During a socio-economic discussion on 20/4, Representative Nguyen Thi Lan, Director of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, agreed with the strategy of leveraging science, technology, and digital transformation to enhance economic productivity and quality.

However, Ms. Lan emphasized that technology alone does not create breakthroughs; people are the decisive factor. Drawing on experiences from South Korea, Israel, and Singapore, she noted that these nations have consistently been one step ahead in developing high-quality human resources. Their experts not only possess strong professional skills but also excel at connecting research with the market to generate added value.

Based on domestic realities, the representative highlighted that Vietnam's biggest bottleneck is the lack of human resources capable of driving innovation. The country currently lacks experts who can master core technologies, leading scientists, data exploitation specialists, and especially a workforce capable of commercializing research findings.

Consequently, the connection among management agencies, academic institutions, and businesses remains weak due to an insufficient number of personnel to coordinate and lead the innovation ecosystem.

Taking agriculture as an example, Ms. Lan explained that Vietnam has many research outcomes in genetics, biotechnology, and digital agriculture. However, commercialization is limited, with many models remaining at the pilot stage and failing to scale up. The core reason is a shortage of "integrated human resources"—individuals who can master technology, understand the market, and organize large-scale implementation.

Therefore, Ms. Lan proposed that the government develop a breakthrough program for human resource development. This program should focus on training core personnel capable of mastering core technologies, leading research, and creating tangible value.

Training needs to shift towards a competency-based approach, closely linked with businesses and market demands, producing specific outputs, and incorporating mechanisms for commissioned projects and performance-based contracts. Concurrently, international cooperation should be strengthened to mobilize experts and learn from developed nations.

Representative Nguyen Thi Lan (Director of Vietnam National University of Agriculture). Photo: Hoang Phong

Ms. Lan recommended prioritizing human resource breakthroughs in advantageous sectors such as agriculture, environment, biotechnology, processing technology, and the green economy. She also suggested developing national core human resource training programs aligned with the needs of specific industries, businesses, and localities.

The representative further proposed reviewing and refining the list of strategic technologies, aligning it with national advantages, and concentrating resources to quickly master technologies vital for socio-economic development.

On the morning of 21/4, the National Assembly continued its hall discussion on the 2026-2031 socio-economic development plan and state budget.

In the afternoon, representatives offered opinions on the medium-term public investment plan, the five-year financial plan for the 2026-2030 period, and approved the 2024 state budget settlement. At the session's conclusion, government members clarified several issues raised by representatives.