The sandbox mechanism has entered the practical implementation phase.

The Ministry of Science and Technology announced that, in addition to preparing to license the first controlled pilot model for low-level economic development and the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Dien Bien province, several localities and businesses have also expressed interest in implementing a sandbox model for testing.

UAVs are being tested for spraying pesticides on coffee plants in Muong Ang commune, Dien Bien province.

At the Ministry of Science and Technology 's regular press conference on the afternoon of April 29, Mr. Tran Anh Tu, Deputy Director of the Information Technology Industry Department (Ministry of Science and Technology), stated that the controlled testing mechanism (sandbox) has been stipulated in the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation 2025.

Regarding the digital technology sector, the Government has issued Decree No. 353/2025/ND-CP, effective from January 1, 2026, which stipulates the principles, conditions, timeframes, scope, subjects, documentation, licensing procedures for trials, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of post-trial results. A key focus is the increased decentralization of authority to the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities, enabling them to coordinate with relevant agencies in granting trial licenses within their respective provinces.

To date, the practical implementation of the sandbox is being actively promoted by relevant agencies, initially focusing on a few typical cases to serve as models, draw lessons, and refine the implementation process. The Ministry of Science and Technology is coordinating with Dien Bien province and relevant agencies to finalize a controlled trial project for several UAV application models in agriculture, forestry, logistics, healthcare, public services, and state management.

This is not a test of UAV technology alone, but rather a trial of a practical application model to evaluate its effectiveness, implementation methods, and coordination mechanisms. Currently, the process involves coordinating with relevant agencies, finalizing documentation, conducting assessments, and proceeding with the licensing of the trial.

Mr. Tran Anh Tu, Deputy Director of the Department of Information Technology Industry, shared information at the press conference.

Mr. Tran Anh Tu also stated that several localities have expressed interest in piloting the sandbox model. However, these localities are currently in the process of searching for suitable models and applications to conduct trials, and some dossiers are still under development.

Initial assessments indicate that the sandbox mechanism has moved from legal regulations to the practical implementation phase; simultaneously, several specific pilot projects and case studies have been developed to serve as a basis for refining the process, coordination mechanisms, and monitoring methods in the future.

Synthesize best practices to propose improvements to the mechanism.

According to Mr. Tran Anh Tu, there are two groups of difficulties encountered in the initial testing of the first practical application model.

Firstly, there are difficulties in the preparation and implementation phase. Because sandboxes are applied to new technologies, products, services, or business models, the preparation process requires very clear definition of the objectives, scope, conditions, limitations of testing, and management requirements for each specific model. Simultaneously, a plan for monitoring, risk control, and handling unforeseen situations must be developed to ensure that the testing is conducted rigorously, safely, and effectively.

Secondly, interdisciplinary pilot models present challenges. Many models involve regulations and management responsibilities from multiple ministries, sectors, and localities simultaneously. Therefore, during implementation, it is necessary to review and clearly identify regulations that are permitted or excluded from application for each specific content; if necessary, the most appropriate mechanism within the scope of the pilot project, according to the relevant authority, should be considered. Furthermore, the coordination mechanism for monitoring, risk control, incident handling, and timely resolution of any issues that may arise during implementation needs to be clarified and detailed.

In the long term, along with the implementation of the first cases, the competent authority will continue to monitor and synthesize practical experiences to study and refine the appropriate legal framework for new models. This is a requirement set forth in the process of perfecting the mechanism, not an immediate obstacle arising at the present stage.

In the coming period, the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to closely coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities to support the practical implementation of sandboxes, promptly resolve difficulties in the implementation process, and synthesize best practices to propose improvements to mechanisms and policies, both promoting innovation and ensuring safety, efficiency, and social benefits.

HA LINH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/co-che-sandbox-da-sang-giai-doan-trien-khai-thuc-te-post959177.html