National Conference on Breakthroughs in Science, Technology, Innovation and National Digital Transformation

Attending the conference at the Central bridge were comrades: General Secretary To Lam; President Luong Cuong; National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man; Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh;  Politburo members; former leaders of the Party and State; leaders of central departments, ministries and branches.

Attending the conference at the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee bridge were comrades: Ho Quoc Dung - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Le Kim Toan - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Pham Anh Tuan - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; members of the Provincial Party Standing Committee; members of the Provincial Party Executive Committee; former provincial leaders; leaders of provincial departments, branches.

Conference scene at the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee bridge

The conference aims to assess the implementation of the resolutions of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat on science and technology development, to thoroughly grasp and deploy Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation, creating a breakthrough change in awareness and implementation, contributing to the country's development. At the same time, it requires the thorough grasp and implementation of tasks on science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation to be carried out methodically, scientifically, long-term, smoothly and effectively, creating high unity within the Party, consensus among the people and the business community, entrepreneurs and society.

 The report summarizes the situation and results of the implementation of the Party and State's policies and guidelines on science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation in recent times, stating that in implementing the Party and State's policies and guidelines, the cause of science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation has achieved many great achievements, making important contributions to socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, preventing natural disasters, protecting the environment, responding to climate change and sustainable development of the country.

Specific statistics show that Vietnam has 423 research and development organizations of different sizes, mainly concentrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; currently, nearly 900 enterprises have been granted Science and Technology Enterprise Certificates. Vietnam has about 4,000 innovative startups, 208 investment funds, 84 incubators, 20 innovative startup centers; Vietnam's innovative startup ecosystem ranks 56/100 countries; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are in the top 200 global innovative startup cities. In 2024, Vietnam will rank 44/133 on the Global Innovation Index and 71/193 countries on the E-Government Development Index. By the end of 2024, the proportion of the digital economy in GDP is estimated at 18.3%.  In 2024, the digital technology industry will reach a revenue of 152 billion USD; the export turnover of hardware and electronics is estimated at 132 billion USD.

Delegates attending the Conference at the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee bridge

At the Conference, delegates heard the announcement of the Politburo's Decision on establishing the Central Steering Committee on science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation development; stipulating the functions, tasks and powers of the Steering Committee; thoroughly grasping and implementing the spirit and core content of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation development.

Resolution 57-NQ/TW emphasizes that the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation is a decisive factor in the development of countries; is a prerequisite, the best opportunity for our country to develop richly and powerfully in the new era - the era of national development.

The Resolution also sets out 7 groups of tasks and solutions, emphasizing raising awareness, making breakthroughs in innovation of thinking, determining strong political determination, resolutely leading and directing, creating new impulses, new momentum in the whole society in developing science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

At the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thoroughly grasped the content and spirit of the Government's Action Program to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presented policies and solutions on legal institutions to make breakthroughs in developing science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

General Secretary To Lam, Head of the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, delivered a keynote speech

In his keynote speech at the conference, General Secretary To Lam emphasized the importance of science and technology development in the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country. Science and technology are the key driving force for the miraculous economic growth of many countries. With the goal of becoming a modern industrial country by 2030, a highly industrialized country by 2045, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation must be considered as the key driving force, the golden key, the vital factor to overcome the middle-income trap and the risk of falling behind. At the same time, it is also to realize the nation's aspiration for strength and prosperity.

 According to the General Secretary, Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 does not replace previous resolutions but is considered a resolution to liberate scientific thinking, a resolution to implement resolutions and a resolution to take action with very specific goals, to innovate thinking and ways of doing things to realize policies, remove barriers, liberate capacity, promote breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, creating a foundation for strong development of our country in the new period. The General Secretary proposed and emphasized 8 tasks and solutions for all levels and sectors to focus on implementing in the coming period, especially breakthrough tasks, including: Unifying awareness and action, in which identifying science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation as a strategic task of the entire Party, people and army. At the same time, urgently perfecting institutions and policies; rearranging the science and technology apparatus.  Prioritizing budget allocation for science and technology is a breakthrough national policy. Quickly develop high-quality human resources. In addition, increase investment in technology infrastructure, including digital technology. Focus on key industries with advantages and potential, avoid spreading and promote cooperation and take advantage of international knowledge... Conduct review and adjustment of projects to ensure compliance with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, avoid waste, focus on effective and focused investment. At the same time, thoroughly reform the process of allocating, managing and settling funds, eliminating the "ask - give" mechanism and cumbersome procedures to optimize resources and encourage innovation.  At the same time, issue a mechanism to attract talents in general, especially science and technology talents, overseas Vietnamese talents and international experts, with attractive policies on nationality, income, housing and working environment...; increase investment in technology infrastructure, including digital technology. In particular, it is necessary to prepare energy infrastructure for the next 5-10 years, focusing on clean energy, ensuring enough energy for development with specific actions...