well-intentioned efforts made for the common good.

He reiterated that setbacks in research should be viewed as an opportunity for growth, helping build expertise, intelligence, and resilience.

Tran Thuong