In today’s era of digital transformation and innovation, strengthening the role and connectivity of science and technology (S&T) organizations toward sustainable development is more critical than ever.

At the recent Hanoi conference titled "Enhancing cooperation and promoting the role of science and technology organizations - Mobilizing resources for sustainable science and technology development in the new era", scientists and policymakers agreed that to harness the full potential of S&T for development, we must clearly identify opportunities, challenges, effective policies, and operational models.

To this end, building a sustainable science and technology ecosystem involves strong linkages between the state, academia, businesses, and civil society. It also requires innovative financial models, commercialization of research, and empowering non-state S&T organizations.

Seizing opportunities and reforming operational models

Dr. Pham Thanh Tinh, Chairman of the Southeast Asia - Vietnam Scientific Research Association (SEARAV), stressed the vital role of cooperation among S&T organizations. In this era of rapid change, science, technology, and innovation are core drivers of national growth.

“Our Party and State have recognized this, reflected in key strategic policies such as Politburo Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW on proactive engagement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Development Strategy to 2030,” said Dr. Tinh.

He emphasized that unleashing the potential of S&T organizations - especially non-state institutions - is essential. These groups serve as pioneers and knowledge hubs, fostering innovation and spreading new values.

Phạm Thu Hang, Deputy Director of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations, Ministry of Home Affairs, recommended that non-state S&T organizations prioritize transparency, build internal capabilities, create competitive services, and gain public trust to attract partners and investors.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien from the Office of the Central Party Committee stressed the importance of financial restructuring for S&T organizations to increase sustainability and commercialization. She argued that relying solely on state budgets or foreign aid is no longer viable. Vietnam must develop funding mechanisms, science and technology funds, and engage in crowdfunding.

Research outcomes, she said, should go beyond academic publication and be transparently commercialized. This would incentivize scientists and enhance product competitiveness. She also called for the development of valuation services, incubators, and S&T startup networks linked to universities - allowing organizations to stand independently amid tightening public budgets.

Additionally, a shift in mindset from grant-seeking to investment partnership is crucial, with the private sector positioned as a strategic ally. Public-private-academic partnerships must be institutionalized and sustainably supported.

S&T organizations also need to stay abreast of emerging innovation trends. Increasingly, innovation is viewed on par with scientific research, requiring clear commercialization strategies. The newly passed Law on Science, Technology and Innovation affirms this shift, signaling that development must embrace this balanced, inevitable trajectory.

PPP decree: Legal breakthrough for S&T investment

While Vietnam has practiced public-private partnerships (PPPs) for years, their application in science, technology, and digital innovation remains limited. Experts attribute this to the lack of legal frameworks for flexible partnerships among state bodies, businesses, universities, and research institutes. The absence of risk-sharing incentives and complex procedures has discouraged private investment.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang recently acknowledged that despite the existence of the PPP Law, the S&T sector still lacks fit-for-purpose mechanisms.

To resolve this, the Central Steering Committee and the General Secretary directed the drafting of a decree to create a legal framework facilitating cooperation among the government, enterprises, and research centers.

On July 1, 2025, the government issued Decree 180/2025/NĐ-CP, laying out specific PPP mechanisms for S&T investment, research, technology development, innovation, and digital transformation. The decree details use of public assets for partnerships, responsibilities of parties involved, and implementation timelines. It takes effect from July 1, 2025, with some articles effective October 1, 2025.

Minister Thang emphasized, “This is an urgent task aligned with the Party’s directive on economic reform. It reflects the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to turning science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation into core engines of growth and sustainable development.”

Creating equal investment opportunities for all sectors

Ultimately, Vietnam needs a stable legal environment and targeted incentives for non-state S&T organizations. This includes access to research funds, tax relief, intellectual property registration, and credit support.

Only by building a competitive, non-discriminatory investment framework - regardless of public or private status - can we unleash the true capabilities of S&T organizations. This will ensure equitable and effective technology innovation and transfer, helping science and technology become the backbone of Vietnam’s sustainable growth in the digital era.

Nhan Dan