(VOV) Domestic enterprises are applying technological advances to enhance their competitive edge during the international integration process. To this end, scientists have been receiving funding for their production-oriented studies. Vietnam’s strategy for scientific and technological development from 2011 to 2020 stresses the importance of technology transfer and commercialization.

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Application of technological advances is vital to businesses as Vietnam integrates into the world.  In this process, connection between businesses and scientists is inevitable. Ha The Phuong, Director of PVC company in Ha Nam province, says his company’s success is attributable to scientists’ assistance. The company has invested in a scientific institute, which provides technical solutions to churn out highly-competitive products. Phuong says: “We are the first private company to establish a center for studies of building foundations, which support our production of concrete stakes. Our institute has 12 PhDs and professors of engineering geology. Their studies have been very helpful to us.”

Businesses in developed countries have to invest in research and development (R&D) for their survival. But in Vietnam, as enterprises are still struggling with making profits and creating jobs, scientific innovations are not of primary concerns. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung says his ministry is taking steps to nurture Vietnam’s science and technology companies: “These companies are able to increase their competitiveness by introducing protected scientific results, innovations, or useful solutions. Although there are few such companies, their turnover is forecast to contribute 9 billion USD to the national economy by 2020. At present, our ministry has submitted for the Prime Minister’s approval a program on the support of science and technology companies, creating a new productive force in Vietnam.”

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, there is almost no  technology transfer among Vietnamese businesses. At a recent workshop between Vietnam’s Academy of Science and Technology and Wallonia-Brussels Agency for International Cooperation, Professor Claude Jamar, Principal of the Liege College of Belgium, called on Vietnam to promote the role of scientific  researchers and their close connection with businesses to achieve set socio-economic development targets.

Workshop participants agreed that business competitiveness depends largely on  technological ability. They suggested that Vietnamese businesses create a roadmap for technological innovation, establish relationships with science centers and apply scientific findings in a systematic way. The majority of experts say it’s high time for Vietnam to move forward in science and technology, which will create a firmer foundation for national growth.