Tapping into Overseas Brainpower: Insights from Phung Quoc Tri
As Vietnam stands at the threshold of a transformative era, the ongoing 14th National Congress of the Communist Party serves as a platform for envisioning a future driven by innovation and sustainable growth. Dr. Phung Quoc Tri, President of the Association of Vietnamese Intellectuals in Belgium and Luxembourg (ViLaB), is advocating for concrete strategies to mobilize the intellectual resources of Vietnamese experts living abroad.
The Vision of a “New Era of Rise”
The idea of a “new era of rise” encapsulates a pivotal shift in Vietnam’s development paradigm—from a reliance on low-cost labor to a model that prioritizes knowledge, science, and technology. With a vibrant overseas community of over 6.3 million Vietnamese, including approximately 30,000 doctorate-level professionals, this demographic provides an invaluable intellectual reservoir. Dr. Phung emphasizes that effectively harnessing this brainpower can catalyze significant national advancement.
Policies for Cross-Border Collaboration
Dr. Phung advocates for the design of flexible and open policies to encourage scientific collaboration across borders. He proposes the creation of joint research funds with international partners and streamlined administrative processes to facilitate the involvement of overseas Vietnamese experts in domestic projects. Furthermore, he suggests introducing tax incentives to encourage the transfer of high-tech knowledge back to Vietnam.
Embracing Digital Connectivity
A key aspect of Dr. Phung’s vision is the development of digital platforms that connect Vietnamese intellectuals globally. He highlights the importance of initiatives like the Vietnam Data Expert Network (VDEN) and the operationalization of the National Data Exchange. By leveraging modern technology and artificial intelligence, a national portal could effectively match domestic research needs with overseas expertise, significantly enhancing the mobilization of intellectual resources.
Prioritizing Research and Development
Dr. Phung proposes that the 14th National Party Congress should crystallize a clear strategy with measurable targets for utilizing overseas brainpower, especially from Europe. He hopes to see an increasing percentage of national-level research and development projects engaging experts from abroad, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s scientific and technological landscape.
Focus Areas for Collaboration
Among the key sectors identified for collaboration are green energy, logistics, and biotechnology. As Vietnam gears up for an energy transition and plans to resume its nuclear power program, ViLaB experts stand poised to contribute their knowledge in areas such as photovoltaic materials, nuclear safety, and sustainable energy management. The potential to adapt European “green port” models, like those employed by Belgium’s Port of Antwerp, offers further avenues to bolster Vietnam’s green logistics development.
Commitment to National Growth
Dr. Phung Quoc Tri reaffirms the readiness of the Vietnamese intellectual community in Belgium and Luxembourg to contribute to Vietnam’s development. Their collective expertise and international experience can play a crucial role as the nation strives to realize its aspirations in this new era.
By outlining these initiatives and highlighting the importance of overseas intellectual participation, Dr. Phung emphasizes the vital role that mobilizing Vietnamese expertise abroad can play in shaping a prosperous future for Vietnam.