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Scientific and technological achievements only make sense when transformed into products, services, processes and new business models that serve the economy and society.
At the ceremony, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh said that if science creates new knowledge and technology creates new tools, innovation is the bridge that translates knowledge and technology into products, services and real-world value for society.
In recent times, the startup and innovation ecosystem has continued to develop, with innovation centers, investment funds and enterprise support programs deployed, alongside efforts by institutes, universities and citizens to implement innovation.
The Deputy Minister also cited progress in research capacity, technology infrastructure and the economy’s ability to innovate. He noted that the strategic technology development program has been implemented, focusing on foundational fields including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, big data, biotechnology, new materials and new energy.
He said the country’s development approach is shifting from broad dispersion to focused direction, and from passive adoption to actively mastering technology.
Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh warned that the challenges ahead are substantial as the world enters a development phase at unprecedented speed. Breakthrough advances in AI, big data, biotechnology and semiconductor technology are changing production, governance and global competition, which can cause the gap between countries to narrow or widen quickly.
For Vietnam, with the goal of two-digit GDP growth and higher-quality, sustainable growth based more on knowledge, technology and innovation capacity, he said the country cannot rely mainly on low-cost advantages or resource exploitation.
To develop fast and sustainably, he said Vietnam must rely on science, technology and innovation, supported by high-quality human resources. In that context, innovation is described as playing a particularly important role in the country’s development in the coming period.
Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh outlined three key functions of innovation:
To make innovation a major driver of development, the Deputy Minister said each actor in the national innovation system must fulfill its role and responsibilities.
He said these actors produce new knowledge, new technology and high-quality human resources. The scientific community should continue strengthening basic research, promoting applied research and increasing collaboration with enterprises to commercialize research results.
He said business is where innovation is brought to market and creates economic value. Enterprises should treat innovation as a core capability, commission research proactively, invest in technology and test new business models.
He said state agencies’ most important role is to build institutions and policies that foster development, encourage experimentation and accept new ideas. Agencies should also identify major development problems of sectors and localities to mobilize research institutes, universities and enterprises to find solutions.
He added that Vietnam should continue strengthening the role of intermediary organizations and innovation centers in connecting technology supply and demand, supporting testing, evaluating and scaling successful innovation models.
Speaking at the World Innovation Day, Pauline Tamesis said creativity is the driver of progress, while innovation shapes the future.
She referenced the Global Digital Deal framework in Vietnam, calling for narrowing the digital divide, promoting inclusion and responsible innovation. She said this spirit is reflected in Resolution 57, which places science, technology and innovation at the heart of the national development strategy.
According to her, Resolution 57 sends a clear message that innovation is no longer optional but a mandatory requirement. She said innovation can transform challenges into opportunities, turning ideas into growth engines and aspirations into reality.
Ms. Tamesis pointed to examples in Vietnam, including:
She also cited models such as Hanoi Creative City, saying they show how youth, policymakers and the creative community can shape a future with AI centered on people.
Ms. Tamesis emphasized that the future belongs to those who dare to imagine and act to turn imagination into reality. She said Vietnam is resilient and creative, and is ready not only to innovate but also to inspire—aiming to become a leader in innovation and a global beacon of innovation.
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