Fundamentally reforming scientific and technological activities.

(Baonghean) - NOver the past years, especially after 8 years of implementing the "Renewal of the Management and Operation Mechanism of Science and Technology" launched in 2004, under the leadership and guidance of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee, science and technology activities in Nghe An have undergone many innovations and contributed important achievements in all areas of the province's socio-economic development. The province's scientific capacity and potential have been enhanced.

The technological content in many products has increased the quality and added value of goods and services, helping to enhance the competitiveness of products and businesses in the area under conditions of international economic integration. Scientific staff have been provided with better infrastructure and research equipment through provincial investment programs. The system of science and technology organizations has been supported and facilitated to transition to a self-reliant mechanism with appropriate investment from the province. A technology market is gradually being formed, progressively promoting the application and transfer of technology, and fostering the commercialization of scientific research results in relation to real-life situations, production, and the needs of businesses and the people.

The model applies the new SRI (System of Rice Intensification) scientific and technological advancements in intensive rice cultivation in Quy Hop.

However, the achievements in science and technology over the past years have not been groundbreaking or sustainable, failing to meet the increasingly high demands of the province's industrialization and modernization in the new phase; they have not truly become a driving force for development, especially in-depth growth. The field of social sciences and humanities, although receiving attention in recent years, has not truly contributed the theoretical and practical foundations for strategic planning and development policies of the province. Many research results and pilot production projects have not been widely applied, and their impact is limited.

The reasons for the aforementioned shortcomings are, first and foremost, the limited funding from the state budget for scientific activities (approximately 0.5% compared to the target of 2% of the total provincial budget expenditure), and the meager amount of funding mobilized from social sources.

Meanwhile, there are too many science and technology programs that need to be organized and implemented. Therefore, investment resources for scientific research and technological development are scattered, lacking focus and priority.

Secondly, there is a lack of mechanisms and policies to encourage the widespread application of high-tech scientific and technological research results into production and daily life (because there is a huge gap between the pilot models of science and technology projects and large-scale implementation; medium-scale application programs are needed to continue providing technical and managerial support for both input and output services).

Thirdly, the process of calling for, selecting, and proposing scientific tasks has sometimes not been aligned with the short-term priorities within the overall long-term strategy of the province's socio-economic development. Some pilot production projects have not paid enough attention to the market and the potential for scaling up, and there is no mechanism for ordering by the Provincial People's Committee.

Fourthly, the organizational and implementation capacity of the science and technology staff is limited, lacking responsiveness and adaptability to market mechanisms, and there is a shortage of leading experts and highly skilled workers. The management mechanisms and the arrangement of science and technology organizations are not yet as desired, and the connection between scientists and businesses is not high.

Fifth, the system of procedures and financial settlement mechanisms still has many shortcomings, especially the procedures for financial settlement for science and technology projects. Finally, some departments, agencies, and districts still do not pay sufficient attention to leading and directing the development of science and technology; none of them have advisory bodies or specialized personnel to manage this field, while the organizational structure of the specialized departments is too small.

To ensure that science and technology truly serve as a driving force for the province's socio-economic development, especially contributing to the successful implementation of Resolution No. 20-NQ/T.Ư on the development of science and technology, industrialization, and modernization in the context of a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration, the goal for the development of science and technology in Nghe An by 2020 is defined as: Developing scientific and technological capacity to a relatively high level compared to other localities nationwide, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the province's industrialization and modernization process, linked to sustainable development and international integration, effectively serving the province's socio-economic development goals by 2020, and making a significant contribution to improving the quality of economic growth and the competitiveness of Nghe An's products and goods. This will focus on the following aspects:

- Social sciences and humanities focus on researching practical local issues, providing scientific arguments for formulating policies and strategies for socio-economic development in the province, and promoting human resources and the culture of ethnic groups in the area.

- Applied science and technology transfer need to identify key areas for investment and select tasks for socio-economic development. Focus on industrial programs, pharmaceuticals and functional foods, microbial technology, information technology, electrical and electronics industry, and high-tech healthcare.

- In the industrial sector, priority is given to investing in technological innovation to enhance the competitiveness of products and goods in businesses.

- Investing in the development of several key areas such as: the high-tech industrial zone in the Southeast Economic Zone, the Phu Quy high-tech agricultural zone, and the program for disseminating scientific and technological advancements in the Western region.

- Strengthening scientific and technological potential: Building a system of sufficiently strong specialized scientific and technological units (institutes, sub-institutes, specialized scientific and technological centers of the province; universities, colleges and vocational schools, etc.) capable of solving key scientific and technological tasks serving the socio-economic development of the province and the region.

- Strongly innovate the management and operational mechanisms of science and technology; science and technology institutions should self-finance through the transfer of their own scientific and technological products, business incubation, and connection with businesses to ensure practical activities that effectively serve the needs of socio-economic development.

- Strengthen the management of technology, intellectual property, nuclear radiation safety, quality measurement standards, information, and inspection and supervision of specialized scientific and technological activities to promote and enhance the competitiveness of products, goods, and services in Nghe An; effectively combat and prevent fraud in measurement, counterfeit goods, and substandard goods, protect the rights of businesses and consumers, and create a healthy market.

To achieve the goals and development orientation of science and technology in Nghe An province by 2020, the following key tasks need to be focused on in the coming period: Continuing to organize propaganda and education to raise awareness among Party committees, government agencies, mass organizations, and the people about the viewpoints, goals, tasks, and solutions for developing science and technology to serve the cause of industrialization and modernization in the context of a socialist-oriented market economy; Continuing to improve the institutional framework and comprehensively reform the management, organization, and operation mechanisms of science and technology; Implementing key orientations and tasks in science and technology; Promoting and strengthening the province's science and technology potential; Developing the science and technology market; Strengthening international cooperation and integration in the field of science and technology.

To achieve the stated goals, directions, and tasks, the concerted efforts and coordinated cooperation of all levels and sectors, as well as the determination of scientists and entrepreneurs, are essential. The development of science and technology, in addition to state support, requires the passion and creativity of scientists and entrepreneurs, as well as a healthy environment of innovation, dedication, and competition. By effectively implementing the Party's resolution, the relationship between the State, scientists, and businesses will undoubtedly create new momentum, enabling science and technology to truly become a driving force contributing positively to the province's socio-economic development.

Tran Quoc Thanh (Nghe An Department of Science and Technology)