Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính: The Need for “Special Mechanisms” and “Special Tools” in Science, Technology, and Digital Transformation
On the morning of February 15, during the Group 8 discussion session at the Ninth Extraordinary Meeting of the 15th National Assembly, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính emphasized the need for “special mechanisms” and “special tools” to accelerate scientific research, technology management, innovation, and national digital transformation.
As part of the Ninth Extraordinary Meeting of the National Assembly, the assembly discussed the draft resolution on piloting specific policies to remove obstacles in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Strategic Importance of Science, Technology, and Digital Transformation
During his speech, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính highlighted that the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation has been implemented decisively.
Within a short period, the Government, the National Assembly Standing Committee, and relevant agencies have worked tirelessly to draft a resolution for the National Assembly’s approval.
The Prime Minister stressed that for the country to achieve rapid and sustainable development, it must rely on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation—this is an objective necessity, a strategic choice, and a top priority.
To address institutional bottlenecks, the Government is revising several key laws, including:
- State Budget Law
- Tax Laws
- Enterprise Law
- Science and Technology Law
Some of these laws may be presented to the National Assembly for approval as early as May.
Special Mechanisms to Unlock Growth Potential
To fast-track the implementation of Resolution No. 57, the Government has submitted a draft resolution to the National Assembly to pilot specific policies aimed at removing immediate barriers in science, technology, and innovation.
This draft resolution focuses on institutional reforms to address urgent challenges before making broader legal amendments.
According to Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, in addition to specific policies, it is crucial to introduce “special mechanisms”, including:
- Special Mechanism for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Infrastructure
- Vietnam’s infrastructure for science, technology, and digital transformation remains weak.
- Significant funding is required, necessitating public-private partnerships (PPP), corporate investments, and societal contributions alongside state resources.
- Special Mechanism for Science and Technology Governance
- Flexible management structures should be considered, including:
- Public leadership with private governance
- Public investment with private management
- Private investment utilizing public resources
- Flexible management structures should be considered, including:
- Special Mechanism for Commercialization of Scientific Research
- Scientists should be empowered to commercialize their research outcomes.
- Special Mechanism for Decentralization and Administrative Reform
- The Government should delegate more authority to provinces, cities, ministries, and agencies.
- Red tape and bureaucratic procedures should be eliminated.
- The “ask-give” mechanism should be abolished, ensuring transparent and efficient governance.
- Special Mechanism for Legal Protection of Policymakers and Implementers
- Policymakers and government officials responsible for implementing new policies must be protected from legal liability in case of unforeseen issues.
- Without such safeguards, officials may hesitate to act, leading to bureaucratic inertia and inefficiency.
- Special Mechanism for Talent Attraction
- Vietnam must actively attract top talent in science and technology, including:
- Supporting the growth of private-sector tech enterprises
- Encouraging Vietnamese experts abroad to return
- Providing incentives such as tax benefits, housing, land, visas, and flexible employment contracts
- Vietnam must actively attract top talent in science and technology, including:
Special Tools for Effective Implementation
In addition to special mechanisms, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính emphasized the need for “special tools” to:
- Ensure effective governance and management
- Enhance transparency and accountability
- Prevent corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiencies
By implementing these special mechanisms and tools, Vietnam aims to accelerate its transition into a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy.
If successfully enacted, this initiative will:
- Boost Vietnam’s innovation and digital transformation capacity
- Increase economic competitiveness on a global scale
- Lay the foundation for sustainable, high-growth development
This decisive policy shift marks a transformational milestone in Vietnam’s pursuit of technological advancement and digital leadership.