Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has asked for appropriate and special policies to boost the development of science and technology.

Addressing a conference on December 28 reviewing the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST)’s performance in 2023 and launching tasks for 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Quang instructed the ministry to introduce specific policies to develop the field, with content including valuations of assets formed after implementing scientific research results, policies for scientists, and self-reliance and financial mechanisms.

It is necessary for the ministry to further promote research and the application of scientific and technological advances and to promote cooperation between relevant ministries and agencies while strengthening links to learn from international experience, he said.

He also pointed to the need to continue renewing mindsets and adopt comprehensive measures to develop the national creative innovation system, renew management mechanisms, raise scientific and technological levels, and promote the development of the innovative ecosystem and startups.

The ministry should consult the government to create a more favorable environment and better conditions to facilitate scientific research, develop technology, and promote innovation, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Quang also noted that the scientific and technological sector posted encouraging results in 2023 despite the difficulties and challenges, contributing to socio-economic development.

According to a report presented at the conference, Vietnam’s Global Innovation Index (GII) has continually improved over the past 13 years, revealing its effectiveness in converting input resources into innovative results.

Vietnam ranked 46th among 132 economies featured in the GII 2023 rankings, up two positions compared to last year. It ranked second among 36 economies in the lower middle-income group, and was one of seven middle-income countries making the most progress in innovation over the past decade.