Viet Nam At The Crossroads: The Role Of Science And Technology

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Viet Nam continues to emerge on the world stage, as does its new and developing market economy. In this spirit, Viet Nam's Minister of Science, Technology and Environment approached the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in January 1997 for assistance in developing a new science and technology strategy (STS). In response, IDRC and CIDA assembled a team of experts into a mission with the following objectives:· Evaluate the experience in formulating STS in Viet Nam and other countries, both within and outside Asia; · Develop a methodology for the formulation of STS; · Collect background information on STS, including environmental and social studies; · Prepare terms of reference for further STS development; and · Initiate and moderate a national dialogue among stakeholders aimed at preparing concrete recommendations for STS in Viet Nam. This books presents the presents the findings of the mission. It is now being used to shape policy in Viet Nam and will continue to do so in the coming years. Interested readers will include government officials and policy makers in science and technology; academics, researchers, professors, and university students in development studies, policy studies, and Asian studies; public and private businesses involved, or interested in becoming involved, in the changing economy of Viet Nam; and donor organizations and NGOs active in Viet Nam and throughout Asia.

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VIET NAM at the CROSSROADS The ROLE of SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY K. BEZANSON, J. ANNERSTEDT, K. CHUNG, D. HOPPER, G. OLDHAM, AND F. S A G A S T I INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH CENTRE Published by the International Development Research Centre PO Box 8500, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1G 3H9 © International Development Research Centre 1999 Legal deposit: 1st quarter 1999 National Library of Canada ISBN 0-88936-873-2 The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the International Development Research Centre. Mention of a proprietary name does not constitute endorsement of the product and is given only for information. A microfiche edition is available. The catalogue of IDRC Books may be consulted online at http://www.idrc.ca/index_e.html This book may be consulted online at http://www.idrc.ca/books/focus.html CONTENTS Letter of Transmittal v Preface ix Part 1: Introduction Chapter 1. The Framework for the Review Chapter 2. The Global and Regional Context 3 11 Part II: The Review Chapter 3. Policy Reforms and Institutional Inertia 35 Chapter 4. Explicit and Implicit S&T Policies 39 Chapter 5. The Science and Technology Systems of Viet Nam 45 Chapter 6. The Acquisition and Assimilation of Technology 63 Chapter 7. Systems of Innovation and International Collaboration 73 Chapter 8. Education, Training, and Human Resources for S&T Activities 79 Chapter 9. Generating Savings: Applying S&T to Viet Nam's Traditional Sectors 87 Chapter 10. High Technology 91 Chapter 11. Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators iii 101 Part III: Related Reports Chapter 12. Applying S&T to Agriculture 107 Chapter 13. The Emerging High-tech Zones in Viet Nam 129 Part IV: Conclusions Chapter 14. Concluding Remarks and Summary 137 Chapter 15. Follow-up and Feedback 143 Appendix 1. Biographical Notes on the International Team 155 Appendix 2. Statistical Indicators of Science and Technology 157 Appendix 3. Abbreviations and Acronyms 175