Top leader calls for longer vision for basic scientific research

To made the call in his closing remarks at the meeting of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation held in Ha Noi on Monday.

Why basic scientific research important for Viet Nam?

First of all, the world has entered a new stage of strategic competition, in which knowledge, technology, data, and talents have become the foundations shaping national power.

Today, countries compete for creating new knowledge, new core technologies, new development models, and capabilities for innovation organization.

The fields that are shaping the future of the world – such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor, quantum technology, biotechnology, new materials, data technology, and new energy – all originate from basic research that has been continuously funded for decades. This shows that strong basic search generates strong core technologies, enhance national strategic autonomy and competitiveness in the long run.

Second, the Vietnamese economy remains heavily dependent on raw materials, cheap labor, and foreign technology while productivity, innovation, and capacity to master core technologies remain limited.

In order to achieve the goal of becoming a high-income, developed country by 2045, Viet Nam needs to have a development model based on knowledge, science, technology, innovation, data, and culture.

The Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 clearly identifies that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the breakthrough of top importance.

Third, investments in basic scientific research are low while research activities remain scattered.

Fourth, though social and human sciences play an especially important role in shaping development policies and national value systems, they have been underestimated.

Major orientations for basic scientific research

First, basic scientific research should be clearly recognized not as a merely academic activity but as a strategic foundation for national development in the 21^st century.

Second, the development of basic sciences must directly serve the requirements of rapid and sustainable national development, strengthen strategic self-reliance, ensure national defense and security, enhance forecasting and governance capabilities, and improve resilience against major global disruptions.

Third, Viet Nam must develop natural sciences and foundational technologies in a coordinated manner with social and human sciences.

Fourth, it is a must to radically reform the scientific management system by shifting from administrative control to creative governance, and to build an academic environment that is honest and free in creativity while bound to scientific responsibility and national duty.

Fifth, people must be placed at the center of basic science development. To build a strong scientific foundation, we must first have a strong pool of scientists and an ecosystem for discovering, training, nurturing, employing, and protecting scientific talent.