Hanoi (VNA) – Science, technology andinnovation should be defined as a foundation for Vietnam to push forward rapidand sustainable development, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

PM Phuc made the suggestion while delivering aspeech at an international conference themed “Science, technology andinnovation as a pillar for socio-economic development in Vietnam” held in Hanoion May 15.

He recognised the outcomes of cooperation betweenthe Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology, the Australian Department ofForeign Affairs and Trade, and the World Bank in building reports on the futureof Vietnam’s digital economy as well as science, technology and innovationreports through 2035, providing specific and useful evaluations,recommendations, solutions and policies for Vietnam in the process of makingsocio-economic development strategies for the next 10 years and beyond.

The PM noted that Vietnam’s Global InnovationIndex (GII) has been improved continuously in recent years, helping it to leadlower-middle-income countries.

However, there remained shortcomings andweaknesses such as poor awareness of the role of science, technology andinnovation among sectors and localities; asynchronous legal corridors andpolicy mechanisms; and restricted science, technology and innovation capacity,he said.

There is a lack of connections betweenuniversities, research institutes and businesses, PM Phuc said, adding that enterprisesshould understand that investing in research and development is the “shortestway” to improve efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

Vietnam needs to have a strategic change toboost research and development of innovative start-ups and technologicalapplication in new industries of the country’s strengths, he said.

Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anhsaid Vietnam leaped two places to rank 45th out of 126 economies in the GII2018 report conducted by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

However, to make science become a driving forcefor the socio-economic development, it is necessary to increase investment notonly from the State but also society, especially businesses, he said.

Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador to VietnamCraig Chittick said Vietnam and Australia have the same ambition of developingthe economy through the application of science, technology and innovation. Thisis a firm foundation for the two nations to step up bilateral innovation partnership,he said.

Australia pledged to work closely with Vietnamto share knowledge, experience and successful models in the field besideshelping the Southeast Asian country improve its science, technology andinnovation system, the ambassador affirmed.

The conference, co-organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Australian Embassy inVietnam and the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA), was the highlight of the ongoing national sci-tech andinnovation week from May 13-17.-VNA