On May 18, 1963, at the historic Ba Dinh Hall, the First Congress of the Vietnam Science and Technology Association was held, marking a significant event in the history of the country's science and technology. More than six decades later, the second National Conference was held, with a new scale and stature, reflecting the determination of the entire political system and the country in promoting the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

The Politburo and the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat held a National Conference on Breakthroughs in Science, Technology, Innovation and National Digital Transformation, at Dien Hong Hall of the National Assembly House, on January 13. Photo: VNA

A conference in response to National Digital Transformation Day 2024, themed “Universalizing digital infrastructure and creating digital applications to develop the digital economy - A new driving force for economic growth and labor productivity,” took place in Son La Province on October 9, 2024. Photo: VNA

The conference aims to evaluate the implementation of resolutions of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat on science and technology development; to disseminate and implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on the breakthrough development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, creating a breakthrough shift in perception and implementation, contributing to making the country rich, powerful, and prosperous in the new era - the era of national advancement.

Implementing the Party and State's policies, the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation has achieved great success, making important contributions to socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, preventing natural disasters, protecting the environment, responding to climate change, and sustainable development of the country. By the end of 2024, the digital economy's proportion in GDP is estimated at 18.3%. In 2024, the digital technology industry achieved a revenue of 152 billion US dollars. The export turnover of hardware and electronics is estimated at 132 billion US dollars.

However, there are still many limitations and weaknesses in the development of science, technology, and innovation in Vietnam such as the pace and breakthrough in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation are still slow; it has not really become a significant driving force for socio-economic development; the country's scientific, technological, and innovation potential and capacity still have a gap compared to developed countries; research, application of science, technology, and innovation have not made breakthroughs, have not mastered strategic technologies and core digital technologies...

Kien Giang Province focuses on investing in digital transformation infrastructure development, aggressively and proactively applying digital technologies and data across all sectors, determined to implement the 'Digital Transformation' development strategy for the 2022-2025 period and with a vision towards 2030. Photo: VNA

Thai Thanh Quy, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Central Economic Commission, said that the Politburo affirms the special importance of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, clearly identifying this as a top priority, the main driving force for rapidly developing modern productive forces, perfecting production relations, innovating the state management method, developing the socio-economy, preventing the risk of lagging behind, and leading the country to develop in a breakthrough, prosperous manner in the new era.

The resolution clearly states the networked, nationwide, and comprehensive nature of the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, requiring the strengthening of the Party's comprehensive leadership, promoting the synergy of the entire political system, the active participation of entrepreneurs, businesses, and people. In particular, it focuses on investing in and improving infrastructure; developing and utilizing high-quality human resources; promoting digital transformation, applying science, technology, and innovation in all fields; improving the effectiveness of national governance, the efficiency of state management in all areas, ensuring national defense and security.

Students at the FPT Schools Open Robotics Competition. Photo: VNA

This is defined as a profound and comprehensive revolution in all fields, to be implemented resolutely, persistently, synchronously, consistently, and long-term, aiming to realize the goal of Vietnam being among the top three countries in Southeast Asia and the top 50 countries in the world in terms of digital competitiveness and e-Government development index by 2030./.

 Story: VNP    Photos: VNA   Translated by NguyenTuoi