The 'beyond the framework' mechanism to attract science and technology talents is not a 'privilege'

On the afternoon of August 5, the Ministry of Science and Technology held a regular press conference for July, chaired by Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong.

Exceeding the salary range, providing housing... are the minimum conditions.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Mai Anh Hong - Deputy Director of the Department of Organization and Personnel, Ministry of Science and Technology - said that the National Assembly 's approval of the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation 2025 has created an open legal corridor, recognizing and empowering scientists in terms of intellectual property, finance, and commercial exploitation rights.

At the same time, establish more attractive financial and non-financial remuneration policies for talents and high-quality human resources in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Allow flexible compensation mechanisms, including mechanisms beyond the salary framework, to attract, retain and promote talent, especially Vietnamese experts abroad.

In addition, the National Assembly also passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry 2025 with the goal of specifying policies to develop the digital technology industry into a pillar economic sector, playing an important role in attracting and developing technology talent.

The law has outstanding preferential policies to develop the semiconductor industry and form a semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam. At the same time, it lays a legal foundation for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital assets.

"The Ministry of Science and Technology identifies that in science, technology and innovation, digital transformation, high-quality human resources and talents are decisive factors that cannot be attracted by rigid policies.

Exceeding the salary range, providing housing, and working conditions should not be considered a privilege but the minimum conditions for those who are capable of creating breakthroughs to feel secure in their work," said Mr. Hong.

Changing the approach of businesses and scientists

Mr. Hoang Anh Tu - Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Engineering - said that on June 12, the Prime Minister issued a list of strategic technologies and strategic technology products, affirming the highest political commitment to mastering strategic technologies, aiming to create breakthroughs in economic growth and solve major national problems.

Immediately afterwards, the Ministry of Science and Technology conducted a survey to work with large enterprises and institutes across the country to identify specific strategic technologies, specific strategic technology products, investment scale and the ability of enterprises and institutes to participate in strategic technology development.

At the same time, the organization widely announced the plan to sponsor strategic technology development topics on the Nafosted Foundation's information portal and the National Innovation Portal to call for organizations, individuals, and businesses to register to participate in research and development of strategic technology.

According to him, in August 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology will submit to the Prime Minister 3 strategic technology products that need to be prioritized for immediate implementation, serving socio-economic development, modeling, drawing experience, inspiring and affirming that Vietnam is completely capable of mastering strategic technology.

The ministry will then submit to the Prime Minister for approval the national project on strategic technology development to 2030 and vision to 2035, including the national science and technology program on strategic technology development, consisting of 11 component programs - corresponding to 11 strategic technology groups. Each component program will be assigned to a ministry or sector to preside over.

At the same time, submit to the Prime Minister for approval a project to develop a system of shared key research centers and laboratories, focusing on strategic technologies, located at institutes, high-tech zones, following an open model, public-private partnership, allowing all parties to access and use.

Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong said that the Ministry of Science and Technology is currently requiring units to proactively work with research institutes and businesses to place research orders, instead of having to go to the ministry to register topics as before. The ministry has currently worked with about 38 units.

"The Ministry of Science and Technology understands best strategic technology, new technology, and new needs of the country, so it proactively places orders with businesses, research institutes, and scientists. This is a big change compared to before," said Mr. Phuong.