Local scientists recently gave the Hanoimoi Newspaper their views on mechanisms and policies that can help the capital advance through the strategic application of science and technology.

Nguyen Quan, former Minister of Science and Technology: Pilot the ownership and valuation of research results

Nguyen Quan, former Minister of Science and Technology. Photos: Hanoimoi Newspaper

The draft Capital Law (Amended) has set out some specific policies to support the transformation of the capital city, including the science and technology sector.

I hope that Hanoi will add the following points to the draft law before submitting it to the National Assembly for approval:

Article 18 of the draft law should be worded as follows: The leaders of Hanoi will assign scientific and technological tasks to Hanoi scientists and central agencies located in Hanoi to carry out the city's key tasks. It should focus on a series of solutions, set clear goals and specific scientific and technological products, and at the same time protect those who dare to think and do, then there will be quality products for its development.

Hanoi should test a mechanism to assign ownership rights and the right to value research results (i.e. intellectual property) to scientists. At present, the biggest problem is that scientists do not own any rights, so they cannot transfer their research results to enterprises or contribute capital. In the meantime, without companies, technological research results would remain "in the drawer."

Phan Xuan Dung, President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations: Empower the intellectual community to think and act boldly through well-designed mechanisms and policies.

Phan Xuan Dung, President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.

At a time when the world's economies are facing many difficulties, the socio-economic development of Vietnam and Hanoi is still on the rise. It can be said that the city's achievements are largely contributed by the intellectual community, experts, and scientists who live and work in the capital.

The draft Capital Law (Amended), which states that the development of the capital must be based on science and technology, is expected to be passed by the National Assembly in the ongoing session (that will last for a month from May 20). This means that the city must create conditions for the development of science and technology to which the intellectual community can contribute.

I hope that the leadership in Hanoi will further empower the intellectual community through appropriate mechanisms and policies, enabling the capital to develop more sustainably and reach new heights.

Le Xuan Rao, President of the Hanoi Federation of Science and Technology Associations: Gathering the domestic and overseas intellectual force 

Le Xuan Rao, President of the Hanoi Federation of Science and Technology Associations.

I hope that the city will task the Hanoi Federation of Science and Technology Associations with pooling intellectual talents domestically and internationally to participate in advisory, critical, and social evaluation activities related to the city's mechanisms, policies, decisions, and pressing issues.

For example, there should be a focus on applying high-tech solutions in agriculture to increase productivity, or on tackling the challenges of urban transport, congestion, and pollution. Other key areas include urban planning, education, healthcare, science and technology, and the use of the unique mechanisms in the draft amended Capital Law.

In addition, the city should expand international relations to promote the sharing, learning, research, implementation, and transfer of advanced foreign science and technology to offer intellectuals more opportunities for further contributions.

Bui Thi An, President of the Hanoi Association for Intellectual Women: Ready to participate in solving the city's issues

Bui Thi An, President of the Hanoi Association for Intellectual Women.

To achieve the goal of making Hanoi a cultured, civilized, and modern metropolis by 2030, the quality of human resources is extremely important.

To take full advantage of the scientific potential, Hanoi should select and entrust (through a special mechanism) the association to lead certain projects in science and technology. The city also should recognize the contributions of intellectuals and scientists regularly.

At the same time, the city should encourage talented young people to settle in Hanoi and work for its development. In addition, the city should conduct specific reviews and assessments of small but impacting daily life issues, such as recreational spaces for the public, especially the elderly and children; the quality and aesthetics of sidewalks and streets; and pedestrian spaces. The next step is to make those things public. It may be challenging but possible with determination and the support of science and technology.

We are ready to participate fully in all aspects that the city identifies and entrusts to the scientific community.