Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP: A strong shift in the policy of utilizing talented people

With the issuance of Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP, the Government has opened a new, breakthrough mechanism in attracting and employing talents in science, technology and innovation.

This is a step to realize the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TU of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation, serving the country's development, while removing long-standing "bottlenecks" regarding salaries, recruitment and autonomy mechanisms in the public sector.

Dr. Catherine Guigue (Aix Marseille University, France), an expert in the field of environment and oceanography , guides students at the laboratory of Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP issued on October 14, 2025, detailing and guiding a number of articles of the Law on Science , Technology and Innovation on the mechanism of autonomy and self-responsibility of public science and technology organizations, human resources, talents and awards in the field of science, technology and innovation. It can be said that this is the first time that the State has fully institutionalized policies on talents, strongly empowering public science and technology organizations in recruiting, paying salaries and using human resources.

Deputy Director of the Department of Organization and Personnel (Ministry of Science and Technology) Vu Thi La said that Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP, together with previous decrees such as Decree No. 179/2024/ND-CP (stipulating policies to attract and promote talented people in the public sector), Decree No. 249/2025/ND-CP (stipulating mechanisms and policies to attract experts in the fields of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation), have created a synchronous legal corridor and a favorable environment for scientists and experts to promote their capacity and make long-term contributions. In particular, Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP stands out for its high practicality, directly aiming to "untie" research units.

One of the biggest changes is the recruitment mechanism. Previously, signing contracts with experts and scientists depended on the level of financial autonomy and approval from superiors, making it difficult for many public units to flexibly attract talent. Now, Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP allows public science and technology organizations to decide on recruitment, management, contract signing and salary payment according to agreement. This is an important step, bringing the public sector closer to the market mechanism, and at the same time demonstrating the State's trust in research institutions.

Notably, Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP also clearly stipulates the salary and benefits regime, allowing direct negotiations with domestic and foreign experts. Thus, public organizations can pay salaries commensurate with their abilities, no longer being constrained by a rigid administrative framework. This new mechanism not only increases the competitiveness of the public sector with the private sector, but also opens up opportunities to attract overseas Vietnamese scientists, young intellectuals and international experts to work long-term in Vietnam.

Empower and create trust, so that talent can contribute long-term

Not only stopping at granting autonomy in recruitment and salary payment, Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP also establishes a comprehensive policy system to nurture and promote talents. Scientists and experts are entitled to full insurance and social security regimes, are given priority in training, fostering, and rewards, and are guaranteed modern working conditions and have their professional rights protected. In particular, people with outstanding abilities will be appointed to leadership positions without having to meet all the strict administrative standards as before. This is a step that clearly demonstrates the spirit of valuing talented people.

In addition to financial incentives, Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP also includes many non-financial policies to create a favorable research environment. Talents are given priority in housing arrangements, supported with entry procedures if they are foreign experts, enjoy social security policies and have the opportunity to participate in major programs and projects of the State. At the same time, the new mechanism also encourages science and technology organizations to assign tasks directly to talents, especially in the fields of high technology, digital technology and national strategic technology.

From a practical perspective, many experts assess that Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP is a "policy turning point" that brings the provisions of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TU into life. Professor, Doctor of Science Nguyen Dinh Duc, former Chairman of the Council of the University of Technology (Hanoi National University) said that for the policy to be truly effective, it is essential to build a public, transparent mechanism and have the support of the entire political system. Foreign experts or overseas Vietnamese can only come and stay long-term when they see a professional working environment, their rights are protected, they have favorable research conditions and are respected accordingly.

According to Dr. Nguyen Quan - former Minister of Science and Technology, in order for the policy to come into practice, it is necessary to continue to synchronize related laws, especially the State Budget Law, to allow the operation of a flexible research fund mechanism - something that Resolution No. 57-NQ/TU has set out. "No country has to wait a whole year to sign a contract for research," he affirmed, emphasizing the urgent need for innovation in the research finance mechanism.

Clearly, Decree No. 263/2025/ND-CP not only resolves the “bottlenecks” in procedures and salaries, but also creates a new mindset: Considering talent as a special resource that needs to be invested in, valued and honored appropriately. When the mechanism is clear, the environment is improved and talent is trusted, that will be the foundation for Vietnam to make a breakthrough in the era of science, technology and innovation.

hanoimoi.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nghi-dinh-so-2632025nd-cp-buoc-chuyen-manh-trong-chinh-sach-trong-dung-nhan-tai-post886336.html