Removing obstacles in the decentralization and delegation of authority in the field of science and technology.

On June 23rd, the Ministry of Science and Technology held a combined in-person and online conference with all provincial Departments of Science and Technology nationwide to provide guidance on implementation and address obstacles related to decentralization, delegation of authority, and delineation of jurisdiction in the field of science and technology according to new decrees issued by the Government.

Tạp chí Doanh Nghiệp•24/06/2025

Photo caption — The conference provided guidance on decentralization and delegation of authority in the fields of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Photo: hanoimoi.vn

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong chaired the conference. Also attending were leaders from 26 agencies and units under the Ministry involved in the implementation of Decree No. 132/2025/ND-CP regulating the delineation of authority of local governments at two levels in the state management field of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Decree No. 133/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in the state management field of the Ministry of Science and Technology; representatives from the Departments of Science and Technology, and officials in charge of decentralization and delegation of power at the units.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong stated that although the decrees had been issued, due to the large workload and tight deadlines, many Departments of Science and Technology had not had sufficient time to thoroughly study all the new regulations. Therefore, the Ministry of Science and Technology organized this conference to provide more in-depth guidance and directly receive feedback from localities.

Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong requested that the Departments of Science and Technology proactively review and thoroughly study the contents related to decentralization, delegation of authority, and authorization mentioned in Decrees No. 132 and 133. Any inadequacies, inappropriate content, or incomplete information should be promptly reported to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consideration and handling within its authority, or submitted to the Government for adjustment if necessary. The Deputy Minister noted: “From July 1, 2025, the two-tiered government model will be implemented. Without careful study of these documents, it will be difficult to implement the work at the local level.”

To support the Departments of Science and Technology in smoothly implementing new initiatives, the Ministry has directed two enterprises, VNPT and Viettel, to develop AI assistants to provide information and professional guidance to local officials. The Deputy Minister stated that although the AI assistant is still in the development stage and may not be fully complete, the system will become smarter thanks to continuously updated data.

In case the AI cannot resolve the question, the Departments can contact the Ministry of Science and Technology's hotline (0983221818, 0983351818) for support via phone or text message. The Legal Department is the focal point for receiving and answering questions from localities.

In addition, unit leaders within the Ministry whose responsibilities relate to decentralization, delegation of authority, and authorization are also ready to support and coordinate with the Departments to ensure a unified and synchronized implementation process.

To provide timely support to the Departments of Science and Technology in the field of standards, measurement, and quality, Mr. Ha Minh Hiep, Chairman of the National Standards, Measurement and Quality Committee (Ministry of Science and Technology), announced that the unit will organize three training programs from June 25 to 28, 2025. Specifically, in Hanoi from June 25-26; Da Nang from June 26-28; and Ho Chi Minh City from June 27-28. The training content will focus on guiding the handling of administrative procedures according to Decree No. 133, including: conformity assessment, measurement, document processing, and related procedures. Experts from specialized fields will directly participate in teaching and guidance.

Regarding the concepts of decentralization and delegation of authority, Ms. Nguyen Nhu Quynh, Director of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology, also clearly presented important legal concepts related to the implementation of the decrees. Specifically, decentralization is only implemented when stipulated in a law or ordinance issued by the National Assembly; delegation of authority is the assignment of tasks according to regulations and cannot be further delegated. Delegation of authority is carried out according to the Law on Government Organization and the Law on Local Government Organization, decided by the Provincial People's Committee. Ms. Nguyen Nhu Quynh pledged that the Legal Department is ready to support localities in all situations to ensure that the implementation process is in accordance with regulations, synchronized, and effective.

At the conference, representatives from various Departments of Science and Technology, including those in Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Nam, Lam Dong, Hanoi, and Nghe An, raised several specific issues arising during the research and implementation of decentralization and delegation of authority. Many opinions suggested the need for more detailed guidance on administrative procedures, as well as specific examples of responsibilities between different levels of government. Some departments proposed adding technical appendices to the decrees to facilitate practical application.

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