Abstract of the doctoral dissertation by Pham Quynh Trang

INTRODUCTION

1. The urgency of the research topic

The Vietnamese working class - the leading class of the revolution through its vanguard, the Communist Party of Vietnam; the class representing the advanced mode of production; the pioneering class in the cause of building socialism, the leading force in the industrialization and modernization of the country for the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, a just, democratic, and civilized society; the core force in the alliance of the working class with the peasantry and the intelligentsia under the leadership of the Party [26; pp. 43-44]. From its inception to the present day, the Vietnamese working class has always carried within itself that important historical mission.

Currently, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is predicted to be a major trend that will profoundly and comprehensively impact the socio-economic development of all countries and nations worldwide. After nearly 35 years of comprehensive national reform, the Vietnamese economy has seen significant improvements, becoming a new, dynamic, and developing economy. Along with this process, the Vietnamese working class has also grown in number and continuously improved in quality. In the context of this Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Vietnamese working class is directly affected in both positive and negative ways.

On the one handThe fourth industrial revolution will promote the qualitative development of the working class, increase the proportion of knowledge workers, create positive changes in the structure of the working class, and improve the material and spiritual lives of the working class.On the other handFurthermore, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will also have negative impacts on the jobs, incomes, and living standards of a significant portion of the working class, especially the "blue-collar" workers. More worryingly, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is having a considerable impact on the class consciousness and political qualities of the working class, which is currently the leading class (through its vanguard) in the reform process in our country.

To gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (globally and in Vietnam), its opportunities and challenges for the current position and role of the Vietnamese working class, systematic research is required, both theoretically and practically. However, it can be seen that research on the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class is still quite limited.

Therefore, NCS decided to choose this topic."The Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese Working Class"I am undertaking this doctoral dissertation in the field of Scientific Socialism with the hope of contributing to a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the historical mission of the working class in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

2. Research Objectives and Tasks

2.1. Research Objectives

Based on theoretical and practical research into the impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class, this thesis proposes several key viewpoints and solutions to promote the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

2.2. Research Objectives

To achieve the above objective, the thesis will undertake the following specific tasks:

ButThis section provides an overview of research related to the topic; from there, it assesses the value and "gaps" in existing literature, and identifies the areas that the dissertation needs to research and clarify.

- Analyzing some theoretical issues regarding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class;

- Analyze and clarify the manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class and the issues that arise;

- Outline some basic viewpoints and propose key solutions to promote and leverage the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

3. Research Subjects and Scope

3.1. Research Subjects

The subject of this dissertation is the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

3.2. Scope of the study

ButRegarding contentThis dissertation focuses on researching: 1- The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the quantity and structure of the working class; 2- The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the quality of the working class in terms of: level (education, expertise, professional skills, ability to master scientific and technological knowledge, etc.) and political qualities (class consciousness, awareness of historical mission, etc.) of the Vietnamese working class.

ButRegarding timeThis study examines the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class from 2011 (the year the term Industry 4.0 was first mentioned in Germany) to the present.

4. Theoretical basis and research methods

4.1. Theoretical basis

This dissertation is based on the Marxist-Leninist theoretical framework regarding the working class, its historical mission, and the role of modern productive forces in economic and social development.

The dissertation is also based on the viewpoints and guidelines of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the policies and laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam regarding the continued development of the Vietnamese working class during the period of accelerated industrialization and modernization; on some policies and guidelines for proactively participating in the fourth industrial revolution; and on the strategy for developing Vietnam's human resources during the period 2011-2020. In addition, the dissertation inherits the value of research works related to the dissertation topic.

4.2. Research Methodology

This dissertation is based on the comprehensive application of the methodologies of dialectical materialism and historical materialism. It emphasizes and combines the logical-historical method with the method of scientific abstraction. In addition, the dissertation utilizes methods such as analysis, comparison, and statistics in its research.

5. Scientific contributions of the thesis

- Analyze and clarify the nature of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its impact on the Vietnamese working class.

- Identify and analyze the issues arising from the impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

- To identify the guiding principles and, in particular, propose some key solutions to maximize the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

6. Theoretical and practical significance of the thesis

6.1. Theoretical significance of the thesis

- This dissertation clarifies the manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class from a socio-political perspective. Therefore, the research results of this dissertation can be used as reference material for studying, researching, and teaching the subject of Scientific Socialism in particular and other social sciences in general.

6.2. Practical Significance of the Thesis

ButOn the one handThis dissertation forecasts and analyzes the impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class, providing a basis for the Party and State to promptly formulate correct policies and guidelines for the development of the working class in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

ButOn the other handFurthermore, the research findings of this thesis contribute to the ideological struggle against the distorted arguments that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will cause the working class to "shrink," disappear, and lose its historical mission; thereby, protecting Marxism-Leninism in the current period.

7. Structure of the thesis

Besides the introduction, conclusion, list of the author's scientific research works, and bibliography, the content of the dissertation is divided into 4 chapters and 9 sections.

 

 

 

Chapter 1

OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH SITUATION

1.1. Overview of foreign literature

1.1.1. Research on the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Author Klaus Schwab with his book "The Fourth Industrial RevolutionTranslated and edited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, World Publishing House, Hanoi, 2018; Following the book “Fourth Industrial RevolutionKlaus Schwab went on to publish the book under the title"Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution"The book was translated by Nguyen Van - Thanh Thep, World Publishing House, Hanoi, 2019; Deloitte and Global Business Coalition for Education: Preparing tomorrow's workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, 2018.

1.1.2. Research works on the working class

- "The position and role of the contemporary working classBy authors Liu Kebai, Wang Mei, and Yan Chunzhi, published by the China Social Sciences Publishing House, translated by Nguyen Ngoc Lan and edited by Nguyen Thanh.

1.1.3.Studies on the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolutionworking class

- Alvin Toffler with his book "The third waveTheoretical Information Publishing House, Ho Chi Minh City, 1992;The world is flat.The work of author Thomas L. Friedman describes the process by which the world will be "flattened" by the trends of globalization, international integration, and the rapid development of science and technology; Author Wang Shufang, Faculty of Humanities, Donghua University, China, with her article "Industry 4.0: The Punishment or Salvation of Humanity by Technological Capital – From a Critical Perspective on C. Marx's "Cult of Commodity Worship" and "Free Time"" was published in the journal *Marxism and Reality* (China), No. 2 – 2016, pp. 141-146.

1.2. Overview of domestic literature

1.2.1. Research on the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Conference proceedingsThe Fourth Industrial Revolution and the challenges it poses for Vietnam's socio-economic development."Compiled in 2016 by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, the Central Economic Committee, and the United Nations in Vietnam; In November 2017, the Central Economic Committee assigned Dr. Nguyen Van Binh to be the chief editor of the book "Vietnam and the Fourth Industrial Revolution"Reference book; Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy with the workshop"The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnam"; In the book "The Fourth Industrial Revolution poses challenges for Vietnam's socio-economic development and international integration.”, author Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Van Hoa (editor); Dr. Phan Xuan Dung with the book “The Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Revolution of Convergence and EfficiencyNational Scientific ConferenceHuman resource needs for development in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the responses of Vietnamese higher education.“This event was jointly organized in 2018 by the Office of the National Council for Education and Human Resource Development, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; Author Nguyen Dac Hung with his monograph “The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the challenges it poses for Vietnam.Most recently, in 2019, Dr. Pham Thuyen published the book "Industrialization and modernization of Vietnam's economy in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.The Banking Academy, Department of Political Theory, held a seminar on “The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the challenges it poses for Vietnam's socio-economic development."

Besides reference books, monographs, and conferences, in recent years there have been many articles written about the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on issues such as: identifying the Fourth Industrial Revolution, its characteristics, nature, manifestations, and impacts on all aspects of social life.

Authors Nguyen Chi Hieu and Pham Van Bien with the article "The Industry 4.0 revolution in Germany: Achievements and challenges.”, European Studies Journal No. 5 (212) 2018. Author Nguyen Chi Truong with the article “The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities, Challenges, and Two-Speed ​​Solutions for Vocational EducationAuthor Nguyen Thi Thu Hong has an article titled "Opportunities and challenges for women workers in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."Published in the Labor and Trade Union Magazine, issue 638, March 2018."

1.1.2. Research works on the working class

Trends in the transformation of the Vietnamese working class in the early years of the 21st century.Vietnam General Confederation of Labor - Institute of Workers and Trade Unions, Labor Publishing House, Hanoi, 2001;Building and promoting the role of the Vietnamese working class in the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country.Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, Dr. Dang Ngoc Tung (Editor), Labor Publishing House, Hanoi, 2008;The Vietnamese working class in the cause of industrialization, modernization, and international integration.(Reference book), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Center for Training and Development of Political Theory Lecturers, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2010;Building the Vietnamese working class in the period 2011-2020.Dr. Dang Ngoc Tung (editor), Labor Publishing House, Hanoi, 2010;Intellectualizing Vietnamese workers in the context of current international economic integration.Dr. Bui Thi Kim Hau, National Political Publishing House - Truth, Hanoi, 2012; Author Nguyen Thi HuongDoctoral dissertation in Philosophy"The working class - the vanguard class in the process of building socialism in Vietnam"; Author Pham Van GiangDoctoral dissertation in PhilosophyThe transformation of the Vietnamese working class under the impact of current international integration."

1.1.3. Research studies on the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the working class

The bookIndustrialization and modernization in Vietnam in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Authors Nguyen Dac Hung, Phung The Dong; Author Nguyen Dinh Bac with the article "Developing high-quality human resources in our country in the face of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."Published in the Communist Magazine, issue 906, April 2018. Author Nguyen An Ninh with the article "Fulfilling the historical mission of the working class in the Fourth Industrial Revolution."", Electronic Communist Magazine; Article "Characteristics and socio-economic impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” by Nguyen Van Thanh published in the Journal of Sociology, No. 1 (141) in 2018. Author Le Thi Chien with the article “The role of the workforce in the forces of production under the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” published in Philosophy Journal No. 2 (231) February 2018; Authors Le Tuan Ngoc, Hoang Thi Kim Oanh with the article “The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the challenges it poses for Vietnamese workers.Author Chu Ngoc Anh with two articles:The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnam's Sustainable Growth Goals"; "Developing human resources in science and technology to meet the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and increasingly deep international integration."; Authors Nguyen An Ninh and To Van Son with the article "The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on workers and laborers in developed industrial countries."Published in Labor and Trade Union Magazine No. 637.

1.3. Overview of valuable results from previous research and issues requiring further research and clarification during the thesis implementation process.

1.3.1. Overview of the results of research studies related to the dissertation topic

The firstThe research presented above has clearly addressed the theoretical issues related to the working class and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In particular, the authors have affirmed that, regardless of the era, the working class remains the class that determines the development of society.

Monday,These studies have analyzed the impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on developed capitalist countries… and analyzed the opportunities and challenges of this revolution to the socio-economic situation of Vietnam.

Tuesday,These studies have provided key perspectives and a system of solutions to enable Vietnam to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and prepare for the fourth industrial revolution.

However,Previous studies on the working class have mainly focused on the intellectualization of workers and high-quality human resources in the context of globalization and international integration. To date, research on the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the working class in general, and the Vietnamese working class in particular, remains very limited. Therefore, this is a new issue that requires further research.

1.3.2. Areas of the dissertation that require further research and clarification.

The first,The thesis will focus on clarifying the new conception of the working class and the characteristics of the working class today;Monday,To illustrate the impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class, the author relies on analyses of the concept, nature, and characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution;Tuesday,Based on that, the central content of the thesis is to identify the manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class: on its quantity, structure, and quality (including its level of mastery of science and technology and class consciousness). Through this, the author analyzes the issues arising from the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class. This is the greatest contribution of the thesis in its in-depth research on this topic;Wednesday,The author identifies the manifestations and impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as the issues arising from its effects. Finally, the author proposes several perspectives and solutions to promote the positive impacts and mitigate the negative impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

Chapter 1 Summary

From the past to the present, researchers of scientific socialism in particular, and political and social theorists in general, have been very interested in the topic of the working class. This is because the working class, along with its historical mission, is the foundational and central doctrine of scientific socialism. In practice, the Vietnamese working class has proven its position and role. Since 2011, when the term "Industry 4.0" was officially mentioned in Germany, the fourth industrial revolution has become a topic frequently discussed, attracting research and discussion at large and small conferences both domestically and internationally.

Studies on the working class and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have addressed many important aspects with different approaches and levels of engagement. However, to date, works discussing the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class itself are still very limited and scarce. Therefore, the topic chosen by the author does not overlap with any previously published scientific works.

Chapter 2

IMPACT OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

TO THE VIETNAMESE WORKING CLASS -

SOME THEORETICAL ISSUES

2.1. Concepts and characteristics of the working class and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2.1.1. Concept and characteristics of the working class

Concept of the working class

In their interpretation of the formation and historical mission of the working class, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels used many synonyms to refer to this class, such as: the proletariat, the industrial proletariat, the mechanized working class, the working class, the modern working class, factory workers, urban workers, etc.

Lenin also used many different terms to refer to the working class, such as: the proletariat, the 20th-century proletariat, the working class… However,, conceptThe term "working class" needs to be considered within specific historical conditions and circumstances. In the current period, with the trend of globalization, international integration, and especially with the Fourth Industrial Revolution underway,The concept of the working class has changed and acquired new characteristics.The working class is no longer limited to the image of factory workers operating machinery, or workers in industrial zones and export processing zones... but today's working class can be divided as follows:

Firstly, unskilled laborers: that is, workers who have not received training and mainly rely on the physical strength of their hands and feet. This workforce is at risk of disappearing in the fourth industrial revolution; secondly, skilled workers (also known as blue-collar workers). This workforce still constitutes the majority of workers in many countries and remains the main force directly operating production, through increasingly modern industrial machinery and equipment; Thirdly, technicians and practical engineers.(also known as yellow-collar workers)They directly operate increasingly modern industrial production processes. This workforce needs to be distinguished from the intellectual workforce (who are primarily involved in research, invention, teaching, etc., in engineering theory, information technology, etc.); Fourth, knowledge workers.(also known as "Workers-Intellectuals", white-collar workers, collared workers, pink-collar workers)They are workers who are directly involved in operating production processes, or who both produce and manage in modern enterprises, and who also participate in research, teaching, and inventing modern scientific and technological theories at institutes and universities... Fifth, service workers: directly involved in operating increasingly modern industrial and service production processes in today's knowledge-based economy such as services: Trade, Banking, Finance, Science and Technology, Tourism, Environment...

The concept of the Vietnamese working class

In its latest thematic resolution on the working class, the Party defines the working class as follows: “The Vietnamese working class is a large, developing social force comprising manual and intellectual workers employed for wages in various forms of industrial production, business, and services, or production, business, and services of an industrial nature”; “It is the leading class of the revolution through its vanguard, the Communist Party of Vietnam; the class representing advanced modes of production; the pioneering class in the cause of building socialism; the leading force in the industrialization and modernization of the country for the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, and a just, democratic, and civilized society; the core force in the alliance of the working class with the peasantry and the intelligentsia under the leadership of the Party.”

2.1.2. The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Concept, Nature, and Characteristics

Essentially, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is no different from the three previous industrial revolutions; it remains a revolution based on scientific and technological inventions applied to social production to create transformations, breakthroughs, and continuous development. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is still a revolution in the forces of production, leading to changes in existing production relations.

To identify the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we need to clearly define its manifestations and characteristics:

First isThis is a revolution based on information technology, the internet, and the convergence of all technologies such as physics, chemistry, biology, etc., but at a new level.

SecondThe major technological trends in the Fourth Industrial Revolution are: Materialism (with four manifestations: autonomous vehicles, 3D printing technology, advanced robotics, and new materials); Digitalism (with the Internet of Things); and Biology (genetic technology, synthetic biology, etc.).

Third isIn terms of scope and speed of development, it can be said that it is unprecedented in the history of human development.

Fourth,The fourth industrial revolution is predicted to transform the entire global economy and is gradually creating a new mode of production: the digital economy and the sharing economy.

In short,With these easily recognizable manifestations and characteristics, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is truly present and impacting all sectors and fields of the world economy, affecting world politics, and especially impacting the working class and laborers, those who directly operate the modern forces of production today.

2.2. Concepts and manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the working class

2.2.1. The concept of "impact"

Interaction is always a reciprocal process between things and phenomena. According to the philosophical dictionary, this interaction is: the process by which objects influence each other, the most general and universal form of movement and development. Interaction determines the existence and organizational structure of all material systems, their connection with other objects within a larger system, and the properties of all objects, processes, and phenomena.

According to the Vietnamese dictionary, impact is"To cause an object to undergo certain transformations"In short, when subjected to any kind of influence, whether internal or external, it inevitably leads to changes.

2.2.2. Manifestations of impact

Although the Fourth Industrial Revolution is only just beginning, we cannot yet accurately predict its impact on society in general and on the working class in particular. However, based on the current manifestations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, some of its main impacts on the development of the working class can be seen as follows:

Firstly, it impacts the number and structure of the working class.

In terms of quantityWhether in the present or the future, the demand for labor is clearly never-ending, as old professions disappear and are replaced by new ones. This means that the global workforce tends to increase unevenly, but overall, the number continues to grow.

Regarding the structure:

Economic structure by sector:While in the past, workers were mainly concentrated in the public sector, in factories and enterprises, nowadays, with the diversification of different economic sectors, the working class is present in almost all economic sectors.

Structure by industryTraditional industrial production sectors are no longer dominant in the economy; instead, service industries and non-polluting industries are gaining prominence. This leads to a transformation in the structure of the workforce in various countries. The shift in the economic structure towards digital technology requires a corresponding shift in the global workforce, a transformation that is generally positive.There has been a shift from blue-collar workers and traditional workers to white-collar workers, pink-collar workers, and knowledge workers.

Shifts in the regional and territorial structure of the workforce:Due to the socialized nature of industrial labor in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, global workers can now take on many different jobs without needing to go to an office. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is also creating opportunities for many workers worldwide to work freely, innovate, and contribute, allowing businesses to recruit a global workforce. This is positively impacting the global knowledge workforce, but conversely, it is negatively impacting the current traditional workforce.

Workforce structure by gender:The Fourth Industrial Revolution, with its demands for human skills, abilities, and creativity, regardless of gender or age, presents new jobs related to information technology, software application development, graphic design, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, etc., that do not require physical strength but rather patience and meticulousness. This is seen as an opportunity for female workers to obtain better jobs and improve their living standards.

Secondly, it impacts the level of the working class (education, expertise, professional skills, ability to master scientific and technological knowledge, etc.).

The emergence of new professions related to the applications of science and technology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution demands an improvement in the quality of the working class. Beyond professional expertise, the 4.0 working class needs to prepare itself with soft skills, as the nature of these new professions requires creativity, communication, presentation, and even diplomatic skills.

Skills in the workplace encompass four basic skill groups: First, professional skills, also known as professional competence. Second, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is increasing the demand for essential human skills, often referred to as soft skills. Third, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is creating new job opportunities, jobs requiring high-level professional skills. Fourth, the new professions created by the Fourth Industrial Revolution also require individuals to possess business skills.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is also impacting the quality of life for a segment of the working class. More importantly, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is directly affecting the class consciousness of a segment of the world's working class; at the same time, it is also creating conditions and opportunities for the working class to easily realize its internationalism in the present era.

Chapter 2 Summary

Through their scientific and revolutionary worldview, C. Marx and F. Engels explained the emergence of the world working class: Accordingly, it can be seen that the working class emerged from the first industrial revolution and developed alongside the development of large-scale industry. Therefore, in essence, they are both a product and a subject of large-scale industry, always holding an important position and an irreplaceable role in modern productive forces.

Applying the theories of Marxism-Leninism creatively to the conditions and circumstances of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam have always affirmed: “The Communist Party of Vietnam – the vanguard of the working class, and at the same time the vanguard of the working people and of the Vietnamese nation, faithfully representing the interests of the working class, the working people and the entire nation, taking Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought as its ideological foundation, is the leading force of the State and society” (Clause 1, Article 4, Constitution 2013). Currently, the Vietnamese working class still possesses the common characteristics of the global working class.

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution sweeping the world and impacting every aspect of social life, from production to consumption, in both positive and negative ways, the working class is not immune to these impacts.Positive impact:Currently and in the future, many new professions are emerging, providing opportunities for the working class to obtain better jobs, higher incomes, and improved quality of life... The Fourth Industrial Revolution also impacts and opens up opportunities for the working class to study and improve their skills, thereby increasing the number of knowledge workers and further consolidating the position and nature of the working class.Negative impacts:The Fourth Industrial Revolution is causing rapid shifts in the economic structure of countries. Many traditional industries that employ a large workforce are at risk of disappearing or experiencing a decrease in labor demand due to the widespread application of automation and robotics. Many workers are at risk of unemployment, leading to precarious living conditions, poverty, a decline in confidence and class consciousness, and above all, indifference to politics, political status, and the historical mission of the working class.

Chapter 3

THE IMPACT OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ON THE VIETNAMESE WORKING CLASS – KEY MANIFESTATIONS AND ISSUES RAISED

3.1. Manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class

3.1.1. Manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the number and structure of the Vietnamese working class.

First,In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the number of Vietnamese workers continues to grow steadily.

Secondly,The Fourth Industrial Revolution is impacting and creating changes in the structure of the Vietnamese working class.

Regarding the structure by economic sector:State-owned enterprises still lack sensitivity to the market and the development of science and technology, coupled with limited and ineffective management experience, allowing foreign-invested enterprises and non-state enterprises to surpass them.

Regarding the structure of industries and occupations:Vietnam's economic structure is shifting towards prioritizing knowledge-based industries and moving towards a digital economy and digital technology..This economic restructuring process has directly impacted the structure of Vietnam's working class, with the demand for human resources concentrating in the industrial and service sectors. The number of workers in these sectors has increased significantly, while it has decreased in the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors.

Workforce structure by gender:New professions require advanced skills such as consulting, communication, and teamwork through the global internet. These jobs demand dexterity and, especially, highly value knowledge and competence, such as information technology, service industries, and high-quality agriculture and industry. Therefore, the number of female workers employed in various types of businesses is increasing. Furthermore, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is impacting the Vietnamese economy, fostering the development of new service and supporting industries such as restaurants, hotels, and banking – sectors with a high concentration of female workers.

Regarding the structure of the workforce by region:With proactive policies and initiatives to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, many new industrial centers have emerged, concentrated in provinces with convenient transportation and proximity to major urban areas. Conversely, in more complex geographical areas such as mountainous regions, remote areas, and islands, where ethnic minorities live, the economy is difficult, and development is relatively slow, attracting investment is very challenging. This is creating uneven socio-economic development in Vietnam and an imbalance in the structure of the working class between different regions.

3.1.2. Manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the level (education, expertise, professional skills, ability to master scientific and technological knowledge, etc.) of the Vietnamese working class.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is impacting the professional, technical, and vocational skills of the working class in both positive and negative ways. Faced with new demands and requirements, the Vietnamese working class is compelled to improve its education and skills. More importantly, favorable conditions in terms of mechanisms, policies, and material resources are leading to the growth and expansion of the intellectual workforce. Conversely, given the current state of professional and educational qualifications of the Vietnamese working class, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is impacting a segment of Vietnamese workers, putting them at risk of job loss, facing material hardship, and becoming detached from the Party, the Union, and politics.

3.1.3. Manifestations of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the political qualities of the Vietnamese working class (class consciousness, awareness of historical mission, etc.).

The rapid development of science, technology, and the market economy has impacted and transformed the consciousness and thinking of individual workers. Some workers are preoccupied with production, indifferent to politics, and unconcerned about their class status. Another group of young workers, influenced by the negative aspects of science, technology, and the market economy, imitate Western culture, prioritizing individualism and pragmatism. Yet another group has lost its ideological stance, becoming confused, wavering, losing faith in the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and fading revolutionary ideals.

Conversely, there is still a segment of Vietnamese workers who are idealistic and knowledgeable, who remain confident in the policies of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and who are actively learning and improving their skills and abilities; diligently seeking to understand the requirements of businesses and the needs of the market in order to develop themselves.

3.2 Some issues arising from the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class today

3.2.1. The number of untrained workers in Vietnam remains very high, while the Fourth Industrial Revolution primarily demands knowledge workers.

The current structure of Vietnam's working class is predominantly young, low-skilled labor (only over 20% have received basic training), and low-wage workers. This indicates that the overall quality of Vietnam's workforce is still low, with nearly 77% lacking technical and professional skills. Furthermore, even among the 20% who have received basic training, there are still shortcomings in the training structure, leading to a situation of "too many teachers, too few skilled workers," and a significant shortage of highly skilled technical workers.

Meanwhile, the Fourth Industrial Revolution demands a developed knowledge-based economy, where each product embodies the high level of human knowledge and creativity. This is a challenge not only for the working class in particular, but also for the entire political system and society as a whole. This is because it affects the pace of economic and social development, and simultaneously impacts Vietnam's path towards socialism.

3.2.2. Knowledge workers in Vietnam still lack soft skills, while these are key requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In today's technology- and knowledge-driven society, education and skills are only necessary requirements for a job, while the sufficient requirement to become a knowledge worker is digital skills.

However, the Vietnamese working class is lacking these skills. According to a recent study by the Vietnam Institute of Educational Research, up to 83% of graduating students lack soft skills, and of those, 37% cannot find jobs due to a lack of the necessary skills required by businesses. This shows that the workforce currently supplied to the Vietnamese labor market is severely lacking the soft skills demanded by the development of science and technology.

Furthermore, a large proportion of Vietnamese workers come from farming backgrounds. Besides being diligent, hardworking, and dedicated to their work, they lack any of the soft skills required by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is a truly difficult problem for Vietnam to solve at present, as we are pursuing a policy of transitioning to a digital economy, developing a knowledge-based economy, and proactively embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution to create momentum for Vietnam's economic development and build a solid foundation and infrastructure for socialism.

3.2.3.The transition to a digital economy and digital technology has led to the emergence of many new, knowledge-intensive professions. On the one hand, this provides a favorable environment for the development of the working class. On the other hand, it is creating and will continue to create problems.The inequality in employment opportunities and income leads to a decline in faith and revolutionary ideals within the working class.

The first,During this revolution, workers have the opportunity to obtain higher-paying jobs with significantly better incomes than before.

The digital economy and digital technology not only boost employment in information technology sectors, but more importantly, they also boost employment in other IT-based industries as the number of businesses and freelancers adopting new technologies increases. This creates significant opportunities for the working class to access new, better jobs with higher incomes than traditional outsourcing jobs.

Monday,The development of science and technology is also providing workers with flexible hours, allowing them to fully utilize their creativity and earn higher incomes.

Experts now warn that as automation replaces humans across the entire economy, a surplus of workers will emerge. This could lead to a narrowing gap between technology and knowledge, while conversely, the gap between employment and unemployment will widen, resulting in deeper social stratification.

A segment of the workforce, primarily blue-collar workers and unskilled laborers, will be laid off or forced to work in positions and areas that do not require specialized skills or expertise, with wages significantly lower than those of skilled workers. Consequently, the lives of this group of workers will become impoverished and precarious.

In contrast to that prospect, white-collar workers and highly skilled technicians will have more opportunities to get better jobs in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is why, now and in the not-too-distant future, the gap between rich and poor within the working class will widen even further.

3.2.4. The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires alliances and linkages, especially a core alliance between the working class, farmers, and intellectuals, to develop the economy, but this alliance has not yet been effectively utilized.

One characteristic of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is the interconnectedness and convergence of many industries to produce optimal technological products and solutions. This technological interconnectedness requires the interconnectedness of the working class; alliances and collaborations to accomplish political tasks, while simultaneously developing the economy and improving living standards in today's technology-driven world.

3.2.5. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is unfolding rapidly, demanding an increasing number of skilled workers, but planning and development strategies for the working class remain slow, inadequate, and inconsistent.

Over nearly 35 years of reform and 14 years of implementing the Resolution No. 6 of the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese working class has developed rapidly and undergone positive qualitative changes. The number of Vietnamese workers has continuously increased, their professional skills and soft skills have improved, and their class consciousness and political awareness have been strengthened.

However, "...in practice as well as in understanding, many new issues have arisen regarding the position and role of the working class; the Party's attention to leading the building of the working class has not been adequate, not commensurate with the position and role of the working class, and has not kept pace with the requirements of the new era." This is reflected in the following:

The firstCurrently, as the fourth industrial revolution is taking place worldwide, in Vietnam, the Party and State have, from the very beginning, paid great attention to and correctly identified the position and role of this revolution in the economic development of the country.

MondayIn the most recent draft document for the 13th Party Congress, the Party affirmed that in the new phase, it is necessary to focus on three strategic breakthroughs: infrastructure development, institutional improvement, and human resource development. High-quality human resources in general are a requirement for today's digital and knowledge-based economy, and this includes the working class and the intellectual workforce. Although the Party has set goals and proposed specific measures, it has yet to issue a specialized resolution on continuing to build and develop the Vietnamese working class in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Summary of Chapter 3

Although initially present in Vietnam, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is bringing about many changes, and the Vietnamese working class will be forced to undergo many changes in the future. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is having negative impacts on the Vietnamese working class, such as: job losses, social stratification within the working class, the high level of development of information technology, and non-traditional security threats becoming a concern for the entire society, directly affecting national security and the working class. This leads to the fading of revolutionary ideals and the gradual loss of class identity in the thinking of a segment of the working class, not only traditional workers and blue-collar workers, but also the intellectual workforce.

However, these negative impacts still contain positive elements; namely, the Vietnamese working class can absolutely obtain better jobs, higher incomes, and more career choices in the future. In particular, they will gain a clearer understanding of their class's position and role in the nation's development. The impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class are raising several pressing issues, requiring the Party and State to adopt appropriate and timely policies and strategies to address them and foster the development of the Vietnamese workforce.

 

Chapter 4

MAIN PERSPECTIVES AND SOLUTIONS TO PROMOTE THE POSITIVE IMPACTS AND LIMIT THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ON THE VIETNAMESE WORKING CLASS TODAY

4.1. Perspectives on promoting the positive impacts and preventing and mitigating the negative impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

4.1.1. Focus on rational transformation of the working class structure.

Building and developing the Vietnamese working class must go hand in hand with the structural transformation of the working class towards modernization, meeting the requirements for high-quality human resources for the Vietnamese labor market in the context of the fourth industrial revolution.

4.1.2. Focus on consolidating and developing the political qualities of the working class.

What determines the success of building socialism and communism? It is the historical mission of the Vietnamese working class, the leading class of the revolution through its vanguard, the Communist Party of Vietnam; this is a natural choice of history and has been proven by practice. Therefore, consolidating and developing the political ideology of the working class is a crucial task in the current period, as the fourth industrial revolution is impacting and causing extremely complex changes in society, thereby affecting the awareness and ideology of a segment of the working class.

4.1.3. Focusing on developing the worker-peasant-intellectual alliance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is seen as a revolution of convergence and efficiency, a convergence of cutting-edge technologies leading to solutions that save resources, manpower, time, and effort. To thrive in a society characterized by the interconnectedness between the real and virtual worlds, between the digital and human worlds, the working class must closely integrate with other classes and strata, specifically the peasantry and the intelligentsia.

4.1.4. Developing and refining the overall strategy for developing a knowledge-based workforce in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In the new context and situation, a specific and clear perspective on the working class in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is urgently needed: Should the content and scope of the concept of the Vietnamese working class be supplemented and expanded compared to the concept already stated in the Sixth Resolution of the 10th Central Committee? This is because many of the issues raised in the only thematic resolution on the working class since Vietnam's comprehensive reform have become outdated and insufficient to provide accurate guidance for the current working class.

4.2. Some key solutions to promote the positive impacts and prevent and mitigate the negative impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class.

4.2.1. Innovate the content and methods and enhance creative elements in education and training to meet the new requirements for qualifications and skills of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The first, incorporating minimum digital skills and foreign language content into the general education curriculum;

Monday, encouraging new educational and training models based on digital platforms;

Tuesday, developing forms of linkage between businesses and educational and training institutions;

Wednesday, developing forms of international training partnerships to form a workforce of internationally qualified, global-standard knowledge workers;

Thursday, strongly develop vocational training and support skills training for job transitions;

Friday, forming an open learning network in Vietnam.

4.2.2. Along with the national digital transformation process, it is necessary to combine it with attention to improving living standards, fostering and cultivating revolutionary ideals for the working class.n

The first,Policies are needed to support the working class in finding new jobs, while simultaneously improving the social security system to ensure that the working class has stable income and the ability to prevent, overcome, and minimize risks.

Monday,Innovate the forms of learning and political and ideological propaganda by making maximum use of the achievements of modern science and technology.

To ensure that official information reaches the working class as quickly as possible, it is necessary to maximize the role of Party organizations and Youth Unions in disseminating information and guiding workers. Therefore, it is essential to improve the knowledge and digital skills of Party and Youth Union officials, especially in foreign-owned and private enterprises.

4.2.3. Develop specific policies and action programs to apply scientific and technological achievements, and encourage and promote alliance and cooperation models for development.

The State needs to focus on guiding businesses, attracting them to invest in potential regions, and understanding the strengths of each region in order to exploit and develop those strengths. Ensuring a balance of interests among stakeholders, and forming alliances based on mutually beneficial cooperation, is essential for developing sustainable and effective economic alliances. The State needs to act as a mediator to effectively resolve this relationship in the current period.

An effective economic alliance is not just a political alliance; it will contribute to boosting economic development. Alliances and linkages ensure product transparency and increase market confidence. Simultaneously, they help bring Vietnamese agricultural and industrial products and brands to the global market, meeting the demands of even the most discerning markets and providing high and stable incomes for workers, farmers, intellectuals, and businesses that invest effectively.

4.2.4. Optimizing the use of modern technological tools to survey and investigate the current state of the Vietnamese working class, and based on that, formulating policies and strategies for the development of the Vietnamese working class in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Besides focusing on economic restructuring and building modern telecommunications infrastructure to transition to a digital economy and digital technology, the Party and State need a strategy for developing the Vietnamese working class, gradually intellectualizing workers by 2045. This strategy should include: Firstly, clearly identifying which industries in the current economic structure are at risk of disappearing or experiencing decreased demand for workers, and which are trending towards growth with increasing demand for workers; Secondly, planning for the workforce for the present and the future.

The theoretical and practical issues surrounding the working class are complex, requiring ideological guidance and development direction. Therefore, it is necessary to build a strategy for intellectualizing the working class from now until 2045, along with the proactive strategy of mastering the fourth industrial revolution that the Party and State put forward at the end of 2019.

Summary of Chapter 4

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is impacting and will continue to impact the Vietnamese working class in both positive and negative ways. Therefore, to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive ones, the following fundamental principles must be thoroughly understood: Firstly, focusing on a rational transformation of the working class structure; secondly, concentrating on consolidating and developing the political qualities of the working class; thirdly, emphasizing the development of the worker-peasant-intellectual alliance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution; and fourthly, building and perfecting a comprehensive strategy for developing a skilled workforce.

Based on these consistent viewpoints, a combination of solutions needs to be implemented, focusing on the following four main groups: Innovating the content and methods and enhancing creative elements in education and training to meet the new requirements for skills and qualifications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; Along with the national digital transformation process, it is necessary to combine attention with improving living standards, fostering and cultivating revolutionary ideals for the working class; Specific policies and action programs are needed to apply the achievements of science and technology, encourage and promote models of alliances and partnerships for development; Optimizing the use of modern technological tools to survey and investigate the current state of the Vietnamese working class, and based on that, formulate policies and strategies for the development of the Vietnamese working class in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

To develop a Vietnamese working class with high levels of technical skills, digital skills, and strong political ideology and class character, it is necessary to implement the basic viewpoints and groups of solutions mentioned above in a coordinated manner.

 

CONCLUDE

1. The working class and its historical mission are among the fundamental contents and discoveries of Marxism. Marxism-Leninism has provided a scientific and revolutionary worldview, serving as a guiding principle for the working class worldwide to achieve victory and take the first steps towards building socialism. Currently, the working class in many countries continues to grow stronger. Along with the changing global context, the Vietnamese working class has also acquired many new characteristics and is increasingly developing in both quantity and quality. Nearly 35 years have passed since Vietnam began its comprehensive national reforms, and we have achieved many great and historically significant accomplishments in all fields, from economics and politics to diplomacy. Through the Communist Party of Vietnam, the working class remains the leading class of the State and society, and the main driving force of the cause of building and defending the Vietnamese Fatherland.

2. In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution profoundly impacting the global economy, Vietnam has, from the outset, consistently upheld the view that it needs to proactively and actively embrace this revolution to create opportunities for its economy to break through and move forward. Under the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Vietnam's economic structure is undergoing a transformation, and this transformation is accompanied by a change in the working class.

3. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been impacting and rapidly transforming the Vietnamese working class in both quantity and quality. This impact is occurring in both positive and negative directions. It is an intertwined process where opportunities arise alongside challenges, and sometimes challenges present opportunities for the development of the Vietnamese working class.

4. Based on an analysis of the initial impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the Vietnamese working class, the thesis has identified the following issues that need to be addressed: The number of untrained workers in Vietnam remains high, while the Fourth Industrial Revolution primarily demands skilled workers; Vietnamese skilled workers lack soft skills, which are a key requirement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; The transition to a digital economy and digital technology has led to the emergence of many new, knowledge-intensive professions, creating a favorable environment for the working class's development. However, it is creating and will continue to create inequality in employment opportunities and income, leading to a decline in revolutionary ideals and confidence within the working class. The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands alliances and linkages, especially a core alliance between the working class, farmers, and intellectuals, to develop the economy. However, this alliance has not yet been effectively utilized. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is unfolding rapidly, requiring an increasing number of skilled workers, but planning and development strategies for the working class remain slow, inadequate, and inconsistent.

5. To address the issues raised, mitigate negative impacts, and maximize the positive impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the thesis proposes the following viewpoints and orientations: Focus on rationally transforming the structure of the working class; concentrate on consolidating and developing the political qualities of the working class; prioritize the development of the worker-peasant-intellectual alliance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution; and build and refine a comprehensive strategy for developing a workforce of knowledge workers.

6. Based on these consistent viewpoints, the thesis identifies four main groups of solutions that need to be implemented synchronously in the coming period, namely:

1. Innovate the content and methods and enhance creative elements in education and training to meet the new requirements for skills and qualifications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; 2. Along with the national digital transformation process, it is necessary to combine this with attention to improving living standards, fostering and cultivating revolutionary ideals for the working class; 3. Specific policies and action programs are needed to apply the achievements of science and technology, encourage and promote models of alliances and partnerships for development; 4. Optimally utilize modern technological tools to survey and investigate the current state of the Vietnamese working class, and based on that, formulate policies and strategies for the development of the Vietnamese working class in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Industrial revolutions throughout history have always presented both opportunities and significant challenges to the world economy. Ultimately, however, the world economy has continued to develop, with unexpected breakthroughs in many fields. The development of science and technology always brings about miraculous transformations. If we know how to utilize and leverage the positive impacts of this revolution, it will be an opportunity and a condition for the Vietnamese working class to develop, maintain its class nature, and rightfully be the leading class of the revolution, through its vanguard, the Communist Party of Vietnam.