Despite a strong desire to contribute, many Vietnamese scientists returning from overseas find it difficult to stay in the public sector due to low salaries - some as modest as a 2.34 salary coefficient, equivalent to less than USD 200 per month.

At a press conference held on May 5 regarding the implementation of Resolution No. 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasized the urgent need to reform policies for scientific human resources in Vietnam.

Salary gap and outdated mindset hinder innovation

According to Deputy Minister Tien, scientists must be placed at the center of the national innovation agenda. However, Vietnam is facing a decline in the number of professors and PhD holders, particularly in agriculture and environmental sciences.

“Only those with resources can study abroad and access new technologies. They want to return and contribute, but with a starting salary based on coefficient 2.34, it's nearly impossible to retain top talent,” Tien stated.

In today’s competitive labor market, researchers and experts have more attractive career options. To attract and retain talent, Vietnam must offer not just a reasonable income but also professional development opportunities.

Tien added that for science and technology to thrive, the system for approving research projects must be overhauled to reflect practical needs and serve real-world applications.

While support funds exist under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Deputy Minister stressed the need for stronger mechanisms to shorten the time from research to real-world deployment.

He also pointed out that the lingering “subsidy-era” mindset in science management is stifling creativity. “This old thinking undermines innovation. We need breakthrough policies to replace it and build a system where science and technology generate real economic value,” he asserted.

Three bottlenecks in institutional autonomy

Another challenge, according to Tien, is the lack of “triple autonomy” in research institutions, referring to autonomy in task execution, financial management, and organizational structure. Unlocking these would grant research centers more flexibility and innovation capacity.

He also noted the inefficient use of resources, with expensive equipment lying idle due to poor planning and lack of synchronization. He called for centralized, selective investment to avoid waste and maximize efficiency.

Land, he said, is a crucial resource for scientific research, but there is currently no effective mechanism for its use in this context.

Tien proposed establishing dedicated credit lines to support research groups and individuals with innovative ideas, particularly in agriculture - a field still vulnerable to climate risks and epidemics.

He also highlighted the need to streamline the approval and disbursement process for research funding to prevent delays that hamper progress. Investment should focus on excellent, interdisciplinary research groups in key sectors such as agriculture and environmental sciences.

In conclusion, Deputy Minister Tien stressed that science and technology programs must be strategically selected and funded, with a focus on initiatives that offer real-world impact and transformation in both production and everyday life.

“To truly bring science and technology into everyday life, we must be bold enough to invest in the right people, in the right places, and in the right needs,” he affirmed.

Vu Diep