Seeking Mechanism to Develop Science and Technology

In order for science and technology to have a strong and dominating impact on the city’s economy, it is necessary that enterprises themselves bravely invest in technology renovation and management methods. However, the facts show that, compared to similar regional countries, Vietnam is many steps behind. Prof. Dr. Dao Van Luong, President of Sai Gon Technology University, noted, “After the war, especially in the Renovation period ( Doi Moi), we had the same science and technology as South Korea. However, after 30 years, South Korea tops the list of regional nations. Meanwhile, Vietnam still maintains a loose mechanism and closed-door policies on technology transfer.”

 

Many scientists also agree that enterprises are currently not very interested in restructuring and pushing technology transfer within their organizations. Perhaps this is due to modest funding or the fragmented nature of small enterprises operating in the area. In fact, enterprises which invest in applying modern technology at the beginning of their operation can limit waste and raise productivity as well as profit. However, according to statistics of HCMC Department of Science and Technology, as of the end of 2011, there are only some 24 enterprises registering for assistance for restructuring from the Department. Deputy Chairman Le Manh Ha emphasizes, “In coming time, it is vital that science and technology be applied deeper and wider into life. Particularly, enterprises’ current needs must be met. Enterprises should actively approach scientists so they can further understand their needs. Only if enterprises are competitive, can the economy be developed.”

 

So far, science and technology has not cast much influence on other industries in the city. This can be easily understood, since there has been little enticement. Prof. Dr. Duong Thi Binh Minh, former principal of Ho Chi Minh City Economics University, said, “Scientists annually register for research topics. However, such topics are still of small number compared to actual social demand. Besides, the assessment mechanism is still cursory. Scientists have many concerns about applying for budget and settling payments. Unless these limitations are solved, the city’s science and technology can hardly develop as expected.”

 

According to MSc. Ngo Duc Hoang, Director of ICDREC Centre, Ho Chi Minh City National University, scientific researchers have not churned out many perfect products. Meanwhile, enterprises need results which can be commercialized at once. As such, it is the State which needs to allocate budget to support scientists to complete their research. By then, enterprises will have to pay in order to use completed products. In addition, it is necessary that they change their mindset on investing in technology. “In Western countries, the very first thing is to reduce waste and raise productivity by improving the skills of workers. Therefore, focusing on improving personnel quality is of great importance. The intellectual economy not only improves technology and service quality, but also brings new knowledge to workers and officials for application,” says Dr. Duong Minh Tam, Director of R&D Centre, HCMC Hi-tech zone.

 

In response to the opinions of scientists, Deputy Chairman Le Manh Ha affirms that in 2012, the city will develop and apply a mechanism of assessment and whole-package purchase of scientists’ research projects. Under this mechanism, scientists will propose product price after doing the research, and only need to report on settlement of total budget, instead of many detailed payment procedures as they are supposed to do now. This is a method to lessen pressure on scientists, while boosting orders for research.

 

SGGP