Decree No. 11/2014/ND-CP on scientific and technological information activities

DECREE

On scientific and technological information activities

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Pursuant to the Law on Science and Technology dated June 18, 2013;

At the proposal of the Minister of Science and Technology,

The Government promulgates the Decree on scientific and technological information activities.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree stipulates scientific and technological information activities, including: Content of activities, information infrastructure and the National Scientific and Technological Database, measures to ensure development, organization and state management of scientific and technological information activities.

Article 2. Applicability

This Decree applies to organizations and individuals engaged in scientific and technological information activities in Vietnam, state agencies, organizations and individuals related thereto.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

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

1. "Scientific and technological information" means data, facts, figures, news created in scientific and technological activities, innovation and creativity.

2. "Sources of scientific and technological information" are scientific and technological information presented in the form of books, newspapers, scientific journals; conference proceedings, scientific seminars; project task descriptions, reports on project implementation results, application of scientific and technological project results; intellectual property documents, technical standards and regulations; industrial catalogues; scientific dissertations; design and technical documents; databases; electronic information websites; statistical scientific and technological documents; multimedia materials and other information-carrying documents.

3. "Scientific and technological information activities" are science and technology service activities, including activities related to collecting, processing, analyzing, storing, searching, disseminating, using, sharing and transferring scientific and technological information, and other related activities.

4. "Organizations implementing scientific and technological information functions" are organizations carrying out scientific and technological information activities; building, developing, operating and exploiting information infrastructure and scientific and technological databases.

5. "National Scientific and Technological Database" is a collection of information about national scientific and technological capacity and results, built, maintained and developed to provide complete, accurate and timely scientific and technological data and information.

Article 4. Principles of scientific and technological information activities

Scientific and technological information activities must comply with the following principles:

1. Accuracy, objectivity, completeness, timeliness, and meeting the requirements of organizations and individuals regarding the quality and quantity of scientific and technological information products and services.

2. Efficiency in exploiting, using and managing scientific and technological information to serve state administration, economic and social development, ensuring national security, defense and international integration.

3. Ensuring the right of organizations and individuals to access scientific and technological information in accordance with the provisions of the law.

4. Compliance with legal provisions on the confidentiality of scientific and technological information.

5. Close integration of scientific and technological information activities with library, archive, statistical, scientific and technological communication business activities.

Chapter II
CONTENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION ACTIVITIES

Article 5. Types of scientific and technological information activities

Types of scientific and technological information activities include:

1. Collecting, updating and processing data, figures, facts, and information to establish and develop sources of scientific and technological information.

2. Researching, analyzing, and synthesizing scientific and technological information for forecasting, policy planning, leadership, management, scientific research and technological development, production, business, and other socio-economic activities.

3. Developing information infrastructure, building databases, information websites and electronic portals on scientific and technological information; establishing and implementing scientific and technological information networks; applying information and communication technologies and advanced technical means in scientific and technological information activities; building electronic libraries and digital libraries.

4. Searching, retrieving, guiding, exploiting, and using scientific and technological information.

5. Providing, exchanging, and sharing sources of scientific and technological information.

6. Disseminating scientific and technological knowledge and information.

7. Other related activities.

Article 6. Collection of Information on Ongoing Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. For scientific and technological tasks at all levels funded by state budget, within thirty working days from the date of signing the contract to implement the task, the authority responsible for signing the contract at each level shall be responsible for processing information in accordance with Clause 2 of this Article and send it to:

a) The organization performing the central function of national scientific and technological information, which is the national scientific and technological information agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology, to update information on special scientific and technological tasks, national-level scientific and technological tasks; compile information on scientific and technological tasks of ministries, sectors, and localities;

b) The organization performing the central function of scientific and technological information of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and other central state agencies (hereinafter referred to as the organization performing the central function of scientific and technological information at the ministry level) to update information on scientific and technological tasks at the ministry level and at the grassroots level within their management scope;

c) The organization performing the central function of scientific and technological information under the specialized agency for science and technology of provincial People's Committees and municipal People's Committees directly under the Central Government (hereinafter referred to as the organization performing the central function of scientific and technological information at the provincial level) to update information on scientific and technological tasks at the provincial level and at the grassroots level within their management scope.

2. The content of information processing includes: name of the task; information about individuals and organizations leading and participating in the task; main research objectives and contents; field of scientific research and technological development; economic and social objectives of the task; research and implementation methods; expected results; implementation period; application address; approved implementation budget and other contents as required.

3. Scientific and technological tasks not funded by the state budget are encouraged to provide information to the organizations specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

4. Organizations specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be responsible for receiving information, entering it into the National Database on Science and Technology, compiling, and publicly announcing the list of scientific and technological tasks at all levels that have signed contracts on their websites or electronic portals.

Article 7. Registration and Preservation of Results of State Budget-Funded Scientific and Technological Tasks

1. Within thirty working days from the date of formal acceptance of the scientific and technological task, the results of state budget-funded scientific and technological tasks must be registered and preserved at the competent authority for registration and preservation of the results of scientific and technological tasks as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. The results of scientific and technological tasks to be registered and preserved include:

a) Comprehensive report on the implementation of the task (paper version and electronic version);

b) Summary report on the implementation of the task (electronic version);

c) Supplementary table consolidating survey data (if any, electronic version);

d) Maps; drawings; photographs; multimedia materials (if any, electronic version);

đ) Software (if any).

3. Organizations and individuals leading scientific and technological tasks shall carry out the registration and preservation of the results of scientific and technological tasks at the following competent authorities:

a) The organization performing the central function of national scientific and technological information is the competent authority for registering the results of special scientific and technological tasks and national-level and ministry-level scientific and technological tasks; preserving the results of special scientific and technological tasks, national-level, ministry-level, provincial-level, and grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks;

b) The organization performing the central function of scientific and technological information at the ministry level is the competent authority for registering the results of grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks; preserving the results of ministry-level and grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks within its management scope;

c) The organization performing the central function of scientific and technological information at the provincial level is the competent authority for registering and preserving the results of provincial-level and grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks within its management scope;

d) The results of scientific and technological tasks registered at the competent authorities as stipulated in Points b and c of this Clause must be simultaneously preserved at the organization performing the central function of national scientific and technological information and the organizations performing the central function of scientific and technological information at the ministry level and provincial level.

4. Within five working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid files, the competent authority as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article shall issue a certificate of registration of the results of scientific and technological tasks. The certificate of registration of the results of scientific and technological tasks is one of the bases for confirming the completion of scientific and technological tasks by organizations and individuals.

5. Research and technological development results purchased using state budget funds must be registered and preserved at the competent authority as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article according to the classification level as for commissioned scientific and technological tasks.

6. Organizations as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article shall be responsible for compiling and updating information on the results of scientific and technological tasks into the National Database on Science and Technology and publicly announcing them on their websites or electronic portals.

7. The procedures and formalities for issuing certificates of registration of the results of scientific and technological tasks are carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 8. Registration and retention of results of scientific and technological tasks not funded by state budget

1. Results of scientific and technological tasks not funded by state budget are encouraged to be registered and retained at competent authorities as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 7 of this Decree after receiving a determination document on the results from the competent state management agency for science and technology.

2. Results of scientific and technological tasks as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article shall be issued with a certificate of registration of the results of scientific and technological tasks and included in the National Science and Technology Database.

Article 9. Collection, processing, and publication of information on application of results of scientific and technological tasks

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, central-level state agencies, provincial People's Committees, and municipal People's Committees (hereinafter referred to as provincial People's Committees) shall regularly submit annual reports on the application of scientific and technological tasks proposed or commissioned by themselves to the Ministry of Science and Technology through organizations as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. The content of the report on the application of scientific and technological tasks includes: Name of the task; information about individuals and organizations responsible for the task; field of science and technology; field of application; application address; scale of application; intellectual property documents; economic, social, and environmental effects; transfer methods, degree, and commercialization potential.

3. Reports on the application of scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget shall be submitted to the following organizations:

a) An organization performing the function of a national focal point for science and technology information to receive reports on the application of special scientific and technological tasks and national-level scientific and technological tasks; to compile reports on the application of scientific and technological tasks of ministries, sectors, and localities.

b) An organization performing the function of a ministry-level focal point for science and technology information to receive reports on the application of ministry-level and grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks within its jurisdiction.

c) An organization performing the function of a provincial focal point for science and technology information to receive reports on the application of provincial and grassroots-level scientific and technological tasks within its jurisdiction.

4. Reports on the application of scientific and technological tasks not funded by the state budget are encouraged to be submitted to the focal point organizations for science and technology information at various levels as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

5. After receiving the reports, the focal point organizations for science and technology information shall have the responsibility to include the reports on the application of scientific and technological tasks in the National Science and Technology Database, compile them, and publish them publicly on their websites or electronic portals.

Article 10. Collection of scientific and technological publications

1. Scientific journals and conference proceedings published domestically may apply for an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) at the organization performing the function of a national focal point for science and technology information.

2. Information on scientific and technological publications as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and doctoral dissertations after submission to the National Library of Vietnam shall be included in the National Science and Technology Database by the organization performing the function of a national focal point for science and technology information.

3. Proceedings of national and international conferences and seminars using the state budget must be submitted to the organization performing the function of a national focal point for science and technology information and the organizations performing the function of ministry-level and provincial focal points for science and technology information. Submission of proceedings of conferences and seminars not using the state budget to these organizations is encouraged.

4. International scientific and technological publications shall be selected, supplemented, updated, and shared to meet information needs in leadership, management, scientific research and technological development, education and training, production, business, and other socio-economic activities.

Article 11. Utilization of information on scientific and technological tasks

1. State agencies managing science and technology at all levels must base their actions on information about scientific and technological tasks in the National Science and Technology Database to determine tasks, select, directly assign to organizations and individuals for implementation, evaluate results, and handle violations of scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget.

2. The results of searching for information on scientific and technological tasks are among the documents in the dossier for determining, selecting, and directly assigning scientific and technological tasks funded by the state budget to organizations and individuals for implementation, evaluating results, and handling violations related to the execution of such tasks.

3. The utilization of information on scientific and technological tasks to serve policy planning, leadership, management, scientific research and technological development, education and training, production, business, and meeting the requirements of organizations and individuals shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 12. Scientific and technological information services

1. Scientific and technological information services are types of scientific and technological services implemented by organizations and individuals engaged in scientific and technological information activities in the following forms:

a) Providing information and analytical materials to serve forecasting, policy planning, leadership, and state management;

b) Providing bibliographic information on: scientific and technological tasks, intellectual property documents, scientific and technological publications in journals, conference proceedings, and scientific seminars;

c) Providing lists of scientific and technological organizations and enterprises and scientific researchers and developers;

d) Providing statistical information on science and technology;

đ) Providing detailed information on: scientific and technological tasks, intellectual property documents, scientific and technological publications in journals, conference proceedings, and scientific seminars;

e) Providing detailed information on scientific and technological organizations and enterprises and scientific researchers and developers;

g) Providing private telecommunications network services and support services for applications on advanced platform networks in the field of scientific research and technological development;

h) Searching for, providing, exchanging, and sharing scientific and technological information;

i) Consulting, building scientific and technological databases, websites, and electronic portals on science and technology; constructing digital libraries and online libraries; digitizing documents; developing multimedia materials on science and technology;

k) Organizing scientific and technological conferences, seminars, exhibitions, technology and equipment markets; communicating and disseminating scientific and technological information;

l) Guiding and training skills related to scientific and technological information activities;

m) Other forms of scientific and technological information services relevant to the above.

2. The scientific and technological information services specified in Points a, b, and c of Clause 1 of this Article shall be provided free of charge by public organizations performing information functions in science and technology.

3. Scientific and technological information services that generate revenue shall be provided upon request of organizations and individuals through service contracts.

Chapter III
INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE, NATIONAL DATABASE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MEASURES TO ENSURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, MEASURES TO ENSURE DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT MEASURES

Article 13. National Information Infrastructure for Science and Technology

The national information infrastructure for science and technology includes:

1. National databases on science and technology; information and statistics databases on science and technology; data centers, websites, and electronic portals; domestic and international scientific and technological information sources in electronic form.

2. Technical equipment systems for processing, transmitting, and storing scientific and technological information; scientific and technological information networks connecting regions and internationally, including the national research and training information network and scientific and technological information networks of ministries, sectors, and localities.

Article 14. National Databases on Science and Technology

National databases on science and technology include:

1. Information on science and technology organizations.

2. Information on scientific researchers and technology developers.

3. Information on science and technology tasks (ongoing, implementation results, and application results).

4. Information on intellectual property documents, scientific and technological publications, and citation indexes in domestic and international journals, conference proceedings, and scientific seminars.

5. Information on technology, high technology, and technology transfer.

6. Information on science and technology statistics.

7. Information on science and technology enterprises.

8. Information on science and technology in regions and globally.

9. Other related information.

Article 15. Investment, Construction, Maintenance, and Development of National Databases on Science and Technology

1. National databases on science and technology are centrally and uniformly constructed from central to local levels, complying with technical standards and norms ensuring compatibility, smoothness, and security during information sharing and exchange.

2. The Ministry of Science and Technology leads and coordinates with ministries, sectors, and localities in investing, constructing, maintaining, and developing national databases on science and technology.

3. Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial People's Committees cooperate with the Ministry of Science and Technology in building, managing, and using national databases on science and technology within their jurisdiction.

4. Funding for the construction, maintenance, and development of national databases on science and technology is guaranteed by the state budget. Encouragement is given to domestic and international organizations and individuals to cooperate and sponsor investment, construction, and development of national databases on science and technology.

Article 16. Exploitation and Use of National Databases on Science and Technology

1. Forms of exploitation and use of national databases on science and technology include:

a) Online exploitation through the website or electronic portal of the management agency of the national database on science and technology and organizations performing the function of central information points for science and technology at the ministry and provincial levels; through the national research and training information network;

b) Through written requests;

c) Through contracts between the management agency of the national database on science and technology and the exploiting and using parties according to the provisions of the law.

2. Subjects and scope of exploitation and use:

a) Agencies participating in the construction, maintenance, and updating of national databases on science and technology have the right to exploit data to serve management, research, training, production, and business needs;

b) State agencies, political organizations, and political-social organizations have the right to request the provision of relevant scientific and technological information to serve state management work, meet economic and social development requirements, ensure defense, security, and international integration;

c) Other agencies, organizations, and individuals have the right to request the provision of scientific and technological information to serve research, training, production, and business activities.

3. The Ministry of Science and Technology promulgates regulations on the construction, management, exploitation, use, maintenance, and development of national databases on science and technology.

Article 17. Maintaining and Developing the National Research and Training Information Network

1. The National Research and Training Information Network is a non-profit private telecommunications network connecting domestic research and training communities with each other and with regional and international research and training communities. The National Research and Training Information Network prioritizes connections to areas with many scientific research organizations and technology development institutions, higher education institutions.

2. Members of the National Research and Training Information Network include scientific research and technology development organizations, higher education institutions, national key laboratories, central and provincial hospitals, organizations performing scientific and technological information functions, and other organizations.

3. The costs for maintaining, upgrading, and developing the National Research and Training Information Network, network operation centers, the national backbone network, and international network connections are guaranteed by the state budget allocated for science and technology. The State encourages domestic and international organizations and individuals to cooperate and sponsor the construction and development of the National Research and Training Information Network.

4. Ministries, sectors, and localities invest and support scientific and technological organizations under their jurisdiction to connect to the National Research and Training Information Network.

5. The management agency of the National Research and Training Information Network has the responsibility to support and promote research and training activities, and apply advanced networks in fields of science, technology, and socio-economics.

6. Member organizations of the National Research and Training Information Network have the responsibility to invest in necessary equipment and technology, fulfill financial obligations to connect, maintain, develop, and effectively utilize the National Research and Training Information Network.

7. The Ministry of Science and Technology promulgates regulations on building, managing, operating, using, maintaining, and developing the National Research and Training Information Network.

Article 18. Orientation for Developing Scientific and Technological Information Sources Using State Budget

1. The orientation for developing scientific and technological information sources is built in accordance with the national strategy for science and technology development and meets the requirements of scientific research and technological development of the country. The Ministry of Science and Technology builds the national orientation for developing scientific and technological information sources.

2. The development of scientific and technological information sources using the state budget by ministries, sectors, and localities must be consistent with the national orientation for developing scientific and technological information sources and meet the requirements of scientific research and technological development of the respective ministries, sectors, and localities.

3. Annually, ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees that use the state budget to develop scientific and technological information sources shall report to the Ministry of Science and Technology on the list, procurement funds, usage status, and exploitation effectiveness of these information sources.

Article 19. Coordination in Developing, Updating, and Sharing Domestic and International Scientific and Technological Information Sources

1. The Ministry of Science and Technology is the coordinating body for developing, updating, and sharing scientific and technological information sources funded by the state budget.

2. The organization performing the national scientific and technological information function acts as the coordinating body to maintain and develop the joint library of Vietnam on scientific and technological information sources to regulate, coordinate supplementation, update, and share such information sources among information-library organizations nationwide; exchange and promote Vietnamese scientific and technological journals through online formats.

Article 20. Funding for scientific and technological information activities

1. Sources of funding for scientific and technological information activities include:

a) State budget (central budget, local budget) allocated and arranged annually in the budgets of ministries, sectors, and localities in accordance with the State Budget Law;

b) Revenue from scientific and technological information service activities;

c) Sponsorship from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

2. The state budget allocated for scientific and technological information activities shall be recorded as a separate item in the annual state budget for science and technology of ministries, sectors, and localities. The allocation of the science and technology budget for scientific and technological information activities shall be based on budget capacity, practical needs, and gradually increase according to the development requirements of scientific and technological information activities.

3. Revenue from scientific and technological information service activities shall be used to offset costs, reinvest, strengthen material infrastructure, and working conditions.

Article 21. Contents of state budget expenditure for scientific and technological information activities

1. Investment expenditures for developing scientific and technological information activities include the following:

a) Construction and development of information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology;

b) Material and technical facilities of organizations performing scientific and technological information functions.

2. Operating expenditures for scientific and technological information activities include the following:

a) Regular expenses and regular tasks according to the functions of public organizations performing scientific and technological information functions;

b) Establishment, development, updating, and purchase of scientific and technological information sources; expenses for participating in the Vietnam Joint Library on Scientific and Technological Information; purchase of software applications in scientific and technological information activities;

c) Processing, analysis, and synthesis of scientific and technological information; construction, updating, and exploitation of databases on scientific and technological information; maintenance and development of scientific and technological information networks, websites, and electronic portals on scientific and technological information;

d) Organization of provision of scientific and technological information to serve Party leadership and state management;

đ) Dissemination of scientific and technological information and knowledge to serve economic and social development; publication of scientific and technological information publications;

e) Organization of library activities, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, trade fairs, technology and equipment markets, and technology information transactions;

g) Guidance, training, and professional development in scientific and technological information;

h) International cooperation and integration in scientific and technological information; network connection, participation in regional and international organizations in the field of scientific and technological information;

i) Other relevant contents about scientific and technological information activities as prescribed by law.

Chapter IV
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN ACTIVITIES AND EXPLOITATIONAND TECHNOLOGICAL INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT MEASURES

Article 22. Organizations performing scientific and technological information functions

1. Organizations performing scientific and technological information functions include:

a) Organizations performing national central scientific and technological information functions;

b) Organizations performing central scientific and technological information functions at the ministry level;

c) Organizations performing provincial-level central scientific and technological information functions;

d) Other public organizations performing scientific and technological information functions;

đ) Organizations performing scientific and technological information functions established by non-state organizations, enterprises, and other organizations.

2. The establishment, restructuring, and dissolution of organizations performing scientific and technological information functions shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 23. Rights of organizations performing scientific and technological information functions

1. Carry out scientific and technological information activities as prescribed in Articles 5 and 12 of this Decree.

2. Hire domestic and foreign experts and collaborators to collect and process scientific and technological information.

3. Train and enhance professional skills in scientific and technological information.

4. Be entitled to use financial support and donations from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals for scientific and technological information activities in accordance with the law.

5. Collect and use revenues from scientific and technological information services in accordance with the law.

6. Other rights as prescribed by law.

Article 24. Obligations of organizations performing scientific and technological information functions

1. Protect state secrets and the rights and legitimate interests of organizations and individuals exploiting and using scientific and technological information services in accordance with the law.

2. Ensure the rights and legitimate interests of organizations and individuals in accessing scientific and technological information; ensure the quality of scientific and technological information services.

3. Not violate the provisions of Article 8 of the Law on Science and Technology.

4. Apply information technology and communication in scientific and technological information activities.

5. Implement democracy, equality, and transparency in the allocation and execution of scientific and technological information tasks funded by the state budget.

6. Publish on their website or electronic portal a list and summary content of scientific and technological information sources funded by the state budget.

7. Fulfill tasks assigned by competent authorities and other obligations as prescribed by law.

Article 25. Organizations performing national focal point information functions for science and technology

1. An organization performing national focal point information functions for science and technology is an entity serving state management, scientific research work, and technological development, and acts as a link in the network of organizations performing information functions for science and technology nationwide.

2. An organization performing national focal point information functions for science and technology carries out activities as prescribed in Articles 5 and 12 of this Decree; takes the lead in building, maintaining, and developing information infrastructure, the National Database on Science and Technology; organizes the registration and retention of results of science and technology tasks; collects, processes, updates, and compiles information on ongoing science and technology tasks and the results of applying science and technology tasks; takes the lead in supplementing and updating essential scientific and technological information sources to meet the country's needs for science and technology development.

Article 26. Organizations performing focal point information functions for science and technology at the ministry level

1. Based on specific conditions, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and other central state agencies maintain existing information activities for science and technology or entrust a suitable organization to perform focal point information functions for science and technology.

2. An organization performing focal point information functions for science and technology at the ministry level is an entity serving state management, scientific research work, and technological development, and carries out activities as prescribed in Articles 5 and 12 of this Decree; registers and retains results of science and technology tasks, collects, processes, and updates information on ongoing science and technology tasks within its jurisdiction and the results of applying science and technology tasks; collects, creates, processes, analyzes, retains, and provides scientific and technological information; participates in building and operating information infrastructure, the National Database on Science and Technology; builds and updates scientific and technological databases; participates in the Vietnam National Library of Scientific and Technological Information sources.

Article 27. Organizations Implementing Provincial Science and Technology Information Hub Functions

1. The organization implementing provincial science and technology information hub functions is a public service unit under the specialized agency for science and technology of the provincial People's Committee, responsible for performing science and technology information functions to serve state management, scientific research activities, and technological development, and carrying out activities as stipulated in Articles 5 and 12 of this Decree.

2. The organization implementing provincial science and technology information hub functions shall have the following main tasks:

a) Processing, analyzing, synthesizing, and providing science and technology information, statistical data on science and technology to support local state management leadership; publishing and supplying science and technology information publications;

b) Disseminating science and technology information and statistical data on science and technology at the local level; coordinating with mass media agencies to bring scientific knowledge to all target groups; providing science and technology information to support agricultural development, farmers, and rural areas;

c) Organizing and developing local science and technology information sources; participating in building and exploiting information infrastructure, the National Database on Science and Technology; establishing and updating local science and technology databases and statistical databases on science and technology; organizing and developing library work, electronic libraries, digital libraries, and local science and technology information networks; participating in the Vietnam Library Association's joint information sources;

d) Registering and preserving the results of science and technology tasks; collecting, processing, and updating information on ongoing science and technology tasks and their application results within the local area in the National Database on Science and Technology;

đ) Providing information to support the identification, selection, implementation, evaluation, and acceptance of science and technology tasks and other tasks;

e) Implementing science and technology statistical information work;

g) Engaging in technology information transactions, organizing and participating in technology and equipment markets, technology trading floors locally, nationally, and internationally;

h) Supplying products and services to support research, training, production, business, and socio-economic development in the fields of information, libraries, informatics, science and technology statistics, and other fields as prescribed by law.

Article 28. Other Publicly Owned Organizations Implementing Science and Technology Information Functions

1. Other publicly owned organizations implementing science and technology information functions include:

a) Public service units providing science and technology information services under general bureaus, bureaus, specialized agencies of provincial People's Committees, public research and technological development organizations, public higher education institutions, public service units, and state-owned enterprises;

b) Public service units providing science and technology information services under other agencies and organizations.

2. The organizations implementing science and technology information functions as specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall have the following main tasks and powers:

a) Determining information needs; building and developing science and technology information sources according to the requirements of the managing agency or organization; participating in the Vietnam Library Association's joint information sources;

b) Developing programs and plans for the development of science and technology information activities of the managing agency or organization;

c) Serving information for leadership, management, production, and business activities of the managing agency or organization; publishing science and technology information publications;

d) Building and developing libraries, electronic libraries, digital libraries, science and technology information websites, and electronic information portals of the managing agency or organization; connecting domestic and international information networks;

đ) Organizing science and technology information service activities and other scientific and technological services as prescribed by law;

e) Organizing training, guiding, and professional development for information staff and users.

Article 29. Individuals Engaged in Scientific and Technological Information Activities

Individuals engaged in scientific and technological information activities include officials, civil servants, public servants, and workers who engage in and provide scientific and technological information services to serve state management, scientific research work, technological development, and other related activities.

Article 30. Rights of Individuals Engaged in Scientific and Technological Information Activities

1. Have the rights prescribed in Article 20 of the Law on Science and Technology.

2. Carry out scientific and technological information activities as prescribed in Article 5, Points a, h, i, k, l, m, and relevant contents in Clause 1 of Article 12, Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Article 23 of this Decree.

3. Other rights as prescribed by law.

Article 31. Obligations of Individuals Engaged in Scientific and Technological Information Activities

1. Individuals engaged in scientific and technological information activities have the obligations prescribed in Article 21 of the Law on Science and Technology.

2. The obligations prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Article 24 of this Decree.

3. Perform tasks assigned by competent authorities and other obligations as prescribed by law.

Article 32. Rights and Obligations of Organizations and Individuals Exploiting Scientific and Technological Information

1. Request provision of scientific and technological information to serve their legitimate needs.

2. Access scientific and technological information created with state budget funds in accordance with the provisions of law.

3. Not violate the provisions of Article 8 of the Law on Science and Technology.

4. Perform scientific and technological information service contracts as prescribed in Clause 3 of Article 12 of this Decree.

Chapter V
STATE MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION ACTIVITIES INFORMATION SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL

Article 33. Contents of State Management of Scientific and Technological Information Activities

1. Develop, issue, and implement regulatory legal documents on scientific and technological information activities.

2. Develop and direct implementation of strategies, plans, policies, and programs for the development of scientific and technological information activities.

3. Develop, issue, and prescribe the application of technical standards, economic and technical norms in the field of scientific and technological information.

4. Develop investment plans for the development, maintenance, and exploitation of information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology.

5. Manage information work on science and technology tasks, registration and retention of results of science and technology tasks, information on the results of applying science and technology tasks.

6. Organize and manage transactions involving information on technology and equipment.

7. Implement cooperation and international integration regarding scientific and technological information.

8. Manage training, upgrading, and human resource development; research and application of science and technology in the field of scientific and technological information.

9. Inspect, supervise, resolve complaints and denunciations, and handle violations of law in the field of scientific and technological information.

Article 34. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Science and Technology

1. The Ministry of Science and Technology assists the Government in uniformly managing state administration over scientific and technological information activities throughout the country.

2. The Ministry of Science and Technology has the following tasks and powers:

a) Issue or submit to competent authorities for issuance and implementation of regulatory legal documents related to scientific and technological information activities, construction, exploitation, and development of information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology;

b) Issue or submit to competent authorities for issuance and implementation of strategies, policies, plans, and programs for the development and modernization of scientific and technological information activities, construction, exploitation, and development of information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology;

c) Issue, guide, and inspect the implementation of procedures, technical standards, and economic and technical norms on scientific and technological information activities, construction, exploitation, and development of information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology;

d) Take the lead in coordinating the supplementation, updating, and sharing of national scientific and technological information sources purchased with state budget funds; take the lead and coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities to evaluate the effectiveness of scientific and technological information activities and the effectiveness of state budget investment in scientific and technological information activities;

đ) Take the lead in building, maintaining, developing, and exploiting information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology; develop technical platforms for ministries, sectors, and localities to collect, process, and integrate data and information into the National Database on Science and Technology according to unified procedures and operations;

e) Direct the organization and management of information work on science and technology tasks, registration and retention of results of science and technology tasks, information on the results of applying science and technology tasks;

g) Organize and manage transactions involving information on technology and equipment;

h) Direct the application of advanced technology in scientific and technological information activities; maintain and develop the national research and training information network, national science and technology information portal;

i) Direct, manage, and organize the implementation of scientific research and technological development activities in scientific and technological information activities, construction, and exploitation of information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology;

k) Direct, manage, and organize training and upgrading of professional skills for officials, civil servants, and public servants engaged in scientific and technological information activities;

l) Direct, manage, and organize the implementation of international cooperation activities in scientific and technological information, information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology in accordance with the law;

m) Inspect and handle violations of law in scientific and technological information activities, construction, and exploitation of information infrastructure, National Database on Science and Technology in accordance with the law;

n) Organize the publication of the official state publications on science and technology in Vietnam annually and other publications on science and technology that list, present results of implementation and application of domestic scientific and technological tasks.

Article 35. Responsibilities of Ministries, Ministerial-Level Agencies, and Government Agencies

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies shall manage state activities related to science and technology information within their jurisdiction and have the following responsibilities:

a) Manage state activities and be responsible for science and technology information activities in their respective sectors and fields; establish, maintain, and develop central information organizations at the ministry level according to the provisions of Article 26 of this Decree;

b) Coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to direct the updating, sharing, and integration of data on activities and potential in science and technology of ministries and sectors into the National Database on Science and Technology; maintain, develop, and utilize information infrastructure serving science and technology activities of ministries and sectors; invest, support, and maintain connections of subordinate science and technology organizations with the national research and training network;

c) Direct the development of information sources within their jurisdiction in accordance with the national orientation on developing science and technology information sources;

d) Direct the construction and management of systems of databases, information, and statistics on science and technology;

đ) Manage and use funds for science and technology information activities, build and develop information infrastructure and science and technology databases within their jurisdiction in accordance with purposes and effectively, suitable to the characteristics and progress of the science and technology information activity plan;

2. Ministries and sectors are responsible for investing in building and modernizing information infrastructure, databases on science and technology, and material and technical facilities for public organizations performing science and technology information functions.

3. The Ministry of Finance shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology, ministries, sectors, and provincial People's Committees to balance budgets for science and technology information activities.

Article 36. Responsibilities of Provincial People's Committees

Provincial People's Committees shall manage state activities related to science and technology information within their local jurisdictions and have the following responsibilities:

1. Issue and implement normative legal documents, mechanisms, policies, and plans for the development of science and technology information activities; establish, maintain, and develop provincial central information organizations under the Department of Science and Technology according to the provisions of Article 27 of this Decree, ensuring necessary conditions for implementing science and technology information activities.

2. Direct the implementation of information work, registration, and retention of results of implementation and application of scientific and technological tasks as stipulated in Chapter II of this Decree.

3. Manage and use funds for science and technology information activities in accordance with purposes and effectively; ensure adequate, timely funding appropriate to the characteristics and progress of the science and technology information activity plan to achieve local and national science and technology development goals and tasks.

4. Direct the updating, sharing, and connecting of data on local science and technology activities and potential with the National Database on Science and Technology; maintain, develop, and utilize information infrastructure serving local science and technology activities.

5. Invest in building and modernizing information infrastructure, material and technical facilities for provincial organizations performing science and technology information functions, ensuring funding for the construction, maintenance, and development of systems of databases, information, and statistics on science and technology.

6. Inspect, examine, or coordinate inspections and examinations of compliance with laws on science and technology information activities, database construction and utilization; resolve complaints and handle violations of laws on science and technology within their authority.

Chapter VI
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 37. Effective Date

This Decree takes effect from April 15, 2014.

Decree No. 159/2004/NĐ-CP dated August 31, 2004 of the Government on science and technology information activities ceases to be effective from the date this Decree takes effect.

Article 38. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Minister of Science and Technology shall guide the implementation of this Decree.

2. Ministers, Heads of Ministerial-Level Agencies, Heads of Government Agencies, Chairmen of Provincial People's Committees, cities directly under the Central Government, relevant organizations, and individuals are responsible for enforcing this Decree./.