Decision 57: A Blueprint for Innovation

Vietnam is doubling down on its commitment to scientific and technological advancement with Decision 57, a policy framework designed to foster innovation and propel the nation’s digital conversion. This initiative recognizes that attracting and retaining skilled professionals is paramount to achieving its enterprising goals. Dr. Nguyen Van Tuan, a leading voice in Vietnamese academia, has recently shed light on the nuances of Decision 57 and its implications for the country’s future.

Dr. Tuan emphasizes that Decision 57 directly addresses the critical issues surrounding attracting and effectively utilizing talent, both from within Vietnam and from abroad. He stresses the need for a strategic recruitment approach, one that focuses on individuals who can make meaningful contributions to the country’s specific needs and priorities. This mirrors the approach taken by many U.S. companies, which prioritize skills alignment over simply hiring the most credentialed candidate.

Beyond “The Best”: Finding the Right Fit

When questioned about the challenges of selecting the right talent for Vietnam’s scientific endeavors,Dr. Tuan offers a compelling viewpoint: “I think this story is not simply about ‘recruiting the best people,’ but about ‘recruiting the right people.'” This sentiment echoes a growing understanding in the United States and other developed nations: a candidate’s skills and experience must align with the specific goals and culture of an institution to ensure success.

He elaborates, noting that while talented individuals exist worldwide, thier motivations and priorities can vary significantly. Some may be driven by a genuine desire to contribute to a specific cause or project, while others may be primarily motivated by financial gain or career advancement. To effectively attract and retain talent, Vietnam needs a robust evaluation process that assesses both competence and compatibility. this is similar to how U.S. tech companies often use behavioral interviews to gauge a candidate’s fit within their team and culture.

Dr. Tuan advocates for the establishment of an evaluation council comprised of individuals with in-depth knowledge of international academia and a clear understanding of global science evaluation systems. This council would be responsible for assessing candidates based on a thorough set of criteria, including their background, expertise, international publications, patents, and ability to lead research teams. This mirrors the strategies employed by leading U.S. research institutions, which often utilize multidisciplinary search committees to identify candidates who possess not only remarkable technical skills but also strong leadership qualities and a commitment to collaboration.

Such as, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S. uses a rigorous peer-review process to evaluate grant applications, ensuring that only the most promising research projects receive funding. This process relies on the expertise of scientists from across the country, who assess the scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact of each proposal.

Incentivizing Return: Creating a Magnetic Environment

A critical question is whether talented individuals will be willing to return to Vietnam to contribute their expertise. Dr. Tuan acknowledges that many Vietnamese professionals working abroad have established successful careers and enjoy a high quality of life. These individuals might potentially be hesitant to leave their current positions unless thay are offered compelling incentives and a supportive work environment.

Dr. Tuan remains optimistic,pointing out that many experts and post-doctoral scientists in the U.S. and Europe are conducting research on topics that are not yet being actively pursued in those regions. These individuals may find that returning to vietnam offers them the chance to realize their ideas and make a notable impact. This is analogous to the “reverse brain drain” phenomenon seen in the U.S., where American expatriates are increasingly returning home to take advantage of new opportunities in emerging industries.

To capitalize on this potential, Vietnam must focus on creating a welcoming and stimulating environment for returning professionals. This includes providing competitive salaries, state-of-the-art research facilities, and opportunities for collaboration with leading scientists and engineers. Moreover, the government must streamline bureaucratic processes and ensure that returning professionals have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. This is similar to the efforts of many U.S. states to attract businesses by offering tax incentives,infrastructure improvements,and a skilled workforce.

This strategy aligns with the experiences of other Asian nations, such as China, which have successfully attracted talent from abroad by offering generous incentives and creating world-class research institutions. China’s “thousand Talents Program,” for example, has been instrumental in recruiting leading scientists and engineers from around the world. This program often involves formal channels for recruitment and the use of specialized intermediary companies to manage the entire hiring and relocation process.

Specifically, scientists frequently sign contracts and are directly assigned to specific departments in universities, research institutes, or hospitals, with clear stipulations regarding the results they must achieve. This performance-based approach is increasingly common in the U.S. as well, with many universities and research institutions tying faculty salaries and promotions to research output and grant funding.

Cultivating a Conducive Work Environment

when asked about his expectations for Decision 57, Dr. Tuan emphasizes the importance of creating a favorable work environment for scientists and researchers. He notes that many Vietnamese professionals living abroad are eager to contribute to their home country, but they are frequently deterred by bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of resources.

“In the case of experts living abroad like me, I am more interested in attracting international talent and Vietnamese people with high qualifications living abroad to return and contribute to the country,” Dr. Tuan states. “the resolution mentions priority solutions such as mechanisms for housing, land ownership, income tax, and creating favorable working conditions to attract international experts.”

However, he cautions that these provisions must be translated into concrete action. The government must work closely with universities, research institutions, and private companies to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation and collaboration. This includes providing access to funding, equipment, and mentorship opportunities, and also streamlining administrative processes and reducing bureaucratic red tape. This is a challenge faced by many U.S. universities as well, which are constantly striving to improve their research infrastructure and reduce administrative burdens on faculty.

by creating a welcoming and supportive environment, Vietnam can attract the talent it needs to achieve its ambitious goals for scientific and technological advancement. The nation’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a strategic approach to talent recruitment, positions it for success in the global arena. This success hinges on addressing the concerns of potential returnees, ensuring that the reality matches the promise of possibility.

The Exodus of Expertise: Why Vietnamese Scientists Are Leaving

The global competition for scientific talent is fierce, and Vietnam is facing a significant challenge in retaining its brightest minds. The issue, frequently referred to as “brain drain,” is not merely about individuals seeking better opportunities; it’s a complex interplay of factors that impact the nation’s scientific research and development landscape. This is a challenge the U.S. has faced as well, particularly in attracting and retaining talent in STEM fields, where competition from other countries is intense.

One key aspect is the bureaucratic hurdles that researchers face. as Professor Nguyen Van Tuan, a leading expert in medicine and biomedical sciences, points out, “We had good policies in the past, but we get bogged down in administrative red tape when implementing them.” This sentiment reflects a common frustration among scientists who find themselves spending more time navigating paperwork than conducting research. This is a familiar complaint in the U.S. as well, where researchers frequently enough lament the time spent on grant applications and compliance requirements.

Professor Tuan, who has dedicated over 25 years to scientific activities in Vietnam, emphasizes the difficulties in organizing workshops or grant-funded research projects. “You have to get permission from so many agencies – media,security,health,and local authorities,” he explains. “This is an example of how cumbersome procedures can discourage even the most dedicated professionals.” this multi-layered approval process can stifle innovation and delay critical research, making it arduous for Vietnamese scientists to compete on a global scale.

This bureaucratic labyrinth isn’t unique to Vietnam. In the United States, researchers frequently face similar challenges with grant applications, regulatory compliance, and institutional review boards. However,the scale and complexity of these hurdles can be particularly daunting in Vietnam,especially for those accustomed to more streamlined processes in Western institutions. The National science foundation (NSF) in the U.S. has been working to streamline its grant submission process to reduce the burden on researchers, but challenges remain.

Adding to the problem is the issue of workplace culture. Professor Tuan notes instances of unethical behavior and a lack of professionalism within some Vietnamese institutions. “I directly managed a department in Vietnam,” he recounts. “Over time, I saw people in high positions doing too many corrupt things, acting unethically within the department.” Such experiences can be deeply demoralizing and contribute to the decision to seek opportunities elsewhere. This highlights the importance of ethical leadership and a culture of integrity in fostering a thriving research environment.

Moreover,the lack of clear policies regarding conflicts of interest can create an environment ripe for abuse. “You also have to create rules that say that superiors are not allowed to mobilize subordinates,” Professor Tuan asserts. “Regrettably, old habits die hard.” This underscores the need for robust governance structures and transparent decision-making processes to ensure fairness and accountability in research institutions.

Recent examples highlight the ongoing nature of this challenge. Professor Tuan mentions that three doctoral students who returned to Vietnam to work were quickly disillusioned. “Recently,three postgraduate students from overseas returned to Vietnam to work,but no sooner had they arrived than all three were disappointed as they were thrown into environments that were not conducive to security,creativity,and did not encourage innovation.” This serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and stimulating environment for returning scientists.

Addressing the Root Causes: A Path Forward

To effectively address the brain drain issue, Vietnam needs to tackle the root causes that are driving scientists away. This requires a multi-pronged approach that focuses on streamlining bureaucratic processes, fostering a culture of ethical conduct, and providing adequate resources and support for research.The U.S. has invested heavily in its research infrastructure through agencies like the NIH and NSF, providing scientists with the resources they need to conduct cutting-edge research.

One key step is to simplify the grant application process and reduce the administrative burden on researchers. This could involve establishing a centralized online portal for grant applications, streamlining the approval process, and providing training and support for researchers on grant writing and compliance. The U.S.government has also been exploring ways to reduce the administrative burden on researchers, recognizing that it can stifle innovation and productivity.

Another important step is to promote a culture of ethical conduct and professionalism within Vietnamese institutions. This could involve implementing clear policies regarding conflicts of interest, providing ethics training for researchers, and establishing mechanisms for reporting and investigating unethical behavior. The U.S. has a strong emphasis on research ethics,with institutions requiring researchers to undergo training on responsible conduct of research.

In addition, Vietnam needs to invest in its research infrastructure and provide adequate resources and support for scientists. This includes providing access to state-of-the-art equipment, funding for research projects, and opportunities for collaboration with leading scientists from around the world. The U.S. has a robust ecosystem of research institutions, universities, and private companies that collaborate on scientific research and development.

Ultimately, addressing the brain drain issue requires a long-term commitment from the Vietnamese government and a willingness to embrace change. By creating a supportive and stimulating environment for scientists, Vietnam can attract and retain the talent it needs to achieve its ambitious goals for scientific research and development. This will require a concerted effort to address the bureaucratic hurdles, ethical concerns, and resource constraints that are currently driving scientists away.

The U.S. experience offers valuable lessons for Vietnam. By investing in research infrastructure, promoting ethical conduct, and streamlining bureaucratic processes, the U.S. has been able to attract and retain some of the world’s top scientific talent. vietnam can learn from these successes and adapt them to its own unique context to create a thriving research environment that attracts and retains its brightest minds.

The Impact on Scientific Progress and Economic Development

the departure of skilled scientists has far-reaching consequences for Vietnam’s scientific progress and economic development. Without a robust scientific community, the nation struggles to compete in the global knowledge economy, hindering innovation and limiting its ability to address critical challenges in areas such as healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability.

To retain talent, Professor Tuan stresses the importance of fostering a more enlightened and modern work environment that inspires scientists. “We need to create an enlightened and modern working environment that inspires scientists,” he says. This includes providing adequate resources, promoting collaboration, and recognizing achievements.

Moreover, Vietnam needs to offer competitive compensation packages and facilities to attract and retain top researchers. “In terms of remuneration policies or facilities, Vietnam is not too different from the rest of the world,” Professor Tuan acknowledges. “many Vietnamese hospitals are willing to pay foreign doctors up to $15,000-$20,000 a month. The biggest problem is the working environment.”

This echoes similar concerns in the United States, where debates over research funding, academic salaries, and the rising cost of living frequently enough drive scientists to seek opportunities in the private sector or abroad. for example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S. faces constant pressure to allocate limited funds, leading some researchers to pursue more lucrative positions in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the specific challenges faced by Vietnamese scientists, such as bureaucratic hurdles and workplace culture issues, require tailored solutions.

Investing in the Future: Strategies for Retaining Scientific Talent

Addressing the brain drain requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both systemic issues and individual concerns. Vietnam needs to streamline its administrative processes, promote ethical conduct, and create a more supportive and collaborative research environment.

One potential solution is to establish independent research institutes with greater autonomy and flexibility. These institutes could operate under different governance models, allowing them to attract and retain top talent by offering competitive salaries, state-of-the-art facilities, and a more conducive research environment. this model mirrors the success of independent research organizations in the U.S., such as the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which provides researchers with long-term funding and freedom to pursue innovative projects.

Another strategy is to invest in mentorship programs that pair young scientists with experienced researchers. These programs can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities, helping young scientists develop their careers and build connections within the Vietnamese scientific community. This approach is similar to the mentoring initiatives at many U.S. universities, where senior faculty members guide junior researchers through the complexities of academia.

Furthermore, Vietnam should actively promote international collaborations and partnerships. By engaging with scientists and institutions around the world, Vietnamese researchers can gain access to new knowledge, technologies, and best practices, while also raising the profile of Vietnamese science on the global stage. For instance, collaborations with U.S. universities could provide Vietnamese researchers with access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise.

Professor Tuan emphasizes the need for strategic investment in research areas with the greatest potential for impact. “Some research can take decades to come to fruition,” he notes. “We need to have strict control from the beginning. That is, money should only be used on topics that are really valuable, that have the potential to impact reality, even if they are new.”

This approach aligns with the growing emphasis on translational research in the United States, which focuses on bridging the gap between basic science and practical applications. The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the NIH is a prime example of this effort. By prioritizing research that addresses real-world problems, Vietnam can attract funding, generate economic benefits, and improve the lives of its citizens.

The Role of International Collaboration: Learning from Global Best Practices

Addressing the brain drain in Vietnam requires a global perspective. by learning from the experiences of other countries, Vietnam can identify best practices and adapt them to its own unique context. International collaborations can play a crucial role in this process, fostering knowledge exchange and promoting innovation.

For example, the United States has a long history of attracting and retaining scientific talent from around the world. This success is due in part to its robust research infrastructure, competitive funding opportunities, and welcoming culture. Though, the U.S.also faces challenges in maintaining its scientific leadership, including rising research costs, increasing competition from other countries, and concerns about diversity and inclusion. The recent debates over visa restrictions for international students and researchers in the U.S. highlight these challenges.

By studying the successes and failures of other nations, Vietnam can develop a extensive strategy for retaining its scientific talent and building a thriving research ecosystem. This strategy should be based on evidence-based policies, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to continuous betterment.

Expert Perspective: Professor Nguyen Van Tuan’s Insights

Professor Nguyen Van Tuan is a leading expert in medicine and biomedical sciences. He is currently a professor at the University of New South wales in Australia and heads the Bone and Joint Research Group at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. He serves on the editorial boards of several prestigious international scientific journals and has authored hundreds of research papers published in leading international journals.

Throughout his career, Professor Tuan has been deeply involved in promoting science and medicine in Vietnam.He has collaborated with major hospitals and universities in Ho Chi minh City, providing training, knowledge transfer, and research support. His insights offer valuable guidance for addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Vietnam’s scientific community.

We had good policies in the past, but we get bogged down in administrative red tape when implementing them.

Professor Nguyen Van Tuan

Comparative Analysis: Vietnam vs.United States

To better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Vietnam, it’s helpful to compare its scientific landscape with that of the United States. The U.S. boasts a well-established research infrastructure,substantial funding for scientific research,and a culture that values innovation. however, it also grapples with issues such as rising research costs, increasing competition for funding, and concerns about diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Vietnam, on the other hand, is a developing country with a rapidly growing economy. It has a young and ambitious population, but its research infrastructure is still developing, and funding for scientific research is limited. Though, Vietnam has the potential to leapfrog some of the challenges faced by developed countries by embracing new technologies and fostering a culture of innovation.

The following table provides a brief comparison of the scientific landscapes in Vietnam and the United States: