Minister Huynh Thanh Dat met with Professor Soumitra Dutta
On the afternoon of June 14, 2023, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) Huynh Thanh Dat had a courtesy meeting with Professor Soumitra Dutta, Dean of the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.
Minister Huynh Thanh Dat expressed his pleasure in welcoming Professor Dutta to visit and work with the Ministry of Science and Technology and thanked the Professor for his interest in scientific research, innovation, as well as for his support and advice in evaluating Vietnam’s innovation system. The results have been invaluable for the Ministry and Vietnamese policymakers.
During the meeting, the Minister shared that the Vietnamese Government has been utilizing the Global Innovation Index (GII) as a management tool since 2017. Recognizing the GII as an effective tool for governance, in 2022, the Government requested the Ministry of Science and Technology to pilot the development of a Provincial Innovation Index (PII), based on the principles of the GII.
The meeting in full view
The PII provides a realistic and comprehensive picture of the socio-economic development model based on science, technology, and innovation (STI) for each locality. It highlights strengths, weaknesses, potential factors, and necessary conditions, providing a scientific and practical basis for policymakers and local leaders to identify and select appropriate strategies and solutions for socio-economic development based on STI. The development of each locality will contribute to enhancing the national business capacity, competitiveness, and innovation capability. The Ministry successfully piloted the PII in 20 provinces/cities in 2022, and the Government has tasked the Ministry with officially implementing the PII nationwide, covering 63 provinces and cities from 2023 onwards.
Minister Huynh Thanh Dat presented a souvenir to Professor Dutta
Additionally, the Ministry of Science and Technology has been officially assigned by the Prime Minister to manage state activities related to innovation. Minister Huynh Thanh Dat expressed his desire for continued support from Professor Dutta in utilizing GII results, including data analysis, status evaluation, and policy recommendations, as well as finalizing the PII, including its framework and calculation methods. The Minister also suggested that the Academy of Science, Technology, and Innovation organize a workshop on innovation in the near future and invited Professor Dutta to participate and lead the event.
Professor Dutta expressed his sincere thanks to the Minister for the meeting and shared his admiration for the high rankings that Vietnam has achieved in the GII, attributing these results to the efforts of the Government and relevant ministries, especially the Ministry of Science and Technology. He also hoped that the PII being developed by the Ministry would provide practical support for localities in their socio-economic development plans based on STI. The Professor noted that this period of global value chain shifts and trade balance adjustments presents significant opportunities for Vietnam’s development. He emphasized that this is the time for the Vietnamese Government to focus on and further accelerate investments in science, technology, and innovation. The Professor also underscored the importance of close coordination among government agencies, the business community, and the scientific community for the success of this process.
Minister Huynh Thanh Dat, Professor Dutta, and representatives of VinUni & relevant units at the meeting
