Circular No. 01/2012/TT-BKHCN guiding the management of the National Product Development Program until 2020

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for managing

National Product Development Program until 2020

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Pursuant to the Law on Science and Technology dated June 9, 2000 and the Government Decree No. 81/2002/NĐ-CP dated October 17, 2002 detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Science and Technology;

Pursuant to Decree No. 28/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 14, 2008, promulgated by the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

Pursuant to Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010 of the Prime Minister approving the National Product Development Program until 2020,

The Minister of Science and Technology issues guidelines for managing the National Product Development Program until 2020.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. These Circulars guide the establishment, organization of implementation, and management of tasks under the National Product Development Program until 2020 (hereinafter referred to as the Program), approved by Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010 of the Prime Minister.

2. These Circulars apply to organizations, individuals, and enterprises participating in implementing the National Product Development Program until 2020.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. A science and technology project (hereinafter referred to as a ST Project) is a science and technology task including several research science and technology topics, experimental production projects (hereinafter referred to as EPPs) organically and synchronously connected, carried out within a specific period, aimed at solving major science and technology issues, serving the production of products or groups of products listed in the National Product Catalogue (hereinafter referred to as NPC).

2. A national product investment project (hereinafter referred to as an Investment Project) is an investment production task for NPC based on applying the results of a ST Project or receiving new and advanced technology transfers from other sources.

3. A national product development proposal (hereinafter referred to as a Proposal) is a proposal including a ST Project and an Investment Project with the goal of developing products or groups of products in the NPC catalogue approved by the Prime Minister.

4. A framework proposal for national product development (hereinafter referred to as a Framework Proposal) is a comprehensive description of the tasks to implement the Proposal for developing NPC.

5. The Steering Committee for the National Product Development Program (hereinafter referred to as the Steering Committee) is an administrative body established by the Minister of Science and Technology, tasked with assisting the Minister of Science and Technology in organizing and managing the Program's activities.

6. The main organizing entity of the national product development proposal (hereinafter referred to as the Main Organizing Entity of the Proposal) is a scientific and technological organization or enterprise assigned to lead the Proposal for developing NPC.

7. The main organizing entity of the national product development science and technology project (hereinafter referred to as the Main Organizing Entity of the ST Project) is a scientific and technological organization or enterprise assigned to lead the implementation of the ST Project.

8. The main organizing entity of the national product development investment project (hereinafter referred to as the Main Organizing Entity of the Investment Project) is a scientific and technological organization or enterprise assigned to lead the implementation of the Investment Project.

9. The Proposal Leader, ST Project Leader, and Investment Project Director is an individual assigned the task of leading the organization, coordinating with other organizations, enterprises, and individuals to implement the Proposal, ST Project, and Investment Project.

Article 3. Criteria for determining national products

National products must meet the general criteria set forth in Point 2, Clause III, Article 1 of Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010 of the Prime Minister and must also ensure the following specific criteria:

1. Technology criteria

a) High technology, new technology, advanced compared to the ASEAN region and the world, originating from domestic scientific research and technological development results or transferred from abroad;

b) Technology, technological secrets, useful solutions, rights to plant and animal varieties must meet the conditions to be recognized and protected under intellectual property rights;

c) Create breakthroughs in research capacity in science and technology and drive the development of industries and sectors.

2. Criteria regarding production scale and value added

a) Products have significant potential for domestic and international markets, capable of replacing imports. Total revenue of the product or group of products in the NPC after the completion of the Proposal must reach at least 20 trillion VND per year;

b) Ensure that the investment capital recovery period does not exceed five years;

c) Forming production and trading enterprises for NPC, creating concentrated raw material areas, processing zones, and fully utilizing the country's resource advantages (human resources, land, minerals, raw materials, genetic resources, natural conditions...).

Article 4. Criteria for determining the Leading Organization and Project Leader of Science and Technology Programs and Projects; Leading Organization and Project Director of Investment Projects

1. The Leading Organization implementing the Program Proposal, Project Proposal on Science and Technology, and Investment Project is a business enterprise or a scientific and technological organization that meets all of the following conditions:

a) Having legal personality;

b) The field of operation has been registered with the competent state management agency in accordance with the content of scientific research and production of national programs;

c) Possessing potential and capability to mobilize various resources (material and technical infrastructure, finance, human resources, production organization capacity, etc.) for research, application, and development of national products.

2. The Project Leader of the Program Proposal, Project Proposal on Science and Technology, and Project Director of Investment Project is a leader of the Leading Organization of the Program Proposal, Leading Organization of the Project Proposal on Science and Technology, and Leading Organization of the Investment Project, and has sufficient time and capability to organize and implement the Program Proposal, Project Proposal on Science and Technology, and Investment Project.

Article 5. Task Code under the National Program

The task code under the National Program is recorded as follows:

SPQG.XX.AA(ĐT, DA, DĐ).BB/YYYY wherein:

1. SPQG is the common symbol of the Program;

2. Group XX consists of two digits indicating the common serial number of the national product recorded in the Decision approving the List of National Products issued by the Prime Minister.

3. Group AA consists of two letters indicating the type of task: ĐT for research projects on science and technology, DA for application and technology transfer projects; DĐ for tasks under investment projects.

4. Group BB consists of two digits indicating the serial number of research projects on science and technology, application and technology transfer projects, and investment projects within each national product.

5. Group YYYY consists of four digits representing the year the task begins.

Chapter II

BUILDING TASKS UNDER THE PROGRAM

Article 6. Building the List of National Products

1. Ministries, sectors, provincial People's Committees, centrally governed cities, scientific and technological organizations, and enterprises propose National Product Proposals and Framework Program Proposals for developing National Products according to Model B1-PDX-SPQG and Model B2-DA-SPQG as guided by the Ministry of Science and Technology as stipulated in Appendix 1 of this Circular.

2. Based on the criteria set forth in Articles 3 and 4 of this Circular, the Program Steering Committee establishes a preliminary list and proposes the Leading Organization for the Program Development Proposal according to Model B3-DMSB-SPQG as stipulated in Appendix 1 of this Circular.

3. The preliminary list of National Products and the proposed Leading Organization for implementing the Program Development Proposal is organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology to solicit opinions from relevant ministries, sectors, and localities before submitting it to the Program Steering Committee for review and submission to the Prime Minister for approval.

Article 7. Developing Program Proposals, Project Proposals on Science and Technology, and Investment Projects

1. Based on the Decision of the Prime Minister approving the List of National Products, the organization assigned to lead the implementation of the Program Proposal is responsible for completing the Framework Program Proposal according to Model B2-DA-SPQG as stipulated in Appendix 1 of this Circular.

The Program Steering Committee leads and coordinates with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to organize the review and approval of the Framework Program Proposal by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2. The organization assigned to lead the implementation of the Program Proposal develops the detailed description of the Project Proposal on Science and Technology according to Model B4-DAKHCN-SPQG and the Investment Project according to Model B5-DAĐT-SPQG as stipulated in Appendix 2 of this Circular and sends them to the Program Steering Committee for consolidation and processing.

3. The Program Steering Committee leads and coordinates with functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology to organize the review board for the Project Proposal on Science and Technology, Investment Project, and component tasks.

4. The review process is carried out in accordance with regulations issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 8. Reviewing and Approving Project Proposals on Science and Technology, Investment project

1. For funding support from the state budget for science and technology activities

a) Review

- For Project Proposals on Science and Technology: The Program Steering Committee leads and coordinates with functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to conduct the review of the content and funding of the tasks in the Project Proposals on Science and Technology.

- For Investment Projects: The Program Steering Committee leads and coordinates with functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to review the contents and funding supported from the state budget for science and technology activities.

The review process is conducted in accordance with regulations issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

b) Approval

Based on the results of the review of Project Proposals on Science and Technology and Investment Projects, the Ministry of Science and Technology approves the contents and funding supported from the state budget for science and technology activities.

2. For funding support from other state budgets

The review and approval of the contents and funding are carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Article 9 of this Circular.

3. For large and complex projects requiring approval by the Prime Minister, the procedures and processes for reviewing and approving are carried out in accordance with current regulations.

Article 9. Implementation of preferential policies for the development of national products

1. Based on the Decision approving the List of National Products issued by the Prime Minister, the Leading Organization of the Program Proposal implements the proposal for credit, tax, land use, human resource training, information search, and other incentives to serve the development of National Products as stipulated in Clause V, Article 1 of Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010 on the approval of the National Product Development Program until 2020, and submits it to relevant ministries, sectors, and provincial People's Committees for consideration and resolution.

2. Relevant ministries, sectors, and provincial People's Committees lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to consider and decide on forms of support applicable to National Products and report to the Program Steering Committee for approval by the Prime Minister.

3. The procedures and processes for reviewing and approving support for National Products are established and specifically guided by relevant ministries, sectors, and provincial People's Committees.

Chapter III

MANAGEMENT OF THE PROGRAM

Article 10. Management Organization of the Program

1. The management of the Program is implemented in accordance with Clause VII, Article 1, Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010 of the Prime Minister on the approval of the National Product Development Program until 2020.

2. The Program Steering Committee operates in accordance with the Charter of Organization and Operation issued by the Chairman of the Steering Committee at Decision No. 97/QĐ-BCĐSPQG dated November 4, 2011.

The National Science and Technology Program Coordination Office is the assisting agency of the Program Steering Committee decided to be established by the Minister of Science and Technology.

3. The Program Steering Committee and its supporting staff are established and have their operational charter issued by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Article 11. Responsibilities and Authorities of the Program Management Board

1. To take the lead and coordinate with functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology to organize the establishment of the National Product List; to examine and select organizations and individuals responsible for implementing Science and Technology Programs and Projects; to review the content and budget of Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects; to evaluate and accept the results of Science and Technology Programs and Projects and Investment Projects in accordance with Articles 6, 7, 8, and 20 of this Circular.

2. To coordinate with relevant units to guide the organizations responsible for the National Product Programs on procedures to receive support as stipulated in Points 2, 3, and 4 of Clause V, Article 1 of Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010.

3. To develop annual implementation plans based on the approved National Product List by the Prime Minister; to consolidate the annual plans and budgets of the Program, the Steering Committee, and the Program Management Board for the Ministry of Science and Technology to allocate into the annual plan and budget for science and technology activities.

To propose annual adjustments and supplements and to coordinate with functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology to implement them after approval by the Minister of Science and Technology.

4. To take the lead in guiding the completion and signing of project descriptions; together with competent authorities, to sign research and development contracts for Science and Technology Programs and Projects and contracts for the implementation of content and funding supported from the state budget for Investment Projects in accordance with Article 16 of this Circular; to organize the acceptance and settlement of contracts with the organizations and individuals responsible for Science and Technology Programs and Projects and Investment Project Directors in accordance with Article 20 of this Circular.

5. To take the lead and coordinate in inspecting and supervising the implementation situation and confirming the volume and results of Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects in accordance with Clause 1, Article 17 of this Circular as the basis for finalizing accounts and providing additional funding for Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects; to consolidate and propose to the Minister of Science and Technology for consideration and decision on adjusting and terminating contracts in accordance with Clause 2, Article 18 and Article 19 of this Circular.

6. To monitor and consolidate the mobilization and utilization of non-state budget funds for Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects; to promptly identify and handle any issues or errors during the organization and implementation of the Program and the procurement of machinery and equipment for Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects within their authority; to propose measures and report to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision on cases exceeding their authority.

7. To take the lead and coordinate with functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology to consolidate procurement plans for machinery and equipment for Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects for approval by the Ministry of Science and Technology; to implement the issuance, confirmation, and payment of funding to the organizations responsible for Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects according to the progress recorded in the contract.

8. To prepare the final account report on the Program's budget and submit it to the Ministry of Science and Technology as required; to prepare regular, extraordinary, mid-term summary, and final reports on the Program's annual implementation results.

9. To organize mid-term and final summaries and evaluations of the Program's activities and to report to the Ministry of Science and Technology on the Program's implementation status and results.

10. To assist the Ministry of Science and Technology in preparing and managing files and documents to report or submit to the Prime Minister for decisions on matters related to the organization and management of the Program.

11. The Program Management Board and its supporting staff shall be guaranteed conditions regarding funding, working tools, and current regulations.

Article 12. Responsibilities and Authorities of the Ministry of Science and Technology

1. Take the lead in organizing the collection of opinions from relevant ministries, sectors, provincial people's committees under the central government, and report to the Steering Committee for consideration regarding the List of Priority Scientific and Technological Products.

2. Approve the framework proposal, scientific and technological projects, and investment projects to organize the selection of organizations and individuals responsible for implementation; decide on recognizing organizations and individuals responsible for scientific and technological proposals and projects, investment projects; approve the content and budget of scientific and technological projects and investment projects (for contents and budgets supported from the state budget for scientific and technological affairs); review and decide on adjusting the content and budget of scientific and technological projects and investment projects (for contents and budgets supported from the state budget for scientific and technological affairs) during the implementation of the proposal.

3. Aggregate and balance the budget for implementing the Program to allocate into the annual state budget plan for scientific and technological affairs. Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Investment in ensuring financial support for the activities of the Program. Lead in issuing, confirming, and settling the budget for organizations responsible for scientific and technological projects and investment projects according to the progress recorded in the contract. Approve and aggregate the final accounts of the Program's budget annually.

4. Decide on approving or authorizing the head of the organization responsible to approve the plan and results of bidding for purchasing equipment for scientific and technological projects and investment projects (for parts of the budget supported from the state budget for scientific and technological affairs) in accordance with the law.

5. Supervise, inspect, and audit the activities of the Program, proposals, scientific and technological projects, and investment projects during their implementation and after they have been evaluated and accepted.

6. Decide on recognizing the results of implementing proposals, scientific and technological projects, and investment projects within the Program.

7. Evaluate the results and summarize the activities of the Program.

8. Report to the Steering Committee and the Prime Minister on the situation and results of implementing the Program.

Article 13. Responsibilities of Ministries, Sectors, Provincial People's Committees under the Central Government

1. Ministries, sectors, and provincial people's committees under the central government are responsible for performing tasks related to the Program for developing priority scientific and technological products as stipulated in Point 2, Clause VII, Article 1 of Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010 of the Prime Minister.

2. Coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology in building the List of Priority Scientific and Technological Products, reviewing, examining, and evaluating scientific and technological projects and investment projects; create favorable conditions for organizations responsible, project leaders, and heads of scientific and technological projects, directors of investment projects under their jurisdiction to effectively implement assigned contents.

3. Coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to inspect, supervise, and urge organizations responsible and project leaders to implement approved support contents according to commitments made in contracts.

Article 14. Responsibilities and Authorities of Organizations Responsible for Proposals and Projects

1. Organizations responsible for proposals

a) Bear responsibility for the content and results of the assigned proposal.

b) Together with the Program Management Board and the Budget Management Agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as the Budget Management Agency), be the contracting party signing the contract to implement scientific and technological projects and investment projects with the organization responsible and the head of the scientific and technological project, director of the investment project.

c) Be responsible for managing and organizing the implementation of the proposal, scientific and technological projects, and investment projects according to signed contracts. Have the right to propose changes to the content, budget, and schedule of the proposal.

d) Manage the allocated budget, raise sufficient funds, and provide the budget according to the agreed schedule from committed sources in the contract; organize bidding, procurement, and management of equipment for scientific and technological projects and investment projects according to current regulations.

e) Implement reporting requirements to the Program Management Board as prescribed. Create favorable conditions and provide full information to supervisory agencies for monitoring, inspection, and auditing of the proposal, scientific and technological projects, and investment projects during their implementation and after evaluation and acceptance.

f) Organize management, exploitation, and transfer of results of the proposal, scientific and technological projects, and investment projects in accordance with the law.

2. Organizations responsible for scientific and technological projects

a) Bear responsibility for the content and results of the scientific and technological project and other assigned contents.

b) Together with the head of the scientific and technological project as the receiving party, sign the contract to implement the scientific and technological project with the Program Management Board, the Budget Management Agency, and the organization responsible for the proposal. Together with the Program Management Board as the contracting party, sign the contract to implement research topics and technology transfer projects with the organization responsible and the head of the research topic.

c) Be responsible for managing and organizing the implementation of the scientific and technological project according to signed contracts. Have the right to propose changes to the organization responsible, head, content, budget, and schedule of research topics and technology transfer projects within the scientific and technological project.

d) Manage the allocated budget, raise sufficient funds, and provide the budget according to the agreed schedule from committed sources in the contract; organize bidding, procurement, and management of equipment for the scientific and technological project according to current regulations.

e) Implement reporting requirements to the Program Management Board as prescribed. Create favorable conditions and provide full information to supervisory agencies for monitoring, inspection, and auditing of the scientific and technological project during its implementation and after evaluation and acceptance.

f) Organize management, exploitation, and transfer of results of the scientific and technological project in accordance with the law.

3. Organizations responsible for investment projects

a) Bear responsibility for the content and results of the investment project and other assigned contents.

b) Together with the director of the investment project as the receiving party, sign the contract to implement the investment project with the Program Management Board, the Budget Management Agency, and the organization responsible for the proposal.

c) Be responsible for managing and organizing the implementation of the investment project according to signed contracts.

d) Manage the allocated budget, raise sufficient funds and disburse the budget according to the progress stipulated in the contract from committed funding sources; organize bidding, procurement, and management of machinery and equipment for the investment project in accordance with current regulations.

e) Implement reporting procedures to the Program Steering Committee as prescribed. Facilitate and provide adequate information to supervisory agencies for monitoring, inspection, and auditing of the investment project during implementation and after the project has been evaluated and accepted.

f) Organize management, exploitation, and transfer of the results of the investment project in accordance with the law.

Article 15. Responsibilities and authorities of the Project Leader, Scientific and Technological Project Leader, and Investment Project Director and Investment Project Director

1. The Project Leader represents the Leading Organization of the Project, together with the Scientific and Technological Project Leader and the Investment Project Director, to sign contracts to implement Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 16 of this Circular.

2. Implement the Project, Scientific and Technological Projects, and Investment Projects; be responsible for the scientific value, technological level, and effectiveness of the Project, Scientific and Technological Projects, and Investment Projects; have plans to apply results or commercialize products derived from Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects.

3. Use funds for their intended purposes effectively; settle accounts and final accounts of Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects in accordance with current regulations.

4. Be guaranteed conditions to implement Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects as agreed in the contract and propose adjustments when necessary.

5. Supervise and urge organizations and individuals participating in the implementation of Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects in accordance with the contract. Submit periodic reports (every six months) and ad hoc reports on the progress of tasks and fund usage of Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects.

The Scientific and Technological Project Leader has the right to recommend changes to the Leading Organization, Project Leader, content, budget, and schedule of research and technology development topics and projects.

6. Carry out the publication, submission, and transfer of results and products of the Project, Scientific and Technological Projects, and Investment Projects in accordance with current regulations.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION OF THE PROJECT UNDER THE PROGRAM

Article 16. Signing Contracts to Assign Tasks for Implementing Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects

1. The Program Steering Committee, together with the Financial Management Agency and the Leading Organization of the Project, signs a contract with the Leading Organization, Scientific and Technological Project Leader, and Investment Project Director to organize the implementation of Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects (for contents and budgets supported from the state budget for science and technology affairs).

2. The Program Steering Committee, together with the Leading Organization of the Scientific and Technological Project, signs a contract with the Leading Organization and Research Topic Leader, Development Project Leader to implement research topics and development projects.

Models of contracts for implementing Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects and research topics and development projects shall be issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 17. Inspection and Evaluation of the Implementation Process of the Project

1. The Program Steering Committee, every six months, leads and coordinates with relevant functional units of the Ministry of Science and Technology, ministries, sectors, provincial people's committees under the central government, and the Leading Organization of the Project to organize inspections and evaluations of the progress, scientific content, and products of Scientific and Technological Projects and Investment Projects according to signed contracts.

2. The Ministry of Science and Technology periodically or ad hoc inspects the situation and results of implementing programs' projects.

Article 18. Adjustment of the organizing entity and individual in charge, content, budget, and implementation schedule

1. The organizing entity, the Head of the Science and Technology Project, and the Director of the Investment Project, based on work requirements, may proactively adjust the budget estimates between various contents assigned within the total budget estimate allocated for the Science and Technology Project and the Investment Project.

2. Based on a written proposal from the organizing entity and the Head of the Science and Technology Project, the Steering Committee of the main program will coordinate with relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology to examine and submit to the Minister of Science and Technology for approval to adjust the following contents:

a) Objectives, products, and implementation schedule of the Science and Technology Project;

b) Approved budget estimates for non-assigned expenditure items of the Science and Technology Project.

c) Organizing entities and individuals in charge of research topics and science and technology projects.

3. For Investment Projects, the competent authority shall, based on a written proposal from the organizing entity and the Director of the Investment Project, examine and decide to adjust the objectives, budget, products, and implementation schedule of the Investment Project.

Any adjustments related to state budget support must have the written endorsement of the Ministry of Science and Technology before such adjustments can be decided upon.

4. Documents related to adjustments are part of the contract.

Article 19. Termination of Contract

1. Based on the proposal of the organizing entity of the project, the Steering Committee of the program will process, report to the Ministry of Science and Technology for examination and decision to terminate the contract in the following cases:

a) The Science and Technology Project or Investment Project is no longer suitable for the project's objectives or due to unforeseeable risks such as natural disasters, enemy attacks, or epidemics;

b) The organizing entity and the Head of the Science and Technology Project, or the Director of the Investment Project fail to ensure material conditions, human resources, corresponding budget, and other conditions as committed in the contract;

c) The organizing entity and the Head of the Science and Technology Project, or the Director of the Investment Project lack the capacity to manage and implement the content of the Science and Technology Project or Investment Project according to the contract.

d) Funds of Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects are misused.

2. The entity implementing the Science and Technology Project or Investment Project that has had its contract terminated must cease all activities and report in writing about the work carried out, funds used, and equipment purchased to the organizing entity of the project. Based on the proposal of the organizing entity of the project, the Steering Committee of the program will process and report to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consideration and resolution.

3. Based on the decision to terminate the contract, the organizing entity and the Head of the Science and Technology Project, or the Director of the Investment Project shall carry out the procedures to liquidate the contract according to the terms of the signed contract between the parties and in accordance with the laws on contracts.

Article 20. Evaluation, Acceptance, and Recognition of Results of the Project, Program

1. Basic-level evaluation and acceptance

a) Evaluation and Acceptance of Science and Technology Projects

The organizing entity of the Science and Technology Project shall organize the evaluation and acceptance of the Science and Technology Project, complete the documentation, and send the evaluation results to the Steering Committee of the program, relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the organizing entity of the project for formal evaluation and acceptance.

The Steering Committee of the program and relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology shall cooperate with the organizing entity of the project to monitor and supervise the organization of the evaluation and acceptance process.

b) Evaluation and Acceptance of Investment Projects

The organizing entity of the Investment Project shall organize the evaluation and acceptance of the Investment Project, complete the documentation on the evaluation results, and send it to the Steering Committee of the program and the organizing entity of the project for formal evaluation and acceptance.

The Steering Committee of the program shall cooperate with relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and the organizing entity of the project to monitor and supervise the organization of the evaluation and acceptance process.

2. National-level Evaluation and Acceptance

a) Evaluation and Acceptance of Science and Technology Projects

The Steering Committee of the main program shall cooperate with relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and related ministries, sectors, and localities, and the organizing entity of the project to formally evaluate and accept the Science and Technology Project.

b) Evaluation and Acceptance of Investment Projects

The Steering Committee of the main program shall cooperate with relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and the organizing entity of the project to formally evaluate and accept the Investment Project (for contents and budgets supported from the scientific and technological affairs budget).

The competent authority approving the Investment Project shall cooperate with the organizing entity of the project to evaluate and accept the Investment Project according to current regulations.

c) The Ministry of Science and Technology shall monitor and supervise the formal evaluation and acceptance process.

3. Evaluation and Acceptance of the Project

a) The organizing entity of the project shall complete the documentation on the evaluation results of the Science and Technology Project and Investment Project and send it to the Steering Committee of the program and relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology for formal evaluation and acceptance of the project.

b) The Steering Committee of the main program shall cooperate with relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and related ministries, sectors, and localities to formally evaluate and accept the project.

c) The Ministry of Science and Technology shall cooperate with related ministries, sectors, and localities to monitor and supervise the formal evaluation and acceptance process of the project.

4. The evaluation of the program is conducted through three stages: mid-term evaluation, final evaluation, and post-final evaluation.

a) The Steering Committee of the program shall cooperate with relevant units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and related ministries, sectors, and localities to conduct a mid-term evaluation of the program's activities during the five-year plan period, and report to the Minister of Science and Technology.

b) The Ministry of Science and Technology shall lead and cooperate with related ministries, sectors, provincial people's committees, and municipal people's committees directly under the central government to conduct a mid-term evaluation of the program's activities during the five-year plan period, at the end of implementation, and after the program ends, reporting the results of implementation to the Steering Committee and the Prime Minister.

5. The procedures for evaluation, acceptance, and recognition of the results of the project, Science and Technology Project, Investment Project, and Program shall be implemented according to documents issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 21. Contract Liquidation

The Program Management Board shall cooperate with relevant functional units under the Ministry of Science and Technology to liquidate contracts with the Leading Organization and the Project Leader of Science and Technology Projects, and the Investment Project Director in accordance with current regulations.

Article 22. Management of Results of Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects

1. The Leading Organization of the project shall be responsible for managing, exploiting, and transferring the results of Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects in accordance with the provisions of the law. Ownership rights, copyright, and usage rights of the results of Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects shall be implemented in accordance with the laws on Science and Technology and intellectual property.

2. Registration for preservation of the results of the STP shall be carried out in accordance with Decree No. 159/2004/NĐ-CP dated August 31, 2004 of the Government on scientific and technological information activities.

Chapter V

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF THE PROGRAM

Article 23. Budget for Implementing the Program

1. The budget for implementing the Program includes the budget for implementing the contents according to Decision No. 2441/QĐ-TTg dated December 31, 2010 of the Prime Minister, and the management budget for the common activities of the Program.

2. The budget for implementing the Program shall be balanced within the annual state budget estimate for science and technology expenditures and allocated to the Ministry of Science and Technology to disburse through contracts to the Leading Organizations and for the common activities of the Program, including operational costs of the Steering Committee, the Program Management Board, and the support staff of the Program Management Board.

Article 24. Use of Funds

The use of funds for the Program shall be carried out in accordance with the Circular jointly issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology on Guidelines for Financial Management of the National Product Development Program until 2020.

Article 25. Finalization of Budget

1. The finalization report on the budget must be completed before organizing the evaluation and acceptance. Approval of the finalization can only be conducted after the evaluation and acceptance results have been recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2. For Investment Projects utilizing state budget funds, the project sponsor shall prepare a financial finalization report detailing each source of funds utilized. The finalization report shall be submitted to the Leading Organization of the project and related agencies responsible for funding allocation and management.

3. In cases where necessary, the Ministry of Science and Technology may decide to audit the financial operations of the Program, the Project, Science and Technology Projects, and Investment Projects as a basis for financial finalization.

Article 26. Handling of Assets

The disposal of assets after the completion of Science and Technology Projects and Investment Projects shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 27. Effective Date

This Circular shall take effect 45 days from the date of issuance.

Article 28. Responsibility for Implementation

Ministries, sectors, provincial people's committees, and centrally governed cities shall guide organizations, individuals, and enterprises participating in the implementation of the Program based on this Circular.

During implementation, if there are difficulties, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to reflect them to the Ministry of Science and Technology for research and appropriate amendments and supplements./.