Quang Ninh strengthens foundation for sustainable development

Quang Ninh is aiming to become one of the leading localities in the country in terms of the application and transfer of science and technology, as well as innovation by 2030.

Quang Ninh is aiming to become one of the leading localities in the country in terms of the application and transfer of science and technology, as well as innovation by 2030.

To that end, Quang Ninh is focusing on mobilising all resources, enhancing its scientific and technological capabilities and innovation, strengthening the research and application of science and technology, and promoting targeted and strategic innovation to support rapid and sustainable socio-economic development.

In the 2012-2024 period, the province has spent over 2.5 trillion VND (100.5 million USD) on science and technology activities, or 2.73% of the province’s annual regular budget expenditure.

Localities such as Uong Bi, Cam Pha, and Ha Long cities, Co To, Ba Che, Binh Lieu, Hai Ha, Tien Yen, Dong Trieu, and Quang Yen districts have actively allocated their budgets for these activities, with a total amount of 11 billion VND in the period.

The province also recognises science and technology as a top policy and a crucial driver for its economic restructuring, growth model change, and enhancement of productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of its economy. Therefore, it has built and issued various important documents to establish a legal framework that promotes the development of science and technology and innovation, contributing to its socio-economic development.

They include Resolution No. 04-NQ/TU dated May 5, 2012, and Resolution No. 07-NQ/TU dated March 13, 2017, on the development of science and technology; Resolution No. 13-NQ/TU dated April 28, 2023, on the development of science and technology and innovation by 2030; Resolution No. 43/2016/NQ-HDND dated December 7, 2016, and Resolution No. 313/2020/NQ-HDND dated December 9, 2020, concerning financial mechanisms to encourage and support organisations and individuals engaged in science and technology activities in the province.

In addition, there are programmes and projects such as the Intellectual Property Development Programme by 2030, the Genetic Resource Conservation Project by 2025, the plan for supporting productivity and product quality improvement, and the Science and Technology Market Development Programme.

Thanks to substantial investment, science and technology and innovation are increasingly demonstrating their roles, makinging positive contributions to the province's socio-economic development. Many tasks, projects, and initiatives have been applied in practice, yielding considerable results. These efforts have also made significant contributions to improving labour productivity, product quality, environmental protection, efficient use of natural resources, climate change adaptation, public health protection, and ensuring security and social order.

According to estimates, the proportion of high-tech and high-tech-applied products has reached 45.24% of the province’s total industrial production value. The contribution of the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) index to the province's GRDP stood at 50.01% in 2023. Quang Ninh ranked ninth out of the 63 provinces and cities nationwide in the 2023 Provincial Innovation Index.

Yet the province's infrastructure for science and technology is still inadequate and does not fully meet the requirements, particularly lacking Big Data centres and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) needed to support the development of key industries. The application of high and modern technologies in production and processing remains limited, failing to create breakthroughs to enhance the added value and competitiveness. Furthermore, the contribution of the digital economy to the GRDP is low, standing at only 5.9%.

Director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Cuong said that in the coming time, Quang Ninh will continue to invest in science and technology infrastructure and innovation projects to ensure the ability to absorb, master, develop, and transfer advanced technologies for production.

It also aims to become an annual international exhibition destination by 2030 for marine science, seaports, and environmental protection science.

The province will also continue to research, develop and promulgate mechanisms and policies to create motivation and momentum for science and technology and innovation; and pay attention to develop high-quality and skilled human resources.