Speaking on the draft document of the first Congress of the Gia Lai provincial Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term, which identifies S&T, innovation, and digital transformation as key growth drivers, Professor Vân, who also is Director of the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), stressed the need for genuine mechanisms and practical approaches.
Applied vs. basic science
He emphasized distinguishing between applied and basic research.
Applied science has defined objectives and lower risks, while basic science involves unpredictable outcomes but can yield transformative breakthroughs.
To balance risks, he proposed allocating 10-20% of the S&T budget to basic research, with the remainder for applied projects.
Investment, oversight and autonomy
Professor Vân urged the government to dedicate 2% of GDP and 3-5% of the national budget to S&T, with an independent scientific council, including international experts, guiding priorities. He agreed with the National Party Congress draft on granting autonomy to scientists but stressed strict post-project oversight. Scientists must report risks and progress, with funding suspended if projects show waste or inefficiency.
Private sector and incentives
He called for equal funding mechanisms for public and private sectors and encouraged businesses to invest in research units, schools, and institutes. Contributions to provincial S&T funds should be incentivized through tax exemptions. For non-profit scientific organizations, land and tax incentives should be provided, including exemptions on land rent or reduced taxes for organizations recognized as effective.
Visa and conference policies
On international cooperation, Professor Vân recommended more open visa policies, even exemptions, for scientists attending events in Vietnam, noting that “there is no reason why tourists can enter Vietnam more easily than scientists contributing knowledge.” He also called for simpler licensing procedures for international scientific conferences.
Accountability and evaluation
“If S&T is truly to become a pillar of development, there must be substantive mechanisms and focused investment in people, so that scientists can devote themselves with peace of mind.”
PROFESSOR TRẦN THANH VÂN
To ensure results, Professor Vân proposed linking S&T budgets to key performance indicators (KPIs). Units failing to meet commitments should face budget cuts, while successful ones receive rewards and increased allocations.
He also suggested sanctions against superficial implementation. An independent evaluation council, including representatives from local authorities, universities, businesses, and research institutes, should oversee transparency.
Experimental mechanisms
Professor Vân further recommended applying sandbox mechanisms at commune, sector, and unit levels. Effective models should be scaled up after review, rather than being implemented widely without practical impact.
He concluded that Vietnam must “speak the truth, act on the truth,” invest in people, and ensure accountability if science and technology are to become the foundation for sustainable development.