Perfecting the periodic reporting regime in the science and technology sector: Enhancing transparency, efficiency and digital transformation

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is drafting a Circular regulating the periodic reporting regime within the scope of state management of the Ministry. Accordingly, the deadline for submitting periodic reports is specifically regulated: no later than the 18th of each month for monthly reports; the 18th of the last month of the quarter for quarterly reports; June 18th for six-month reports; and December 18th for annual reports.

The draft Circular clearly stipulates the scope of regulation, including the periodic reporting regime under the state management of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the management, use and exploitation of the Ministry's reporting information system. Statistical reporting regimes, confidential reporting or internal reporting regimes are not within the scope of regulation of the Circular.

Subjects of application include ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies; People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities; National Universities; High-tech Park Management Boards; and organizations and individuals related to the implementation of the Ministry's periodic reporting regime.

The draft Circular clearly stipulates the periodic reporting regime within the state management scope of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The draft provides a full explanation of related concepts, such as "periodic reporting regime", "organizations and individuals related to the implementation of the periodic reporting regime" and "Reporting information system of the Ministry of Science and Technology". In which, the periodic reporting regime is understood as the reporting requirements stipulated in legal documents under the management scope of the Ministry and implemented according to a fixed cycle.

According to the draft, the implementation of the periodic reporting regime must ensure compliance with Decree 09/2019/ND-CP, while meeting the requirements of clarity, publicity, information sharing, safety, security and data confidentiality. The Ministry of Science and Technology stipulates a periodic reporting regime including 55 reporting regimes, listed in Appendix I issued with the Circular. In addition, periodic reporting regimes under the authority of the Government, the Prime Minister or ministries and branches, when assigned to the Ministry of Science and Technology or its affiliated units for implementation, will be announced in accordance with the provisions of the Circular.

The content of each periodic reporting regime must include components such as report name, required content, implementing subject, receiving agency, frequency, data closing time, submission deadline and report submission form. If necessary, the reporting regime can include forms and implementation process instructions.

The form of sending reports is prioritized in electronic form according to the regulations in the document promulgating the reporting regime. Reports are digitally signed when sent through the Reporting Information System of the Ministry of Science and Technology. In case of not being connected to the System, the reporting agency can submit paper documents with the signature and seal of the competent authority. In cases where the System has technical problems, reports can be sent via electronic documents with attached Word or Excel files, or by other methods according to the law.

The draft also clearly stipulates the requirements for the reporting agency, including the responsibility to collect and synthesize data completely, accurately and promptly; and the responsibility to adjust and supplement the report according to the request of the reporting agency on the System. The reporting agency is responsible for checking, synthesizing data, approving and reporting to the competent authority, or returning reports that do not fully meet the requirements.

The list of periodic reporting regimes under the authority of the Government, the Prime Minister or ministries and branches assigned to the Ministry of Science and Technology must be publicly announced on the Ministry's Electronic Information Portal. The announcement process is specified in detail, including the responsibility for reviewing, requesting announcement and the deadline for submitting announcement documents.

The draft devotes a separate chapter to regulating the management, use and exploitation of the Ministry's reporting information system. The system is built to ensure connection and communication with the Government reporting information system. Agencies sending reports use organizational digital certificates to register accounts and are authorized to use the system. The reporting process on the system is described specifically, from creating a reporting request to approving and submitting it to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

In addition, the draft emphasizes the responsibility of the Ministry of Science and Technology, its units, the Information Technology Center, ministries, branches, localities, National Universities, and High-Tech Park Management Boards in implementing the Circular; and clearly stipulates the effective date and documents to be replaced when the Circular takes effect.

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/hoan-thien-che-do-bao-cao-dinh-ky-trong-nganh-khcn-tang-cuong-minh-bach-hieu-qua-va-chuyen-doi-so-197251115134610722.htm