Vietnamese businesses should pay more attention to scientific research and technology development in order to expand their business operations.

The establishment of research institutes became one of the top ten science and technology events in 2010.

   Tran Viet Hung, Director General of the Department of Organisation and Personnel under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST):  Exploiting technologies will help businesses stand firm.

 It is an important and good decision to set up research institutes. In developed country, businesses tend to invest in science and technology as soon as possible because it will help improve their business effectiveness.

 In Vietnam, as cheap labour, land, and rich natural resources are no longer advantages for doing businesses, it is crucial for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in scientific research.

 Research institutes will provide businesses with updated information about the market and consumer demand. In addition, businesses will be able to make high-quality and attractive products if they can take advantage of existing technologies.

 The establishment of research institutes in businesses depends on many factors such as business leadership and management skills, investment levels, and business capacity. In fact, just a few businesses set up research institutes in the early stage of their development with the aim of making a good profit. Usually, only when they have developed well and need to compete with other businesses do they think of establishing research institutes.

 Despite receiving guidelines from the Government and the MoST documents, most businesses find it difficult to complete the necessary procedures for the establishment of scientific and technological institutes.

 The MoST will issue and make public more legal documents including decrees and circulars on the implementation of the Law on Technology Transfer to help businesses set up research institutes.

 According to the Government’s decree 119, businesses will receive 30 percent of the total investment capital for their technology renovation project. Businesses should contact the Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) for further information and assistance.

Dr. Tran The Trung, Director of the FPT Technology Research Institute (FTRI): Research institutes will help businesses gather and unite intellectuals

Improving productivity and competitiveness are the two key questions for Vietnamese businesses and technological development is considered the best answer to them. Scientists will be able to help enterprises to make an appropriate approach.

 The establishment of the FTRI is aimed at gathering intellectuals from inside and outside the country to engage in industrial development. The institute is now focused on four major issues including the application of information technology, clean energy and energy saving, biotechnology, and Universe Technology.

 However, the FTRI is still confronted with numerous difficulties, one of which is the lack of capacity to assess new technologies. We have spent much time and money appraising high technology projects. Inadequate investment is another snag in the process.

Despite the fact that the State has introduced many policies to promote the development of science and technology, just a few companies have turned to the State for assistance, mainly for lack of information on registration procedures.

 Dr. Nguyen Hoai Chau, Director of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology: Effective investment in the new situation

 All leading businesses in the developed countries have their own research institutes. Therefore, Vietnamese enterprises should not only wait for State assistance but  have to make a greater effort to develop themselves. The establishment of research institutes in businesses will ensure their sustainable development and global integration.

Many Vietnamese have taken the initiative to set up their own institutes such as the Binh An Seafood Company and FPT Corporation. I strongly believe that they will be able to achieve sustainable development with appropriate investment.

 

(VOVNEWS)