Proposed regulations on management of science and technology tasks of NAFOSTED Foundation

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is drafting a Circular regulating the order and procedures for reviewing, signing contracts, managing and organizing the implementation of S&T tasks funded by the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED).

According to the draft, the Circular applies to agencies, organizations, enterprises and individuals engaged in science , technology and innovation (S&I) activities in Vietnam, as well as foreign organizations and individuals with rights and obligations under Vietnamese law or international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

The management of science and technology programs and tasks is carried out according to the principles of publicity, transparency, objectivity, democracy, equality and compliance with international standards on research ethics, scientific integrity and accountability. The draft also encourages the mechanism of "contracting to the final product", conducting post-audit and evaluation based on output results; at the same time, promoting the application of digital platforms in the management, monitoring and supervision of tasks.

The draft Circular clearly stipulates the output requirements of each type of task. Illustrative photo.

Types of tasks funded and ordered by the Fund include: tasks under national science, technology and innovation programs; urgent tasks; special tasks; strategic technology development tasks; tasks in the form of public-private partnership; as well as clusters and chains of related tasks.

The order and procedures for funding and ordering are specified from the stages of announcing the plan, receiving documents, reviewing and selecting tasks, to appraising, approving and signing contracts. The Fund will publicize the ordering and funding plan on the national digital platform for science, technology and innovation, ensuring a transparent, competitive and timely selection process.

The draft Circular clearly stipulates the output requirements of each type of task, from basic research to applied research, technology development and social solutions. The results must include prestigious international publications, applied products, technical processes, commercialized technology or practical models serving socio- economic development. Scientific publications must clearly state the Fund's funding source and not duplicate funding from other sources.

The Fund also conducts risk management at the level of each task, organizes monitoring, periodic and ad hoc inspections, mid-term and final evaluations and evaluates the impact of research results. All activities are digitized and updated on the task management system, ensuring efficiency, consistency and transparency.

The draft Circular also provides detailed regulations on research contracts, progress reporting regimes, funding appraisal procedures, as well as termination and liquidation of contracts for assigning scientific and technological tasks.

The draft Circular is expected to create a unified and synchronous legal basis for the process of managing, operating and using funding sources to support scientific research. The document aims to improve the quality and transparency of the funding process, increase accountability and promote investment efficiency in science and technology. When issued, the Circular will help the NAFOSTED Fund better promote its role as an important financial tool of the State in supporting scientists, research groups and science and technology organizations, contributing to promoting innovation, developing the knowledge economy and enhancing national competitiveness in the new period.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/de-xuat-quy-dinh-ve-quan-ly-nhiem-vu-khoa-hoc-va-cong-nghe-cua-quy-nafosted-197251030220516059.htm