Prime Minister sets bold goals for innovation and tech

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 24 listed several key targets, tasks and missions to promote national innovation, science and technology development, and digital transformation when he launched the "National Emulation on Innovation, Creativity and Digital Transformation" movement.

"By 2030, Vietnam must become a country with strong potential and high capacity in science, technology and innovation, leading upper-middle income countries," said Chinh.

"By that year, the digital economy must make up at least 30% of the country's GDP. The rate of people and businesses using online public services must reach over 80%," the Prime Minister said.

"Vietnam's digital infrastructure must be advanced and modern, with ultra-high capacity and ultra-wide bandwidth on par with developed countries," he added.

Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the need to inspire strong national development aspirations and unleash internal strengths. He called on all sectors, levels, localities, businesses and citizens to harness the country's patriotic spirit and collective strength.

"People and enterprises must be the main driving force, while scientists provide ideas, and the government offers support and creates a conducive environment to boost national innovation, science and technology, and digital transformation," he said.

He called for a fundamental overhaul of government administration, business operations and daily life through the use of technology and science.

By 2025, Vietnam aims to build a digital government, economy, society and citizenry, achieve a leading global position in cybersecurity and data protection, and develop a high-level digital culture industry, he added.

To achieve these goals, the Prime Minister called for a change in mindset that would create new momentum and energy throughout society. He wanted all business-related administrative procedures to be conducted on electronic platforms, with no restrictions based on provincial borders.

Government agencies and enterprises must embrace digital transformation, apply science and technology, and foster innovation to improve governance and national management while ensuring data security and national digital sovereignty, Chinh said.

The Prime Minister urged the business community to develop long-term, sustainable strategies with flexible structures to adapt to market changes. He encouraged a strong culture of innovation and greater international cooperation in research and development, especially in the digital field.

He called on Vietnamese enterprises to move from simply applying and mastering technology to developing breakthrough innovations and creating their own technologies based on the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Companies should invest in smart solutions, digital management and automation, and integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and big data into their products and services, he said, while stressing the importance of building a high-quality workforce.

In addition, Vietnamese enterprises must reform their management models, build their capacity to apply new technologies, go digital, and create unique and competitive products and services.

Party committees and local governments must take the lead in improving digital literacy and promoting innovation in their regions and institutions, the Prime Minister said.

"Every Vietnamese citizen should strive to learn, innovate and improve their digital skills and help build a digital economy and society in the coming years," he added.

He compared the drive for innovation and digital transformation to the urgent and bold spirit of April 1975, during Vietnam's all-out campaign for national reunification.

This campaign for innovation and digitalization is also aimed at implementing the Party's direction set out in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

He stressed that all movements must be meaningful and practical to benefit the people, only then will the policies of the Party and State have a real impact.

"Innovation, science, technology and digital transformation are not only essential needs of our time, but also the way for Vietnam to overcome challenges and stand alongside global powers," he said.

The Prime Minister praised the achievements made so far, but acknowledged that there are still many shortcomings.

He warned that the global and regional situation will remain complicated and unpredictable. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is accelerating, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in all aspects of life.

"Vietnam must rapidly adopt science and technology, promote innovation and digital transformation to open up new development opportunities," he said.

"Innovation, science, technology, and digital transformation know no limits, no borders, no age, no gender, and no religion."

Innovation and digital transformation are disruptive forces that can boost productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness, said Hoang Minh Cuong, Deputy Chairman of the Haiphong People's Committee.

Haiphong will focus on broadband, data centers, digital platforms, digital skills training and attracting tech talent, especially in information technology and artificial intelligence, he said.

"The innovation ecosystem and strong leadership are both essential for sustainable and effective innovation and digital transformation," he said.

Chu Duc Ha, from Vietnam National University - Hanoi, said these efforts would bring real change to society.

He called on national leaders to entrust young scientists with great tasks. "With our knowledge, bold thinking, and willingness to act and take responsibility, we are ready to face the challenges and contribute our youth, energy, and intellect."

Although his company is young, it has built a strong digital ecosystem to support comprehensive transformation in seaports.

Vang volunteered to lead the mission to build a nationwide digital transformation ecosystem for seaports, providing digital solutions for free trade zones and partnering with universities to train practical tech talent.