Creating policy impetus for the strong development of science and technology enterprises.

Following the promulgation of the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation 2025, the Government has further clarified regulations related to science and technology enterprises (S&T enterprises) through Decree No. 268/2025/ND-CP. This is considered an important step in institutional reform, creating a more comprehensive, transparent, and favorable legal framework for the innovation sector.

The system of science and technology enterprises is gradually taking shape and developing.

The period from 2012 to 2024 witnessed a steady increase in the number of science and technology enterprises nationwide. As of December 2025, 962 Science and Technology Enterprise Certificates had been issued. In 2024 alone, the number of enterprises reached 920, demonstrating a positive development trend in this sector.

Science and technology enterprises operate primarily in the fields of biotechnology, information technology, automation, and new materials. Of these, biotechnology accounts for the highest proportion, followed by information technology and automation.

Notably, the majority of science and technology enterprises are formed from private sector resources. Approximately 93.5% of enterprises invest in research and development themselves or receive technology transfer from their own capital; only about 6.5% originate from the state budget. This demonstrates the increasingly prominent role of the private sector in investing in science , technology, and innovation.

One of the key new features of Decree 268 is the specific regulation of criteria and conditions for certifying science and technology enterprises according to the size of the enterprise.

Science and technology enterprises invest in research and development, mastering automated equipment and production processes.

Accordingly, businesses must be established and operate in accordance with the Enterprise Law; create scientific, technological, and innovative products from legally protected or recognized results such as inventions, utility models, computer programs, new plant varieties, or legally transferred technologies.

For each size group (large, medium, small, and micro), the Decree clearly stipulates the requirements regarding the proportion of spending on R&D, research personnel, and the share of revenue from scientific, technological, and innovative products. This approach ensures flexibility, adapting to the actual capabilities of each type of enterprise, while simultaneously improving the quality and substance of R&D activities.

Decentralize power to local authorities and shorten processing times.

Decree 268 assigns the authority to receive, evaluate, and issue Certificates of Science and Technology Enterprise to the People's Committees at the provincial level. This decentralization aims to increase local autonomy, shorten processing times, and create more favorable conditions for businesses.

The maximum processing time for applications is 15 days. The appraisal agency may apply self-appraisal, seek opinions from independent experts, or establish an appraisal council. At the same time, the Decree also clearly stipulates the cases for revocation or cancellation of certificates to ensure transparency and seriousness in policy implementation.

Decree 268 specifies the incentive system for science and technology enterprises in many aspects. Regarding corporate income tax, science and technology enterprises are subject to a 10% tax rate for 15 years; tax exemption for 4 years and a 50% reduction in tax payable for the following 9 years. Enterprises are allowed to allocate up to 20% of taxable income to establish a fund for the development of science, technology and innovation; and are also allowed to deduct 200% of R&D expenses when calculating taxes.

In addition, there are incentives related to land use, import tax exemptions for machinery and equipment used in R&D; preferential bidding conditions for domestic science and technology products; and access to state investment credit and innovation support funds.

Production lines applying automation technology at science and technology enterprises.

This policy system not only reduces investment costs for businesses but also creates a strong incentive for businesses to increase spending on research and development.

The decree also clearly defines the responsibilities of both management agencies and businesses. Provincial People's Committees are responsible for organizing the implementation of policies, updating business data on the digital platform for managing science, technology, and innovation; and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of operations.

From the business perspective, science and technology enterprises must maintain certification conditions, commit to the legality of scientific and technological results used in production and business, and fully comply with reporting requirements as stipulated.

The issuance of Decree 268/2025/ND-CP marks a significant shift from encouraging to fostering the development of science and technology enterprises in a more substantive, transparent, and sustainable manner.

In the context of a knowledge-based and digital economy playing an increasingly dominant role, science and technology enterprises are expected to become the core force in commercializing research results, mastering technology, replacing imports, and gradually participating more deeply in the global value chain.

With a synchronized legal framework and clear incentive mechanisms, Decree 268 is expected to create a new impetus, promoting the strong development of the science and technology business sector in the coming period.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/tao-cu-hich-chinh-sach-cho-doanh-nghiep-khcn-phat-trien-manh-me-197260217105423704.htm