For the first time, innovation is legalized and placed on par with science and technology
In the afternoon of May 13, continuing the program of the 9th Session, the National Assembly discussed in the hall the draft Law on Science, Technology and Innovation (amended). This is one of the important draft laws aimed at institutionalizing Resolution No.57 of the Politburo, making science, technology and innovation the main driving force for the country's rapid and sustainable development.
Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung clarified a number of issues raised by National Assembly deputies.
At the discussion session, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, on behalf of the drafting agency, presented explanations, clarified many key contents and received comments from National Assembly delegates.
Affirming the key role of science, technology and innovation, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized: "Science and technology are the foundation of a modern nation. Only when science and technology flourish will that nation be prospered. Only when science and technology are strong will the nation be strong. A nation that wants to become a powerful nation must be a powerful nation in science, technology and innovation. A nation that wants to become a developed nation must be a nation with developed science, technology and innovation."
According to him, the most important innovation in this amendment to the Law on Science and Technology is that Vietnam's science and technology is oriented towards innovation, so the law and the name of the law should be amended.
For the first time, innovation was included in the draft law and placed on par with science and technology, demonstrating a fundamental change in Vietnam's development thinking.
The Minister said that if science, technology and innovation are expected to contribute 4% to GDP growth, then innovation alone accounts for 3%, while science and technology accounts for 1%. This shows that innovation has a strong, practical and widespread nature in the modern economy.
Concluding the discussion session, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai said that National Assembly deputies basically agreed on the necessity of amending the Law, aiming to make science, technology and innovation a strategic breakthrough, promote rapid development of productive forces, perfect production relations and innovate national governance methods.
The National Assembly Standing Committee will direct relevant agencies to fully absorb the opinions of delegates in groups and in the hall, continue to perfect the draft, and submit it to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at this session.