VietNamNet Bridge – NA deputies proposed a change to the Law on Science and Technology, which has shown a number of shortcomings, at their meeting on November 20.



NA deputy Hoang Thi To Nga talks of the shortcomings in current regulations.


At the meeting, many deputies agreed that the financial mechanism for research and development in science and technology has not been effective and in need of change.

Pham Xuan Thang, the NA deputy from Hai Duong Province said the State has given out huge amounts of money to boost science and technology. The numbers of areas have increased greatly but only few of them have practical applications.

The investment in research and development in the sciences and technology accounted for 2% GDP per year. The amount is not small but it was scattered, slow to disburse funds and invested unwisely. Many suggested the establishment of an agency that could oversee investment.

Thai Binh Province’s NA deputy, Do Van Ve agreed, “The procedures to receive investment are too complicated, scientists often have to find ways past the law to receive funds.”

It could take years to get the investment, discouraging researchers.

Many added that Vietnam also needs policies to attract talented people into these areas.

Hoang Thi To Nga, the NA deputy of Nam Dinh Province, said since the 60s South Korea has had policies to invite their overseas scientists to return to their home country with three times higher salaries. This had given the country a real boost in science and technology.

Meanwhile, not only does Vietnam not have proper policies to encourage competent scientists, but its administrative procedures have actually been a cause of brain drain, many suggested.

“It’s ironic that a country has 24,000 Ph.Ds and 101,000 masters but cannot is still unable to find people with skills necessary to lead national projects,” Nga said.

The HCMC NA deputy, Doan Nguyen Thuy Trang, suggested for the development the science and technology sectors, more cooperation is needed between people and enterprise.

The NA deputies from HCMC proposed establishing a new mechanism to get the opinion of scientists and researchers in order to design a smarter policy.

VNN/DTriNews