Proposing regulations on organization and management of activities to improve scientific, technological and innovation capacity

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is seeking comments on the Draft Circular regulating the content, criteria, conditions, order, and procedures for considering funding, signing contracts, managing and organizing the implementation of activities to enhance national science, technology and innovation (S&T) capacity of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED). The issuance of the Circular aims to concretize Decree No. 267/2025/ND-CP of the Government, creating a complete legal corridor for the implementation of activities to enhance S&T capacity, contributing to the development of human resources, facilities and the national innovation environment.

The draft Circular specifies the principles, conditions, contents, criteria, procedures for funding consideration, contract signing, management and implementation of activities to enhance the capacity of science, technology and innovation. The goal is to encourage the formation and development of strong research groups, improve the quality of scientific staff, expand international cooperation and promote the commercialization of research results, contributing to increasing the competitiveness of the national science and technology system.

According to the draft, the NAFOSTED Fund is responsible for organizing funding consideration, signing contracts, managing and organizing the implementation of activities to enhance the capacity of science, technology and innovation in accordance with the provisions of law and the Fund's charter and operation. Subjects considered for funding include agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals operating in science, technology and innovation in Vietnam or outside the territory of Vietnam but having rights and obligations under Vietnamese law.

Sponsorship activities are carried out transparently, fairly, democratically and publicly. Illustrative photo.

Funding activities are carried out transparently, fairly, democratically, with programs and procedures made public on the Fund's and the Ministry of Science and Technology 's information portals; priority is given to supporting activities to enhance science and technology capacity that meet international standards, without duplication with other funding sources; and the annual support budget does not exceed the Fund's approved plan.

The activities considered for support by the Fund are very diverse, including research by postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and master's students; activities of outstanding scientists, young scientists, and talented young engineers; inviting foreign scientists to Vietnam for short-term academic exchanges; organizing scientific conferences; short-term internships and research abroad; publishing scientific works; attending international conferences and seminars; as well as activities of communicating science, technology, and innovation, disseminating knowledge, and developing scientific journals.

The Circular applies to domestic and foreign organizations, enterprises and individuals engaged in research, technology development or innovation activities in Vietnam. Support is provided on the basis of two flexible mechanisms. The first mechanism is a "support package" for science and technology organizations with strong research capacity, such as universities, public research institutes, and reputable non-public science and technology organizations. The Fund provides funding in packages for these organizations to proactively organize, select and provide internal support for research groups, individuals or specific activities. This mechanism aims to increase autonomy and responsibility in managing and using capital sources, while encouraging the formation of strong research centers and excellent research groups capable of international integration.

The second mechanism is to review each specific application. Accordingly, the Fund reviews and directly supports individuals, organizations or separate activities such as inviting foreign scientists to work, organizing international conferences, publishing scientific works, or participating in short-term internships and research courses abroad. These applications are evaluated publicly and transparently on the basis of scientific quality, feasibility, expected effectiveness and contribution to national S&T capacity.

The general principles of funding activities are clearly defined, ensuring objectivity, democracy, and equality in reviewing and allocating funds; at the same time, the support program and procedures are made public on the electronic information portal of the Fund and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Support is only focused on high-quality activities that meet international standards and do not overlap with the content that has been sponsored by other organizations, agencies, or science and technology development funds of ministries, branches, and localities. The total annual support budget does not exceed the total approved in the Fund's operational plan.

The specific contents of the Circular also stipulate in detail the conditions and criteria for selecting organizations and individuals to be supported, the process of submitting documents, appraisal, signing contracts and monitoring implementation. Notably, the Fund will conduct periodic monitoring, surprise inspections, and evaluate the results and impacts of sponsored activities. In case of detecting misuse, failure to meet requirements or violations of financial regulations, the Fund has the right to recover funds and handle them according to current laws.

The Circular also promotes the connection of domestic and international research through activities of inviting foreign experts and scientists, while encouraging Vietnamese scientists to practice, exchange academic knowledge and cooperate in research at advanced scientific institutions around the world . Supporting international publications, developing scientific journals and communicating science and technology are considered important tools to enhance the position of Vietnamese science in the international arena, contributing to spreading the spirit of innovation in society.

NAFOSTED is responsible for guiding, organizing implementation, checking, monitoring, synthesizing results and reporting to the Ministry of Science and Technology. Supported organizations and individuals are obliged to fully implement the provisions of the contract, ensure effective use of funds and publicize the results of activities as prescribed.

The issuance of the Circular is expected to create a strong shift in the funding mechanism for science and technology activities, helping the NAFOSTED Fund promote its role as an important financial tool of the State in supporting scientific research, technology development and innovation. This is also a step to concretize Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on the development and application of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, making science, technology, innovation and digital transformation truly become the central driving force for national development.

The issuance of the Circular is expected to create a unified and synchronous legal corridor, promoting the development of national science, technology and innovation capacity, helping organizations and individuals easily access support resources from the NAFOSTED Fund. Along with that, the Circular will contribute to encouraging cooperation, spreading knowledge and enhancing the role of science and technology communication in bringing scientific knowledge closer to life, serving the goal of rapid and sustainable development of the country.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/de-xuat-quy-dinh-ve-to-chuc-quan-ly-hoat-dong-nang-cao-nang-luc-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-doi-moi-sang-tao-197251030212924831.htm