Resolution 71-NQ/TW: Launch pad to raise the level of Vietnamese universities

The above viewpoint was shared by Associate Professor Dr. Pham Van Song, Principal of Eastern University of Technology (Dong Nai), when referring to the role of higher education institutions in research and innovation activities.

Important move

One of the goals in Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo is to elevate universities to become centers of research, innovation and entrepreneurship of the country and regions.

Mr. Song believes that this has profound strategic significance for the development of universities in Vietnam. This is an important turning point, redefining the role of higher education.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Van Song, this goal helps to reshape the core mission of universities. Instead of focusing only on training and disseminating knowledge, universities will shift their focus to scientific research, innovation and creation of new knowledge. Reality in the world shows that a world-class university with a far-reaching role and influence must be a research university.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Song, Rector of Eastern University of Technology. Photo: MIT-Uni.

Research and innovation activities in universities will be an important basis for contributing to sustainable economic development.

In fact, about 80% of the world’s inventions and innovations are created at universities – where leading scientists work. University research activities are the driving force for student start-up activities and the foundation for developing start-up companies.

Universities are also a source of analytical input for policymakers. Universities becoming centers of scientific research and innovation play an important role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, through policy design and research incentives in this direction.

Specifically, the university will research areas such as health and clean water by addressing pressing medical issues such as the production of test kits, vaccines, and solutions for clean water and health.

The University will research and create technology for application in industry and infrastructure by enhancing scientific products, technological innovation and product diversification.

In the field of environment and resources, the university - with its strengths in research on ecosystems and climate change - will seek solutions on renewable energy and build an early warning system for natural disasters.

Universities can also contribute to sustainable community development by providing knowledge, engaging communities and collaborating to upgrade social infrastructure; and promoting responsible consumption and production through changing people's awareness and providing recycling initiatives.

New students complete admission procedures at Eastern University of Technology. Photo: MIT-Uni.

Strongly promote scientific research activities and improve professional quality

In addition to research activities, higher education institutions need to focus on improving the quality of training, because research and training have a close relationship and support each other. Research helps improve the professional qualifications of lecturers, thereby improving the quality of education.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Van Song, a modern curriculum can only exist when it is closely linked to research activities. The research environment also creates conditions for students to learn from professors and researchers at the forefront of knowledge, thereby training human resources with heart and vision, contributing to the development of Vietnam.

Regarding human resource development, research universities will attract talented scholars and professors at home and abroad, increasing the country's "brainpower" resources in the era of the 4.0 industrial revolution.

Scientific research is one of the important indicators to evaluate the quality of education of a country on global rankings. Scientific research achievements and innovation help universities contribute to solving global problems.

In summary, the President of the Eastern University of Technology stated that the transformation of Vietnamese universities into high-level research centers is a core transformation, contributing to improving the quality of training and research, while making a stronger contribution to the country’s sustainable development and enhancing its international status. This requires serious investment from the State and the universities themselves.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/nghi-quyet-71-nqtw-be-phong-nang-tam-dai-hoc-viet-nam-post746981.html