Media release - 15 May 2019

Science, Technology & Innovation as a Pillar for Socio-Economic Development in Vietnam

Hanoi, 15 May 2019 – An international conference under the title “Science, Technology and Innovation as a Pillar for Socio-Economic Development in Vietnam” was jointly held today by the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam (MoST), and the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA). The conference discussed how science, technology and innovation can significantly contribute to the socio-economic growth in Vietnam and provided concrete solution and policy recommendations. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the conference, together with senior leaders from the Government, the Communist Party, relevant ministries, provinces, and international donors and partners.

Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and innovation to economic development, social stability, and national security.

The Prime Minister guided: “I request industries and provinces to improve their awareness of, and responsibility in steering the science and technology development; and continue to strengthen the relevant legal and policy framework. It is critical to focus on the development of the national innovation system, putting the enterprises at the heart of this system while promoting the linkages among research institutes, universities, and enterprises to create and accumulate knowledge asset to fuel economic development in a rapid, inclusive and sustainable manner.”

Leaders from Ministry of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh reported that in recent years, the Ministry has strongly supported the development of key sectors in Vietnam. With the broad impact of the technology revolution, the Ministry will continue to strengthen our capabilities and enhance our cooperation with leading technology countries and organizations. In this way, MoST can contribute effectively to the transformation of our economy towards a technology-based one.

Being the co-organizer of the conference, and the innovation partner of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Australian Ambassador in Vietnam, Mr Craig Chittick said:  “Vietnam and Australia share the same ambition: growing our economies through the application on science, technology, and innovation. That is the solid foundation underpinning our Innovation partnership. Australia is committed to work closely with Vietnam to share our knowledge, expertise, and successful modalities to enhance Vietnam’s science, technology, and innovation system.”

On behalf of the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA), a unique organization that brings together the science and innovation champions of 13 leading aid agencies worldwide, who also co-host this event, Ms Alexis Bonnell, Chief Innovation Officer at USAID, said: “ As Viet Nam continues its remarkable, 30-year journey of development to become one of the most dynamic countries in the East Asia region, it will be imperative for a wide range of stakeholders - including governments, private sector actors and development agencies - to work together to maximise the positive impacts of technological advances, and minimize their adverse possibilities. IDIA is delighted to be in Vietnam during this exciting period where Vietnam is transforming to embrace new technologies to further its development, and looks forward to being part of this process.”

The conference served as a forum for ministries, industries, provinces, policy makers, researchers and scientists, and enterprises to consult with experts from leading international innovation countries and agencies on directions for Vietnam’s socio-economic development, in which science technology and innovation, together with a digital economy are considered as a new pillar. Experiences and advice from these experts will be valuable inputs to contribute to Vietnam’s ten year socio-economic development strategy 2021 – 2030.

The Vietnam’s Future Digital Economy research presented at the conference is the result of an 18-month cooperation between the Australian CSIRO[1]/Data61 and MoST. It was also the first major output of the Aus4Innovation program, funded by DFAT, managed by CSIRO and delivered in collaboration with MoST. 

The conference is part the Vietnam’s official National Science, Technology and Innovation Week from 13-17 May to honour the contribution of science, technology and innovation to Vietnam economy.