International Scientific Conference “30 Years of Innovation: Achievements, Lessons and Prospects”

Attending the workshop were, on the government side, Major General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan – Institute of National Defence Strategy, Ministry of Defence; on the German side, representatives from agencies and universities included Dr. Stefan Kaufmann – Member of the German Federal Parliament, Professor Dr. Martin Grossheim, University of Passau (Germany); on the KAS side, Mr. Peeter Girke – Head of KAS Representative Office in Vietnam; and on the side of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Quang Minh – Rector of the University, along with lecturers, researchers and students of the Faculty of International Studies. Notably, the workshop was also attended by former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan.

Scene from the seminar

At the 11th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, held from December 15th to 18th, 1986, the Party formulated the policy of comprehensive national renovation. After thirty years of implementing the renovation policy (1986-2016), Vietnam has achieved many successes in various fields. Economically, Vietnam has transitioned from a centrally-managed economy to a multi-sector market economy. Politically, there has been significant democratization. In terms of culture and society, Vietnam has achieved many successes in poverty reduction. In foreign relations, Vietnam has been pursuing a policy of multilateralism and diversification. However, many issues and difficulties remain on the path ahead. What can Vietnam do to continue the renovation path in the context of globalization and international integration today? The International Scientific Conference “30 Years of Innovation: Achievements, Lessons and Prospects” was organized to answer the aforementioned question.

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) emphasized: “Innovation is a long-term process, not a ready-made destination. Therefore, Vietnam needs to continue to be proactive and creative to continue this process.” The Rector also hoped that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities would be an open forum for discussion and exchange of opinions among experts, researchers, and scientists on this issue. This is closely linked to the University's motto: “Respect the past and embrace the future.” Only by understanding what has been done in the past, whether successes or failures, can we grasp the future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) opening remarks at the workshop

On this occasion, Mr. Peter Girke, Head of KAS Representative Office in Vietnam, reaffirmed KAS's commitment to supporting and cooperating with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in scientific research activities. This conference aimed to review Vietnam's achievements, limitations, opportunities, and challenges during its reform process, and to compare the development of Vietnam and Germany, particularly the socialist-oriented economy of Vietnam and the market-socialist economy of Germany. Recently, on September 14, 2016, the KAS Institute successfully collaborated with the University to organize the International Scientific Conference "ASEAN Community After One Year of Establishment".

Peter Girke speaks at the conference.

Following the opening ceremony, the seminar listened to the keynote address by former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan. The speech focused on fundamental aspects of the Renovation process, including the national and international context, the characteristics of the initial stages of Renovation, the changes in thinking, some major policies, and finally, the main achievements of 30 years of Renovation, remaining challenges, and directions for continued Renovation as outlined in the 12th National Congress.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan presented a keynote address on the topic of "Renovation in Vietnam".

The workshop consisted of five consecutive sessions:

Session 1: “Keynote Addresses” included a speech by former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan and a presentation by Dr. Stefan Kaufmann on “Innovation as a Key to Good Relations between Germany and Vietnam and the Leverage of Friendly Cooperation in Economics, Science and Education”.

Session 2: “Innovation from a Comparative Perspective” includes presentations on: “Vietnam’s International Integration – A Comparison with Other Countries in the Region”, and “History Is Not Yet Over” – Vietnam’s Innovation from a Comparative Perspective.

Session 3: “Innovation in the fields of economics, defense, and diplomacy” included presentations on: “International cooperation and defense diplomacy: 30 years in retrospect”, “Innovation in the classroom – Vietnamese history in Vietnamese history textbooks”, “30 years of Vietnam-US relations: From former enemies to comprehensive partnership”, “Multilateral diplomatic achievements – affirming Vietnam's position in the international arena”.

Session 4: “Innovation in the fields of culture, society, and education” included presentations on: “Achievements of 30 years of cultural reform in Vietnam”, “Assessing the impact of laws – an innovation in lawmaking in Vietnam”, “Human development in Vietnam after 30 years of reform: Achievements and limitations”, “Models for evaluating the quality of higher education – an innovation in Vietnamese education”

Session 5: “Challenges and Prospects of Renovation” included presentations: “Thirty Years After Renovation, Vietnam Needs a Second Renovation with Greater Scope and Intensity”, and “Cultural Renovation in Vietnam: Some Reflections on Achievements, Limitations, and Development Directions”.

Associate Professor Pham Quang Minh poses for a photo with former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan and other delegates attending the conference.

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