19/06/2025
The return of overseas Vietnamese scientists and experts to contribute to the country’s development holds great significance.
In line with the implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in scientific and technological development, innovation, and national digital transformation, attracting Vietnamese scientists and experts abroad to return and contribute is essential for the country’s progress.
With many years of experience in teaching both in Vietnam and Australia and currently participating in international research projects, Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao, President of Thanh Do University, shared with Education and Times Newspaper on this topic.
– What contributions can Vietnamese experts working abroad make to the country’s scientific and technological development, innovation, and digital transformation at this time?
Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao: As Vietnam is transitioning into a knowledge-based economy, where science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are pivotal for sustainable development, scientists and experts can contribute in several key areas.
Firstly, they can participate in policy consulting and planning. With their practical experience and global perspective, experts can support the government and ministries in formulating strategies and policies for scientific and technological development, aligning them with global trends while being in tune with local realities.
Secondly, they play a crucial role in knowledge and technology transfer. Experts act as bridges, bringing advanced technologies and effective innovation models from developed countries to Vietnam. They can also help train high-quality human resources, strengthening research and innovation capabilities domestically.
Thirdly, they can drive research and international collaboration. Experts can engage in joint research projects, establish interdisciplinary research teams, or connect Vietnamese research institutions and universities with international partners to develop solutions for digital transformation and innovation.
Fourthly, experts can become involved in entrepreneurship and technology investment. Many overseas Vietnamese experts may become founders or investors in tech startups in Vietnam, contributing to the national innovation ecosystem and helping bring creative scientific ideas to widespread application in society.
Lastly, they can teach and provide academic guidance at domestic universities and research institutes.
Attracting scientists and technology experts back not only provides intellectual benefits but also helps establish a robust scientific and technological ecosystem, contributing to the country’s sustainable development in the digital age.
Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao – President of Thanh Do University
– What policies should be implemented to attract skilled experts, particularly young professionals, to return to Vietnam?
Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao: To attract young scientists and technology experts back to Vietnam, it’s essential to offer competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring career development opportunities and professional growth. Policies supporting research, such as funding for scientific projects, will enable them to implement their ideas and research more easily.
Another critical factor is creating a work environment free from bureaucratic red tape, while investing in modern infrastructure to facilitate research and technology development. Opportunities for young experts to participate in research exchange programs and collaborate with international organizations will help them maintain connections with the global scientific community and enhance their careers.
Additionally, protecting intellectual property rights for their inventions and research is essential, ensuring that they can invest their time and efforts without the fear of their rights being infringed. Policies addressing social integration and family support, such as providing educational assistance for their children, housing, and other benefits, will help experts feel secure about their personal and family life when returning to work in Vietnam.
Creating a supportive, open environment that values intellectual contributions and offers long-term motivation will encourage them to contribute to Vietnam’s development.
– Apart from returning to work, scientists and experts can also strengthen connections and participate in research teams while working abroad. What should research institutions and universities focus on to promote this model?
Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao – President of Thanh Do University, shared at the seminar series on the topic ‘Thado Edupark and the Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thanh Thao: To promote the involvement of scientists and experts in strong research teams even while working abroad, research institutions, universities, and institutes in Vietnam should focus on a few fundamental changes.
Firstly, research institutions need to build platforms that support cross-border collaboration, allowing scientists to participate in remote research, share documents and data, and easily connect online. Mechanisms should be created to help Vietnamese scientists engage in international research projects, building long-term collaborations with global partners, which will enhance research quality and knowledge sharing.
Investing in information technology systems, collaboration software, and research management tools will help domestic and international research teams coordinate effectively. Flexible research funding that is easily accessible for projects involving international experts should be provided, enabling them to continue their work and contribute to collective development.
Advanced training programs and skill development for local researchers are essential to ensure effective collaboration with international experts and improve their global competitiveness. Combining experts from various fields will help create powerful research teams, driving innovation and solving society’s major challenges.
Importantly, the research evaluation system should consider not only the number of publications but also the practical impact of the research on the community and society.
Another key factor is the development of an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Research institutes and universities can create incubators to support research ideas that can be turned into practical products. Research teams can collaborate with investors to develop technology products and solutions for both domestic and international markets.
Thanh Do university
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