International Scientific Conference “30 years of innovation: Achievements, lessons and prospects”

Attending the workshop, on the side of the agencies and government officials, there was Major General, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan - Institute of Defense Strategy, Ministry of National Defense; on the side of representatives of German agencies and universities, there was Dr. Stefan Kaufmann - Member of the German Federal Parliament, Prof. Dr. Martin Grossheim, University of Passau (Germany); on the side of KAS, there was Mr. Peeter Girke - Chief Representative of KAS in Vietnam; on the side of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, there was 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 also had the participation of Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan.

Conference scene

At the 11th National Conference held from December 15 to 18, 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam proposed a comprehensive national renovation policy. After thirty years of implementing the renovation policy (1986-2016), Vietnam has achieved many successes in various aspects. In terms of economy, Vietnam has transformed from a centrally managed economy to a multi-sector market economy. In terms of politics, there have been many democratizations. In terms of culture and society, Vietnam has achieved many successes in poverty reduction. In terms of foreign relations, Vietnam has been pursuing a policy of multilateralization and diversification. However, there are still many problems and difficulties on the road ahead. What can Vietnam do to continue the path of renovation in the current context of globalization and international integration? The International Scientific Conference “30 years of innovation: Achievements, lessons and prospects” was held to answer the above question.

In his opening speech at the workshop, Associate Professor 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 hopes that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities will be an open forum for discussion and exchange of opinions between experts, researchers and scientists on this issue. This is closely linked to the University’s motto of “Respect the past and embrace the future”. Only by understanding what has been done in the past, whether it was an achievement or a failure, can we grasp the future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of University of Social Sciences and Humanities) Opening remarks

On this occasion, KAS Chief Representative in Vietnam, Mr. Peter Girke, continued to affirm that KAS will support and cooperate with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in scientific research activities. This conference aims to review the achievements, limitations, opportunities and difficulties of Vietnam in the renovation process; and is also an opportunity to compare the development of Vietnam and Germany, especially the comparison between the socialist-oriented economy of Vietnam and the market-social economy of Germany. Recently, on September 14, 2016, KAS Institute cooperated with the University to successfully organize the International Scientific Conference "ASEAN Community after one year of establishment".

Mr. Peter Girke speaks at the conference

After the opening session, the conference listened to the keynote speech of former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan. The speech focused on the basic contents of Innovation, including the national and international context, the characteristics when launching the Innovation process, the innovations in thinking, some major policies, and finally the main results in 30 years of innovation, the remaining issues and the direction for continuing innovation according to the 12th National Congress.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan presented an introductory speech on the topic of Innovation in Vietnam.

The workshop took place continuously with 5 sessions:

Session 1: “Keynote speech” includes a speech by former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan and a presentation “Innovation as the key to good relations between Germany and Vietnam and the lever of friendly cooperation in economics, science and education” by Dr. Stefan Kaufmann.

Session 2: “Innovation from a comparative perspective” includes the following presentations: “Vietnam’s international integration – Some comparisons with countries in the region”, “History has not ended” – Vietnam’s innovation from a comparative perspective.

Session 3: “Innovation in the fields of economy, defense and diplomacy” includes the following presentations: “International cooperation and defense diplomacy: 30 years in review”, “Innovation in the classroom – Vietnamese history in Vietnamese history textbooks”, “30 years of Vietnam-US relations: From former enemies to comprehensive partnership”, “Multilateral foreign affairs achievements – affirming Vietnam’s position in the international arena”.

Session 4: “Innovation in the fields of culture, society, and education” includes the following presentations: “Achievements of 30 years of cultural innovation in Vietnam”, “Assessing the impact of law – an innovation in law-making activities in Vietnam”, “Human development in Vietnam after 30 years of Innovation: Achievements and limitations”, “Model for assessing the quality of higher education – an innovation in education in Vietnam”

Session 5: “Challenges and prospects of Renovation” includes the following presentations: “Thirty years after Renovation, Vietnam needs a second renovation with a stronger scope and intensity”, “Cultural renovation in Vietnam: Some thoughts on achievements, limitations and development orientation”.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Quang Minh took a photo with former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan and delegates attending the conference.

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