Process of selecting breakthrough initiatives for science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation

(laichau.gov.vn) Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung signed Decision No. 2266/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister promulgating the Process of selecting breakthrough initiatives according to the Strategic Action Plan to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation.

Breakthrough initiatives need to ensure requirements of novelty and creativity, breakthrough, feasibility...

This process regulates the registration, reception, selection, recognition, assignment of tasks and implementation of breakthrough initiatives nationwide. The process is deployed centrally on the Science and Technology Initiative Portal, ensuring data connectivity via application programming interface (API) with relevant information systems.

Applicable subjects include: Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities; scientific and technological organizations, enterprises, research institutes, universities; social organizations and individuals at home and abroad who have proposed breakthrough initiatives according to Plan No. 01-KH/BCĐTW.

Requirements to be met by breakthrough initiatives

As a rule, a breakthrough initiative must meet the following requirements:

- Novelty and creativity: Has a distinct element that is superior to existing solutions.

- Breakthrough: Solves major bottlenecks and challenges in institutions, technology, resources or development models.

- Feasibility: Ensure feasibility in terms of technology, resources and have a clear implementation roadmap.

- Impact and spillover: Has the potential to create positive, far-reaching influence and contribute to the implementation of key indicators (KPIs) of the Strategic Action Plan.

- Ability to mobilize resources: Has the ability to strongly attract resources from society.

Process of receiving and selecting initiatives

The process of selecting breakthrough initiatives is implemented online, including the following 4 steps:

Step 1 - Proposing Initiative: All organizations and individuals submit proposals online through the Science and Technology Initiative Portal.

Step 2 - Screening and submitting to the Steering Committee: The Ministry of Science and Technology presides over the examination of the validity of the dossier and makes a preliminary assessment based on the prescribed criteria. For breakthrough initiatives with valid dossiers, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall establish an Evaluation Council within 3-5 working days, organize meetings or collect written opinions from Council members and ministries, branches and localities directly related to the breakthrough initiative. The deadline for completing the consultation, synthesis and screening is a maximum of 14 working days. For initiatives that meet the criteria, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall synthesize and submit them to the competent authority for consideration and decision; for initiatives that do not meet the criteria, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall reject them and send a written response to the proposing organization or individual. Based on the Council's assessment results, the Ministry of Science and Technology will prepare a Report with a list of initiatives identified as breakthroughs and strategic significance, and submit it to the Central Steering Committee for consideration and decision. For breakthrough initiatives with invalid dossiers, the Ministry of Science and Technology will refuse to evaluate and notify organizations and individuals through the Science and Technology Initiative Portal.

Step 3 - Review and Approval : The Central Steering Committee (through the Standing Agency, the Central Party Office) presides over the review of proposed initiatives submitted by the Ministry of Science and Technology, with in-depth consultation with the 57 Chief Engineers and the National Advisory Council, before making a final decision and announcing the addition to the list. The maximum review completion time is 30 working days from the date of receipt of the Submission.

Step 4 - Assigning tasks and Organizing implementation: After approval, the Central Steering Committee assigns the Government to direct relevant agencies to concretize the initiative into programs, projects and organize implementation depending on the scale and nature. The assigned agencies periodically report progress to the Central Steering Committee (through the Ministry of Science and Technology).

Selection criteria

Preliminary Screening Criteria (Round 1 - at the Ministry of Science and Technology):

- Suitability: Consistent with the country's policies and strategic orientations.

- Breakthrough: Clearly shows new, creative, breakthrough elements, solving important problems.

- Feasibility: Has scientific and practical basis for implementation.

- No duplication: No duplication in content with approved tasks.

Assessment and recognition criteria (Round 2 - at the Central Steering Committee):

- Fully meet the preliminary screening criteria.

- Impact potential: Has the ability to create great influence and spread widely.

- Urgency: Solve priority, urgent problems.

- Implementation capacity: Enterprises and organizations in Vietnam have sufficient capacity and resources to implement.

- Ability to mobilize social resources: Highly attractive to attract non-budgetary investment.

Updated on October 15, 2025

Source: https://laichau.gov.vn/tin-tuc-su-kien/chuyen-de/tin-trong-nuoc/quy-trinh-xet-chon-sang-kien-dot-pha-phat-trien-khcn-doi-moi-sang-tao-va-chuyen-doi-so.html