This message was further emphasized by Mr. Dao Ngoc Chien, Director of the Office of State Key Programs, Ministry of Science and Technology, at a working session with a number of large enterprises and corporations. The working program aims to strengthen the connection between state management agencies and the business sector, promptly grasp the needs for science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, and share information about the Ministry's support policies in the coming time.

Businesses want policies that are close to reality

At the meeting, Mr. Dang Dinh Trang, Director of the Research and Development Center (R&D), representing VNPT Group, affirmed that, implementing the Politburo's orientation in Resolution 57, VNPT focuses on developing science and technology according to three pillars: Digital infrastructure, digital products and services and digital technology platform. Accordingly, VNPT is prioritizing investment in R&D, core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, 6G, and at the same time building a digital ecosystem to serve comprehensive digital transformation.

However, VNPT representative said that the current process of implementing S&T tasks is mainly suitable for institutes and schools, not really "suitable" for the needs of enterprises, where products must be released to the market on schedule. Therefore, VNPT recommends that the Ministry of Science and Technology needs to have a more flexible and specific mechanism for each type of enterprise; clarify the scope of application of preferential policies such as Resolution 193 of the National Assembly, especially for state-owned enterprises; at the same time, strengthen communication so that enterprises understand and proactively and effectively implement policies.

In the pharmaceutical field, Mr. Torsten Wagner, Deputy General Director of Central Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company 2 (Phytopharma) also shared his expectation of receiving more practical support from the Ministry of Science and Technology in research, development and technology transfer. Phytopharma proposed to have specific priority policies for the field of manufacturing pharmaceutical products, shortening the time for granting circulation licenses, and at the same time promoting cooperation with institutes and schools to quickly bring high-tech products into service of public health care.

Mr. Wagner compared: If in Germany, innovation starts from universities, in Vietnam it originates from the needs of businesses. In this model, the Ministry of Science and Technology plays a connecting role, helping businesses access technology from domestic or foreign institutes and schools, shortening the gap between research and application.

In the field of aquaculture, Mr. Mai Van Hoang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Growmax Seafood Corporation - a leading enterprise in the shrimp industry in Vietnam, said that Vietnam is still almost entirely dependent on imported parent shrimp (accounting for 99%), while this is the key link that determines the quality and value of the shrimp production chain. Growmax proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology support research, master domestic parent shrimp genetic resources and develop high-tech shrimp farming models applying AI, IoT, blockchain, combining biosafety throughout the chain.

Enterprises also wish to have preferential policies on finance, tax, and loans for technology transfer research, and a mechanism to prioritize domestic enterprises to participate in national science and technology programs, thereby forming a strong force of technology enterprises, ensuring food security and mastering technology in the fisheries industry.

Creating a favorable legal corridor and long-term investment orientation

In response to the recommendations and proposals of enterprises, Mr. Dao Ngoc Chien, Director of the Office of State Key Programs , said : The Ministry of Science and Technology is implementing many key programs to develop key areas and enhance national innovation capacity. Typical examples include: National product development program (agricultural machinery, medical equipment, vaccines, new construction materials, etc.), National high-tech development program to 2030 (biotechnology, information and communication technology, new materials, environmental technology, etc.) and National technology innovation program, supporting enterprises to innovate equipment, production technology and develop supporting industries.

In terms of legal framework, current regulations are gradually giving greater autonomy to enterprises. Accordingly, research results conducted by enterprises - even those using the state budget - are still owned by the enterprises themselves, encouraging enterprises to boldly invest in R&D and technological innovation. In particular, according to Resolution 57 of the Politburo, Vietnam aims to have total expenditure on science, technology and innovation reach 2% of GDP by 2030, of which the enterprise sector contributes 2/3. This is a strategic orientation, clearly demonstrating the central role of enterprises in developing core technology and enhancing national competitiveness.

Resolution No. 193/2024/QH15 of the National Assembly has issued many breakthrough pilot mechanisms and policies to encourage enterprises, especially the private sector, to invest in research, development and technology mastery. Specifically, the resolution stipulates that enterprises are allowed to own or use research results, even in cases where the state budget is used, without having to reimburse costs or transfer results to the State; and are entitled to corporate income tax and personal income tax incentives for science, technology and innovation activities.

The Ministry of Science and Technology is also moving towards establishing a National Innovation Fund to provide preferential capital for businesses to invest in new technologies, develop high-tech products and promote technology transfer. This is an important "tool" to encourage businesses, especially state-owned enterprises and large corporations, to proactively invest in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung has repeatedly emphasized the consistent message: Enterprises are the center, private enterprises are the "pillars" in developing science, technology and innovation. On the journey to conquer technology, improve competitiveness and affirm position in the regional and global markets, the Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology will always accompany, support and create the most favorable conditions for enterprises./.