In order to develop scientific and technological activities at units in the Ministry of National Defence, meeting the requirements and tasks of military and defence work, and promote the application of scientific and technological achievements to practice, it is necessary to implement many solutions synchronously. In particular, improving the quality and efficiency of science and technology management is a regular task that should be led, directed and implemented with much attention.

Thoroughly grasping and strictly implementing the Resolution of the 11^th Congress of the Military Party, and continuing to implement the Conclusion No. 62-KL/QUTW, dated January 18, 2019 of the Central Military Commission Standing Committee on evaluating the 5-year results of implementing the Resolution No. 791-NQ/QUTW of the Central Military Commission on leading the scientific, technological and environmental work in the Military until 2020 and beyond,... the management of science and technology activities has made much progress and brought about practical results. The awareness of committees, commanders and organisations about the role of science and technology in the task of national construction and defence is increasingly enhanced; the quality and effectiveness of advisory work for science and technology activities have been increasingly improved; orientation for research and application of product after research is clear and specific. The management of science and technology in military agencies and units has seen strong innovation and brought into play its achievements in practice. Many research results in military field have been applied, benefiting socio-economic development. The rate of application of scientific and technological research results is increasing; many products are produced and put into service in the Army. The level of basic research, background technology and supporting technology has seen progress. The research staff is trained and fostered basically, matured through practice, basically meeting the requirements of tasks. Research facilities are increasingly invested and supplemented in response to the requirements of scientific and technological research and training. The management of science and technology has undergone many innovations and is becoming more and more regular; the coordination between managerial agencies is relatively tight and effective.

In order to further improve the efficiency of the management of scientific and technological activities of military agencies and units, it is necessary to focus on the following solutions:

Firstly, raising awareness about the role of science and technology in social life in general, military and defence fields in particular. Not only the perception of leaders, but also the awareness of staff in the unit also has an important influence on the effectiveness and efficiency of science and technology management. Therefore, it is necessary to have appropriate solutions to raise awareness of these target groups; promote propaganda on the role of science and technology in national defence and socio-economic development. To that end, first of all, it is necessary to stay committed with and regularly promote propaganda in various forms, means and methods, suitable for each target group; take the performance of science and technology in practice as a way to measure the need to lead, direct, and improve management efficiency for this activity, especially in the context of the 4^th Industrial Revolution which is present in all aspects of social life. On the basis of sound awareness, it is necessary to have research orientation and application of research products, ensuring scientificness, practicality and effectiveness; regularly develop inspection plans to adjust its relevance to practice; proactively innovate and receive technology transfer to quickly improve product quality.

Secondly, bettering the advisory work on science and technology development in accordance with the functions and tasks of each agency and unit. First of all, it is necessary to adhere to the views and policies of science and technology development of the Party, the State and the Military; development of military and defence tasks, Military construction, and national defence to suit the requirements and current conditions of the unit. The quality and effectiveness of science and technology development consulting work depends, first of all, on enthusiasm, sense of responsibility and creative thinking. The science and technology development plan must be innovative, proactive, and suitable to the reality of the unit and be sustainable, long lasting, ad feasible. Military agencies and units are responsible for concreting the orientation of science and technology development tasks into military and defence work plans, and directing the implementation of science and technology plans in their units.

Third, innovating methods of mobilising and attracting researchers to perform scientific and technological tasks. Human resources for science and technology in the units are often diverse with unequal quantity and quality, so it is very necessary to foster, mobilise and attract personnel operating in this field. First of all, it is necessary to have an appropriate method of attraction to maximize internal resources, exploit the potential of the existing team on the basis of training and equipping necessary knowledge to meet requirements of research and implementation of scientific and technological products. Along with that, it is necessary to attract scientific staffs that are enthusiastic, qualified, and able to research and contribute to the development of science and technology of the units. Focus on building mechanisms and policies for science and technology to encourage the exploration and creativity in scientific activities; strengthen inspection, supervision and evaluation of the scientific and technological tasks in a specific and transparent manner.

Fourth, building an appropriate and effective model for scientific and technological activities. The basic principle for perfecting the structure of the science and technology management apparatus in the units is to ensure the multi-disciplinary, multi-field, without overlap in functions, tasks and scope, management objects among professional bodies. The structure of research institutions must be streamlined, neat, reasonable, creating a favourable environment for scientific and technological activities to develop with high efficiency and effectiveness. Based on the practical situation of the unit and in order for the management of science and technology to play its role in practice, it is necessary to create a model that is scientific, synchronous, specialised, while ensuring the good performance of political tasks.

 Fifth, strengthening coordination with organisations, levels and sectors in the management of science and technology. Have linkage and coordination with other functional forces in the management of science and technology in order to promote the synergy to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of management in this field. Practice shows that, each locality, each organisation has good, effective and strong ways in the management of science and technology, so it is necessary to disseminate the good models for other units to copy and apply. Each locality cannot have enough budget and technical staff to fully equip and operate the equipment and facilities on its own, so there is a need for linkage and coordination throughout the system of scientific and technological management from central to local levels. At the same time, build and develop cooperation between high-tech parks and research institutions, universities and businesses in priority fields.

Sixth, ensuring financial supply for the management of scientific and technological activities. In order for financial policy to be a momentum to promote the scientific and technological research system, it is necessary to put the science and technology fund into operation as soon as possible; encourage diversification of funding sources for research activities; publicise and expand channels for selection of scientific and technological tasks. In order to increase the commitment for the use of state budget, it is necessary to have regulations or sanctions for cases of irresponsibility causing losses or using funds that do not produce results without a reasonable reason.

The above are basic solutions to improve the efficiency of science and technology management of Military units. Well-implementing those solutions will contribute to promoting the role of science and technology in building the Military towards modernity, constantly improving the overall quality, combat strength, and firmly defending the Fatherland in all situations.

Lieutenant Colonel PHAM THANH TOAN, MA., Department of Military Science, Ministry of National Defence