Brian Jeffrey
During a recent conference in Bac Ninh province focused on the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Do Duc Duy, highlighted that innovation and digital transformation are not only global trends but vital strategies for enhancing the agriculture and environment sectors. These strategies are crucial for addressing pressing challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and the demand for sustainable development.
To realize sustainable growth and modernization, he emphasized the need for science and technology to be at the forefront of this transition.
Minister Duy raised concerns about several ongoing research projects that remain disconnected from real-world applications and have limited commercialization potential.
This disconnect, he noted, is largely due to inflexible state-commissioning processes that do not align with the actual needs of businesses and producers.
He suggested that starting in 2026, projects in science and technology should be commissioned based on the genuine needs expressed by businesses and relevant agencies, rather than solely by research institutions.
“Policies should not become obstacles to innovation. We must eliminate institutional barriers, broaden technology testing avenues, and create pathways for research ideas to transition into real applications,” he stated.
Minister Duy further stressed that digital transformation should be adopted in a holistic manner, covering everything from administrative processes to production practices. It should be viewed not just as a tool but as a transformative approach to improve productivity, transparency, and governance in agriculture and environmental sectors.
Dr. Phan Xuan Dung described Resolution 57 as a game-changing strategy that reinforces the State’s leadership and highlights the significant role of the intellectual community. He indicated that moving away from a restrictive mindset of “banning what cannot be managed” will open up new opportunities for innovative models.
According to him, aiming to position Vietnam among the top 50 countries in science and technology competitiveness is feasible, especially if the nation fully capitalizes on its human resources and market potentials. He also pointed out the importance of agriculture and the environment for sustainable development, noting Vietnam’s standing as one of the top 15 agricultural exporters globally.
On environmental matters, Dung stressed Vietnam’s commitment to economic growth that also protects the environment, advocating for a shift toward a circular economy. With nearly 4 million members, VUSTA acts as a platform for knowledge exchange and applied research initiatives.
He encouraged ministries and agencies to enhance demand-driven research initiatives and to effectively communicate scientific knowledge to the public, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Nguyen Phu Tien, Deputy Director General of the National Digital Transformation Agency, affirmed that human capital, especially skilled personnel, is critical for successful digital transformation, innovation, and technological progress. Resolution 57 recognizes this as a primary driver for productivity and modernizing production relationships.
In the wake of Resolution 57, the government quickly adopted Resolutions 03 and 71, outlining seven priority action areas that include reforms in leadership mindsets and the establishment of strong science and technology infrastructure.
These initiatives are aimed at achieving significant goals: by 2030, Vietnam aspires to be among the top 50 digital governments in the world, take the lead in AI within ASEAN, and have its digital economy contribute 30% of GDP. By 2045, this target should rise to 50%, aiming to position Vietnam as a high-income developed country.
Tien emphasized that achieving these objectives is impossible without a well-equipped human resource base. Thus, leadership roles need to be clearly defined and accountable, ensuring that individuals can effectively apply and manage technologies.
The Ministry of Science and Technology is currently working on regulations to hold leaders accountable in the realm of digital transformation, fostering innovation across the public sector.
He also pointed out that digital and AI infrastructure can only flourish on a solid knowledge base and adaptable policy frameworks that encourage innovation and accept calculated risks.
