As time goes on, they continue to enhance their status and intellectual role, while at the same time extract and mobilize intellectual resources to contribute to the mission to grow the nation. The press of VUSTA also becomes a destination and an important bridge between the Party and the State with intellectuals and the people, and a bridge between reasoning, media and practice.
VUSTA possesses a system of 69 press organizations, including 01 newspaper and 68 journals; 27 of those journals are counted when calculating for academic titles and degrees. VUSTA has been and still is becoming a strong impetus for promoting the development of science and technology in Vietnam. It is also a forum for the popularization of knowledge, consultation, debate and social appraisal, and an indispensable area for expert and specialized activities of the Vietnamese scientific and academic community. From 2015, VUSTA has honored 587 scientific and technological intellectuals of note, including those who had the special role of VUSTA for connecting information and media.
The article below provides analysis for the roles and contributions of the press of VUSTA in the aggregation and construction of the team of scientific and technological intellectuals of today.
- The role of the press of VUSTA
- Creating a professional academic exchange forum
The press of VUSTA carries a depth of history. Some of these publications have existed for a long time, even before the formation of VUSTA. Most of the press of VUSTA has the role of publishing specialized scientific knowledge and creating high-quality, professional, specialized, and interdisciplinary forums for the scientific and technological intellectual community. In addition, these journals nowadays possess more diverse operation: many of these journals have integrated with the digital integration process and have created digital publications and information pages. These are the basis for these journals to grow from specialized to multi-disciplinary, from theoretical information science to popular science and the communication of policies to serve the public.
These intellectual forums in the press not only serves to disseminate in-depth scientific and academic information but also becomes an effective place to interact with readers, and to communicate and campaign for important policies. Not only that, but these publications also contribute to scientific assessment and introduce to the public new scientific knowledge, achievements and cutting-edge research that drives the market and technological transition. With in-depth sections, analyses and expert opinions, the press of VUSTA has contributed to enhancing the quality of scientific research and acted as a motivator and attractor for creativity in the scientific and technological intellectual community.
Moreover, with 27 journals counting in calculations for academic titles and degrees, the VUSTA press system is increasingly becoming a reliable place for the announcement of scientific research, contributing to promoting research activities and improving the skills of intellectuals. This not only encourages scientists to announce their findings but also creates a mechanism for assessing the quality of research within the country.
*Building a network of intellectuals domestically and internationally
With a presence in 63 provinces and cities via local Unions and 89 industry associations across the country, the press of VUSTA has built a comprehensive and deep network linking scientists, research institutions, universities, businesses throughout the nation and Vietnamese intellectuals overseas together. The VUSTA system has created scientific and expert databases, becoming an important bridge in the science and technology community, assisting in the exchange of information and experience, and motivating inter-disciplinary and inter-regional research cooperation.
Through introductory texts, expert interviews, science conference reports and coverage of important scientific and technological events, the press of VUSTA has assisted scientists and intellectuals throughout the country in keeping up to date with information, sharing experience and finding opportunities to connect and cooperate.
Most especially, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the press of VUSTA took an important role in the communication of scientific data regarding disease prevention and the sharing of experience and solutions from scientists, helping to raise public awareness and aiding in the State’s pandemic prevention work.
*Social consultation, criticism and appraisal
According to Resolution number 14/2014/QĐ-TTg regarding the social consultation, critique and appraisal work of VUSTA, the press in this system has actively participated in these activities, helping to build a scientific basis for the planning of programs, plans, policies and strategies of the Party and the State in terms of socio-economic, scientific and technological development.
Through articles that analyze and review policies, the press of VUSTA has played an important role in representing the opinion of the intellectual community about major issues in the country. Via the press of VUSTA, experts and scientists have given objective evaluations and recommended practical solutions for problems during socio-economic development, aiding in enhancing the quality of draft laws and decision by the Party and State.
The consultation and critique work carried out through the press not only shows the legitimate roles of intellectuals in participating in the development of the Part and State but also enhances the position and prestige of the intellectual community in society. At the same time, it creates an effective feedback mechanism between the State and the scientific community, helping policies to be built on a scientific and practical basis.
*Guiding and leading trends in scientific and technological development
The press of VUSTA has and still is playing an important part in guiding trends in scientific and technological development through the communication of policies and development strategies of the State, as well as the analysis of global scientific and technological trends and predictions about the future. Most especially, in the context of the enactment of Resolution number 57-NQ/TW from the Ministry of Politics regarding breakthroughs in scientific and technological development, creative innovation and digital conversion, the press of VUSTA has become an important channel for information to help the intellectual community grasp the right direction.
Through articles about new technological trends such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, the blockchain, bio-technology and renewable energy, the press of VUSTA has helped the Vietnamese scientific community to be informed of the latest innovations in science and technology in the world, shaping the direction of research and development to be in line with general trends.
At the same time, the press of VUSTA also plays an important role in disseminating scientific knowledge to the public, raising awareness about science and technology of the people and creating a social basis for its development. This is especially important in building a learning society, improving the knowledge of the people and creating a favorable environment for creative innovation.
- Some achievements and challenges of the press of VUSTA in the union and gathering of scientific and technological intellectuals
*Achievements
Enhancing the status and credibility of the scientific and technological intellectual community
Throughout its years of operation, the press of VUSTA has made considerable contributions to enhancing the status and credibility of the intellectual community of Việt Nam within society. Stories that the press of VUSTA covered about notable scientists, exceptional inventions and important contributions of intellectuals in the development of the nation have created a positive image about intellectuals in society. This not only enhances social awareness about the role of science and technology, but also creates an environment that respects intellect and encourages creativity.
Especially, through the honoring of intellectuals with exceptional contributions, VUSTA has contributed to creating a culture that appreciates intellect in society, encouraging young generations to pursue the path of science and technology. This has an important significance in attracting and retaining talents, while at the same time creating an impetus for the sustainable development of the team of scientific and technological intellectuals.
Developing a diverse and professional science communication system
After 5 years of realizing Decision number 362/QĐ-TTg regarding the development and management of the press, the number of press agencies of VUSTA has reduced from 113 agencies to 69 agencies, showing the serious execution of the policies of the State and the trend of enhancing quality over expanding in quantity. This has contributed to enhancing operation efficiency and the quality of the scientific publications. Today, the VUSTA press system has grown diversely in terms of format, from traditional print to digital platforms, from specialized scientific journals to publications aimed at the masses and social network communications. This has created a complete science communication ecosystem, meeting the need for diverse information of the intellectual and social community.
Promoting the spirit of innovation of intellectuals within the community
Via honoring scientific and technological achievements and introducing successful models of creative innovation, the press of VUSTA has strongly inspired the scientific and technological community, from the elderly to the young. Many young scientists were inspired and were determined to follow the path of scientific research thanks to the writings of the press of VUSTA.
Programs communicating about creative innovation, creative startups and technological transition created by the press of VUSTA have contributed to creating correct perception regarding the importance of creative innovation in socio-economic development. This has encouraged many intellectuals to participate in research of the application and transition of technology, as well as creative startups.
At the same time, the press of VUSTA also plays an important role in spreading successful models, sharing experience and lessons gained from practice, helping to replicate creative solutions, and promote the application of science and technology in practical production and daily life.
Expanding international cooperation in science and technology
Many international cooperation programs in the field of science and technologies have been successfully deployed thanks to the information and media support of the press of VUSTA. This has allowed the scientists of Việt Nam to participate in the international scientific community, improving their expertise and expanding the research cooperation network.
At the same time, introducing international experience regarding scientific and technological development as well as policies that encourage creative innovations have also created important references in the planning of scientific and technological development policies of Vietnam.
*Difficulties and limitations
Adaptation to the new media environment
According to evaluations from the “Summary and Evaluation of Enacting Decision 362/QĐ-TTg” seminar held by VUSTA on the 5th November, 2024, some press agencies of the system saw difficulty in adapting with the new operation model, especially considering fierce competition from social media and other digital media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, TikTok or YouTube.
The strong growth of these platforms has fundamentally changed how the public receives information, especially the young generation. This introduces a major challenge for the press in maintaining and expanding readership, while at the same time necessitating changes in the way content is produced and transmitted.
Most of the scientific journals of VUSTA are financially independent, creating considerable difficulty and challenge in the present day as they see significant impact from the digital revolution. Investing in digital technology, training staff and developing new media products requires considerable financial resources that many press agencies do not have.
Lack of appropriate legal procedures and management mechanisms
One of the largest obstacles currently facing the press of VUSTA is the lack of legal documents and mechanisms for the cooperation between parties in the management of journals that are part of scientific and technological organizations. This has led to VUSTA lacking legal basis to completely fulfill the responsibilities by the relevant governing body, causing difficulties in operating and developing the press system.
At present, the needs of many research institutions under VUSTA to establish journals or publish online are not met due to VUSTA lacking legal procedures and management mechanisms to resolve this issue. This issue not only affects the ability to expand the press system but also creates hinderances in managing and growing the existing journals. There needs to be active participation from regulatory agencies to remove these obstacles and create a favorable legal environment for the development of scientific press.
Limitations regarding professional manpower
Another considerable challenge that the press of VUSTA is facing is the shortage of journalists and editors with extensive knowledge of science and technology. Producing high quality scientific and technological publication requires the creator to have solid specialized knowledge and the ability to understand and explain complex scientific issues in an easy to understand and precise manner.
At the same time, in the context of the rapid development of technology, the press team needs to be regularly updated on new technological trends, skills for using modern media tools and knowledge of user behavior on digital platforms. This requires having a regular education and training program and considerable investment in growing manpower.
In the process of restructuring and reorganization, some press agencies have encountered the situation of journalists and contributors being made redundant; or some of them being found to have violated regulations and therefore punished, causing instability in the workforce and affecting operational quality.
- Some solutions
* Solutions to innovate the press of VUSTA
Strengthen the dissemination of specialized knowledge in the press
To increase operating efficiency, the press of VUSTA needs to focus on the dissemination of specialized knowledge via the publishing of in-depth articles and reports about scientific and technological fields, new research and advanced technology. This requires a team of reporters and editors with solid specialized knowledge and the ability to communicate scientific technology in a precise and lively way.
A process for the creation of professional content needs to be established, from choosing topics, gathering information and interviewing experts to editing and publishing. Special care must be taken in examining and assessing the accuracy of the scientific information before publication to ensure the credibility and quality of the end product.
At the same time, the press of VUSTA needs to develop regular columns about prioritized areas of science and technology of the nation such as artificial intelligence, bio-technology, information technology, renewable energy or new materials, in order to orient and encourage research and development in these areas.
Invest strongly into digital transition
The application of digital technology needs to be encouraged via the use of digital platforms to expand reach, organize online events and interact with intellectuals more effectively. According to Resolution number 03/NQ-CP, the Ministry of Science and Technology has set a goal of establishing a publicly available online training platform, providing knowledge about developing science, technology and creative innovation for citizens and businesses for free, with the press of VUSTA playing an important role in its development.
Investment should be made in building a modern website system and user-friendly mobile apps, integrating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to personalize content, chatbots to aid users, and data analysis to better understand user behavior and needs.
Diversify means of conveying information
Alongside traditional articles, the press of VUSTA needs to increase the production of modern press products such as videos, podcasts, infographics and interactive e-books to attract young intellectuals and adapt to information reception trends of the digital era. This diversification of format not only helps increase the demographic but enhance the effectiveness of conveying information.
As experience shows, scientific videos can help explain complex scientific phenomena and processes in a manner that is more intuitive and easier to understand. Podcasts allow listeners to receive information on the move or while doing other things. Infographics help summarize and visualize complex scientific information and data. Interactive e-books can incorporate many multimedia elements to create a more diverse learning experience.
There needs to be investment in technology and training of staff in order to create high quality multimedia products. At the same time, there needs to be research conducted into the habits and interests of each demographic to choose the most appropriate means of conveying information.
Focus on strategic and current topics
The press of VUSTA needs to focus on strategic topics and convey information about major policies of the Party and State regarding the development of science and technology, as well as practical issues that the intellectual community is concerned with. This requires flexibility in grasping trends and orienting content to suit the need to grow the country.
There is also a need to build a long-term content plan in line with the socio-economic development targets of the nation, while adjusting it flexibly to reflect hot-button issues and new policies in a timely manner. Special attention must be taken to explain and analyze policies related to science and technology to support the intellectual community understand them well and enact them effectively.
Raise quality standards according to international standards
The press of VUSTA needs to apply international standards of critique and transparency in the publication process and ensure independence in the assessment of scientific articles. This requires establishing a professional critique system, with leading experts contributing to the assessment of quality.
There is also a need to publicize the publishing process, assessment criteria and the list of members of the board of editors and critics to increase transparency and credibility. At the same time, the press of VUSTA needs to seriously apply regulations regarding scientific publishing ethics, preventing plagiarism and ensuring the originality of the research.
*Solutions to enhance connections and establish the intellectual community
Establish online discussion forums
In the near future, the press of VUSTA needs to research into establishing multi-dimensional columns and forums in the press to allow the exchange and sharing of knowledge and provision of feedback and critique, creating an effective bridge of information within the scientific community. These forums need to be designed an open and democratic space to allow scientists and experts to discuss scientific issues freely and constructively.
There is a need to establish online discussion forums that allow interactions in real time, the sharing of documents and the organization of virtual scientific seminars. This is especially important in the context of this post-COVID period, when the means of online interaction have become more popular and effective.
Develop programs to honor and promote stand-out examples
There should be an increase in activities to discover, propagate and honor intellectuals and scientists who helped contribute positively to the country to create motivation and spread the spirit of dedication within the community. The “Scientific and Technological Intellectuals of Note” program has created a positive impact and needs to be expanded and diversified to cover many different subjects and areas.
Clear, transparent and fair criteria to honor intellectuals need to be established, on top of creating effective media programs to spread success stories and inspire the young generation. Special care needs to be taken to honor young scientists, women in science and contributions in emerging fields.
Support and promote emulation movements
The press of VUSTA needs to publicize and promote scientific awards and competitions to encourage intellectuals to participate and contribute, as well as support emulation movements within the scientific community. They also need to create periodic emulation programs, with wide scale and influence to attract participation of many intellectuals.
At the same time, there is a need to develop credible and internationally-recognized scientific awards to increase the prestige of Vietnamese science. Publicizing and spreading award-winning achievements will create a positive effect, encouraging scientists to participate in research.
Build and reinforce the scientific and technological press team
The press of VUSTA needs to put intellect front and center, while at the same time focusing on intellectualizing the journalism team via education and reinforcement of specialized scientific and technological knowledge for the journalism and editing teams to facilitate their creation of quality and accurate press products. The organization of the “Applying AI in Multimedia Journalism” class as deployed in various areas is one positive example to be replicated.
There is also a need to create a systematic and methodical training plan, including both basic knowledge in science and technology and also professional journalism skills. At the same time, short classes about new technological trends should also be held, allowing the team to always stay up to date with their knowledge.
Organizing the editorial office requires a suitable ratio of staff with specialized knowledge and experience with science and technology within the leadership of each agency and unit of the system. Leadership needs to have a strategic outlook regarding the development of scientific press in the digital area, while at the same time possess the ability to manage and grow the organization effectively.
By Đặng Vũ Cảnh Linh, Master
Institute of Cadre Training and Scientific Research Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front
Translated by Nhat Nam
References:
- Ministry of Information and Communications (2015), Statistics of press agencies in Việt Nam.
- National Agency for Science and Technology Information (2024), Statistics report on science and technology.
- Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (2024), Interim report on the execution of Decision number 362/QĐ-TTg regarding the planning of national press development and management up to 2025.
- Phạm Ngọc Linh (2024), “Evaluating 5 years of executing plans for national press development and management”, VUSTA Seminar, 5th November 2024.
- Lê Công Lương (2024), “Solutions to develop models for scientific journals”, VUSTA Seminar, 4th October 2024.
- Decision number 362/QĐ-TTg from the Prime Minister regarding the approval for plans of national press development and management up to 2025.
- Resolution number 03/NQ-CP in 2025 from the Government regarding Enactment of Resolution number 57-NQ/TW from the Ministry of Politics regarding breakthroughs in scientific and technological development, creative innovation and digital conversion.
- Resolution number 57-NQ/TW on 22nd December 2024 from the Ministry of Politics regarding breakthroughs in scientific and technological development, creative innovation and digital conversion.
- Decision number 14/2014/QĐ-TTg on 14th February 2014 regarding the Social Consultation, Critique and Appraisal work of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations.
- People's Representative Newspaper (2024), “27 journals under VUSTA are counted in calculating academic titles and degrees.”
