Create breakthrough mechanisms to promote innovation

Innovation activities have achieved many remarkable results. The first bright spot of the industry is shown in Vietnam’s Innovation Index (GII) in 2023, increasing 2 places compared to 2022, ranking 46/132 countries and economies, maintaining 2nd position in the industry. group of 36 lower middle-income economies, one of the seven middle-income countries that have made the most progress in innovation over the past decade. Vietnam is also one of three countries that hold the record of having outstanding achievements compared to the level of development for 13 consecutive years.

However, according to Director of the National Innovation Center Nguyen Quoc Vu, innovation in Vietnam is not really sustainable. Market development level indicators (down from 43 to 49) and innovative products (down from 35 to 36). These are the indicators that guide and determine the effectiveness of innovation. Even on the business side, the level of innovation is relatively weak due to the large number of small and medium enterprises and micro enterprises, insufficient capital, insufficient human resources… so there is no potential to technological innovation.

The innovation ecosystem in Vietnam still has three major challenges to face. First is the issue of high quality human resources. Next, the technology life cycle is changing very quickly, Vietnam needs large resources to keep up with this pace of development. Third is the financial issue when technology is a game that requires a lot of money.

According to Director of the Department of Science and Technology Enterprise and Market Development (Ministry of Science and Technology) Pham Hong Quat, policies for innovation still have many shortcomings. The legal system on science, technology and innovation is not synchronized with the laws on finance, budget, investment, bidding, and public asset management; not consistent with international practices and standards; There is no specific mechanism, accepting risks and delays in research.

Mechanisms and policies for financial autonomy, organizational structure, and human resources in science and technology are still inadequate and unsuitable for the specific characteristics of science, technology, and innovation activities. In particular, investment and financial mechanisms for science and technology activities currently have many obstacles in planning; prepare and deliver estimates; settlement… Besides, in the science and technology market, there still exist many barriers, obstacles, and bottlenecks.

 

In the context of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution developing strongly, innovation is considered a new driving force for rapid and sustainable development of the country. According to experts, Vietnam needs to focus on developing high-quality human resources and improving innovation research capacity.

United Nations Resident Coordinator and Chief Representative of United Nations organizations in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis contributed, to promote innovation in Vietnam, there needs to be a close connection between universities and institutes. Research with businesses. To do this, it is necessary to regularly organize forums and conferences so that scientists can share research topics and businesses can share technological needs, thereby finding each other to cooperate. After cooperation, initially implement small projects to show the reputation of both parties, then proceed with larger projects, thus it will be sustainable and effective.

In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises must also deploy their own innovation ideas, then together build quality innovation centers with practical significance.

Sharing the same opinion, Director of the National Innovation Center Nguyen Quoc Vu said that to promote innovation and development, Vietnam needs to focus on perfecting and developing the innovation ecosystem, requiring create a strong innovation ecosystem, including collaboration between businesses; universities, research organizations; government; innovation experts; support, training and community organizations. It is necessary to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources and advanced techniques.

On the other hand, it is necessary to improve policy mechanisms to encourage innovation and create an environment that promotes innovation by providing financial support, training and consulting for startups and new technology businesses. , established an innovation fund. It is necessary to create policies that encourage and reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and technology development.

In parallel, it is necessary to take advantage of the potential of digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote innovation and improve productivity. It is necessary to create favorable policies and environments to encourage the use and development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machines, blockchain and IoT.