Resolution 57-NQ/TW: Transformative Policies to Empower Scientists and Drive Innovation

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Recognition and incentives for scientists

The development of science, technology (S&T), innovation, and digital transformation has become a decisive factor in national development and a critical opportunity for Vietnam to achieve prosperity in the new era.

However, the S&T sector in general and scientists in particular still face significant challenges, including low compensation for scientists, lack of allowances, financial constraints in public institutions, and regulatory barriers in technology transfer activities.

Illustrative photo: Resolution 57-NQ/TW: Enhanced incentives to foster scientists' contributions and creativity.

The issuance of Resolution 57, coupled with General Secretary To Lam’s direct leadership of the Central Steering Committee on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, underscores the Party and State’s determination to enhance scientific and technological capabilities. This commitment is viewed as a key driver of rapid and sustainable national development.

Resolution 57 outlines several policies, including the goal of achieving 12 researchers per 10,000 people by 2030 and establishing 40-50 S&T organizations recognized regionally and globally. It emphasizes timely and meaningful recognition of scientists' contributions, valuing every invention, improvement, and technical initiative, regardless of scale.

Attractive policies regarding credit, scholarships, and tuition are proposed to encourage talented students to pursue studies in critical fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. Special mechanisms will attract qualified overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts to work and live in Vietnam. These include provisions for citizenship, housing, land ownership, income, and conducive working environments to retain top-tier scientists and experts.

Increased funding for research and development

Resolution 57 introduces fundamental changes in scientific research, particularly by accepting delays and risks inherent in exploratory studies. This shift enables scientists to pursue uncharted knowledge, an essential factor in technological breakthroughs, without being constrained by predetermined deliverables.

The resolution raises R&D expenditure to 2.0% of GDP from the current 0.4% and increases annual public funding for S&T, innovation, and digital transformation to 3.0% of GDP. It also establishes a fund-based financing mechanism for scientific research and innovation and encourages scientists and research organizations to establish and manage enterprises based on their findings. Policies are introduced to exempt liabilities in cases of economic loss due to the objective risks of testing new technologies or business models.

Dr. Pham Huy Hieu is one of 9 promising Vietnamese young faces in 2023. (Photo: VinUni)

Dr. Pham Huy Hieu, Lecturer of Engineering & Computer Science at VinUni and Head of the Research, Innovation Network of Vietnam Universities and Colleges remarked in an interview that the resolution allows scientists to focus their efforts on essential research, technological development, and human resource training. Reducing financial and administrative barriers has long been a desire of the scientific community.

Roadmap for the implementation

According to Dr. Pham Huy Hieu, despite its goals, the implementation of Resolution 57 faces considerable challenges, especially in advancing cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors, quantum computing, and renewable energy. These fields require substantial investment, sophisticated expertise, and advanced infrastructure.

Vietnam’s S&T workforce remains limited in size and diversity, lacking leading scientists and key project managers capable of orchestrating large-scale, high-impact research projects. Addressing these gaps requires time, effort, and well-planned strategies.

Former Minister of Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology Dr Nguyen Quan. (Photo: RMIT Vietnam)

Dr. Nguyen Quan, former Minister of Science and Technology, highlighted that Resolution 57 has introduced many essential resolutions. However, incentives for scientists should extend beyond salaries to include favorable working conditions and creative environments, such as visas, housing, and family support. Therefore, high autonomy in research, finances, and personnel management is essential for fostering innovation.

He also stressed the need to revise related laws, including the Law on Science and Technology, the State Budget Law, the Public Asset Management Law, and the Civil Service Law, to establish breakthrough mechanisms that truly empower scientists.

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