Moving from a mindset from “research for acceptance” toward “research for application”, Dak Lak is stepping up efforts to remove bottlenecks, strengthen the “three-party” model linking government, scientists and businesses, while accelerating commercialisation of science and technology (S&T) products.

Technology being used to monitor melon production processes at the nursery operated by the Dak Lak Department of Science and Technology’s Innovation Centre.

During 2022-2026, S&T activities province-wide recorded notable progress. All 60 provincial-level research projects that completed acceptance procedures were granted usage rights. These projects generated a range of advanced agricultural technologies, from high-yield crop varieties through WebGIS maps supporting organic agricultural land-use planning.

However, several projects remain at pilot stage, without adequate support for effective real-world application. Limited business participation, weak local capacity for technology adoption, insufficient resources for transferring research results into production, and ineffective commercialisation mechanisms remain major obstacles.

Strengthening discipline in research application, rethinking the “commissioning” approach

To address outstanding bottlenecks decisively, Dak Lak PPC has rolled out a range of coordinated measures. Comrade Ho Thi Nguyen Thao, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the committee, stressed: “Application effectiveness must be assessed based on actual implementation, rather than simply confirming that results have been formally handed over”.

Accordingly, Dak Lak is reviewing all assigned S&T projects, strengthening links between research and practical demand while clarifying responsibilities among proposing agencies, lead organisations and result recipients. Post-acceptance monitoring will also be intensified to assess real-world effectiveness. Outputs no longer considered applicable will be either dealt with decisively or taken out of use.

The Dak Lak Department of Science and Technology signing a cooperation agreement with Tay Nguyen University on human resource training, supporting the development of science along with technology projects.

The “three-party” linkage model has been identified as a core solution. Research priorities will be determined by market demand alongside local needs, focusing on key development areas such as high-tech agriculture, circular agriculture, agro-forestry-fishery processing, and the digital economy, digital government alongside digital society, etc. S&T research will also be closely aligned with plans addressing eight major challenges identified by the province, following the “six-clear” principle: clear personnel, clear tasks, clear timelines, clear outcomes, clear responsibilities plus clear authority.

Dr. Truong Thi Hanh, Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Branch under the Central Highlands Institute for Scientific and Technical Research, called for a fundamental shift in mindset: “Instead of selling what we have, we should identify what is needed. This means commissioning research based on actual demand, then engaging relevant scientists to carry it out, thereby driving scientific development. Dak Lak needs specific commissioning mechanisms for research institutes, while further streamlining administrative procedures to create favourable conditions for scientists to contribute.”

Dak Lak has also tasked its Department of Science and Technology with selecting 5-10 products for a 2026-2027 commercialisation plan. Requirements for novel S&T projects will be tightened, with clear identification of intended users plus responsibility for maintaining resulting products.

Abandoning the “research for acceptance” mindset, strengthening accountability for practical application, alongside commissioning research based on real-world demand, will be crucial for unlocking S&T resources and generating fresh momentum for strong, sustainable growth in Dak Lak’s novel development phase.

Translated by HAI LOAN