Ministry of Science and Technology must take lead in developing the national innovation ecosystem: Deputy PM

ABO/NDO – Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stressed that the Ministry of Science and Technology must take the lead in developing the national innovation ecosystem while addressing a conference held in Hanoi on December 31 to review the ministry’s operations in 2021 and set out tasks for 2022.

The Deputy PM requested practical solutions to remove difficulties in research and development activities at universities and encourage businesses to invest in science and technology.

He stressed the need to reform the operation of research facilities across the country, including those of enterprises and universities.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaking at the conference (Photo: VGP).

He asked the ministry to continue working closely with the Ministry of Education and Training in popularising and providing full scientific information and knowledge to the public.

It is also important to promote the role of local Departments of Science and Technology in encouraging the initiatives and innovative ideas of people from all walks of life, he added.

According to the ministry’s report delivered at the conference, in 2021, science-technology and innovation have made effective contributions to improving the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises, thus boosting national economic development.

Amidst the complicated developments of COVID-19, science and technology sector has also significantly supported the healthcare sector in preventing and controlling the pandemic.

Vietnam ranked 44th out of 132 countries and economies in the Global Innovation Index 2021 (GII 2021), as released by the United Nations' World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The country maintained its leading position among the 34 lower-middle income economies in the index.

A number of policies were built and promulgated last year to support the development of the national innovation and start-up ecosystem and encourage investment in high-tech industry.

(Source: NDO)