Aware of the role of science and technology in the overall development of Da Nang, in 2024, the municipal Department of Science and Technology concretised many policies and strategies, promoted scientific research associated with application transfer, supported business development, and intensified the State management in all fields.

A municipal-level radiation and nuclear incident response drill took place in late July 2024. Photo: VAN HOANG

Scientific research associated with application transfer

In 2024, the Department organised the implementation of 51 projects at all levels, including 46 municipal-level projects, and 5 grassroots-level ones. Many typical studies have high-tech applications, solving urgent problems of the city, having long-term scientific significance, and serving the sustainable development of the city. Included were research, design, manufacture of autonomous robots to sterilise with UV-C rays to serve infection control work at medical facilities; research on the current status of multi-resistant bacterial infections and intervention solutions in the city; research on the application of drainage system management on the basis of digital maps and IoT networks; the development of tourism associated with Cham culture; and research on building a safe fish sauce supply chain for Nam O fish sauce.

With regard to the transfer of applications, the department managed and transferred 100 projects during the 2019-2023 period to commercialise research results with specific application addresses.

The applications focused on basic investigations, providing databases on natural resources and ecological environments; research on advanced disease treatment methods; development of high-tech agriculture; and serving policy planning and human resource training.

Also, applied research on preserving genetic resources of plants, fungi and microorganisms, and experimental cultivation of new types of flowers and mushrooms; the commercialisation of instant seasoning powder from abalone mushrooms; and the traditional fish sauce products in the form of powder to reduce saltiness drew much attention from people.

In 2024, the municipal Department of Science and Technology developed two science and technology enterprises; granted 3 Certificates of technology transfer registration; and advised on the establishment of a science and technology market intermediary organisation.

The city also supported 10 enterprises to innovate technology in the field of quality measurement standards as well as purchase equipment for technology innovation to increase competitiveness, with a total budget of more than VND 1.23 billion.

Many events connecting cooperation and developing the science and technology market between Da Nang and domestic localities were organised.

Strict, effective state management of science and technology

Last year, the Department of Science and Technology implemented four tasks at all levels under the Intellectual Property Development Programme. The national task of “Registering, managing and developing geographical indications for Nam O fish sauce products of Da Nang” was granted a certificate of registration of geographical indication “Nam O”. In addition, the Department supported the registration of protection for 10 enterprises with 12 trademarks and 8 inventions, with a total cost of VND 450 million.

The State management of nuclear radiation safety was strictly controlled. In particular, 49 licences were newly issued. 13 licences for radiation work, 32 radiation worker certificates and 29 certificates of declaration of diagnostic X-ray equipment in medicine were extended. A number of drills to respond to nuclear radiation incidents took place citywide.

During the year, the city conducted 3 surveys on quality and measurement at 42 facilities, received 54 products declared to be in compliance with standards/regulations, processed 383 applications for registration of imported goods quality inspection, inspected 16,125 measuring devices, calibrated 2,917 measuring devices and inspected 451 measuring devices; and inspected water meters of 340 organisations/citizens.

Heed was on inspection work at production and business establishments to ensure consumer rights with 10 thematic inspections at 73 establishments; and 6 inspections at 45 businesses trading in gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, children's toys, and prepackaged goods. In 2024, Da Nang strictly implemented management work, with a focus on investing resources, and concretising central and local policies on science and technology, in a bid to contribute to the overall development of the city.

Reporting by THANH THAO - Translating by M.DUNG