Decision No. 16/2003/QD-BKHCN on the issuance of "Regulations on the selection of organizations and individuals to head scientific and technological research topics and national pilot production projects"

DECISION OF THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Regarding the issuance of "Regulations on the Selection of Organizations and Individuals to Lead Scientific and Technological Research Projects and National Pilot Production Projects"

||| Concerning the Issuance of "Regulations on the Selection of Organizations and Individuals to Lead Scientific and Technological Research Projects and National Pilot Production Projects"

__________________________

THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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

Pursuant to Decree No. 54/2003/NĐ-CP dated May 19, 2003 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

||| Considering the proposals of the Heads of the Department of Science and Technology for Economic and Technical Sectors, the Department of Social Sciences and Natural Sciences, and the Department of Planning and Finance,

DECISION:

Article 1. The attached Decision hereby promulgates "Regulations on the Selection of Organizations and Individuals to Lead Scientific and Technological Research Projects and National Pilot Production Projects."

Article 2. This Decision shall take effect fifteen days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette and shall replace Decision No. 37/2002/QĐ-BKHCNMT dated July 8, 2002 of the Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment on the issuance of "Provisional Regulations on the Selection of Organizations and Individuals to Lead National-Level Scientific and Technological Research Projects for the Period 2001-2005" and Articles 7, 8, and 9 of Decision No. 09/2002/QĐ-BKHCNMT dated March 28, 2002 of the Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment on the issuance of "Provisional Regulations on the Development, Review, and Management of National-Level Pilot Production Projects for the Period 2001-2005."

Article 3. The Heads of the Department of Science and Technology for Economic and Technical Sectors, the Department of Social Sciences and Natural Sciences, the Department of Planning and Finance, the Director of the Ministry's Office, the Heads of units under the Ministry, and the Heads of related agencies and organizations are responsible for implementing this Decision./.

REGULATIONS

On the selection of organizations and individuals to lead scientific and technological research projects

and national pilot production projects

(Attached to Decision No. 16/2003/QĐ-BKHCN dated July 18, 2003)

of the Minister of Science and Technology)

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. The selection of organizations and individuals to lead National-Level Scientific and Technological Research Projects and National Pilot Production Projects involves reviewing and evaluating application files to choose the leading organizations and individuals according to the requirements set forth in these Regulations.

Article 2. These Regulations apply to the selection of organizations and individuals to lead National-Level Scientific and Technological Research Projects and National Pilot Production Projects, including:

- National-Level Scientific and Technological Research Projects within National Science and Technology Programs, National Social Science and Humanities Programs, and Independent National-Level Research Projects (including Scientific Research Projects, Scientific Research and Technological Development Projects, and other National-Level Scientific and Technological Projects) - hereinafter referred to as Research Projects;

- National Pilot Production Projects within National Science and Technology Programs and Independent National-Level Pilot Production Projects - hereinafter referred to as Pilot Production Projects.

Article 3. The Ministry of Science and Technology will announce summaries of the selection of organizations and individuals to lead Research Projects and Pilot Production Projects on the VTV1 program of Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam Radio, and the People's Newspaper. Detailed announcements will be published fully in the Science and Development Newspaper, the Vietnam Science and Technology Information Network (http://www.vista.gov.vn/), and the MOST-KCM-NET Network (http://www.moste.gov.vn/) of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 4. Each individual may not simultaneously lead more than two National-Level Research Projects, but may simultaneously lead one Research Project and one National-Level Pilot Production Project or two Pilot Production Projects.

An organization (hereinafter referred to as an organization) may simultaneously lead multiple Research Projects and Pilot Production Projects.

Chapter II

Article 1. CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN SELECTION

Article 5.

1. Organizations with legal personality and functions appropriate to the field of science and technology of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project shall have the right to participate in the selection to lead the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project.

2. Individuals registering to select to lead the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project (to be the head of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project) must have expertise in the same field of science and technology as the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project, must be the main proposer when drafting the Research Topic Description or Pilot Production Project Description, and must ensure sufficient time to lead the research work of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project.

3. Organizations and individuals shall not be eligible to participate in the selection if they have not completed the final settlement on schedule or have not returned the recovered funds from Pilot Production Projects or Experimental Topics.

Chapter III

Article 2. REGISTRATION FOR SELECTION

Article 6. The registration dossier for selection (hereinafter referred to as the Dossier) includes the following documents:

1. Application form for leading the implementation of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project according to the prescribed format (Form B1-1-ĐONTC);

2. Scientific and technological research and development description of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project according to the prescribed model (Form B1-2-TMĐT for Research Topics and Form B1-2-TMDA for Pilot Production Projects);

3. Summary of scientific and technological activities of the organization applying to lead the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project (Form B1-3-LLTC);

4. Scientific curriculum vitae of the individual applying to be the head of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project (Form B1-4-LLCN);

5. Legal document confirming the agreement of organizations and individuals applying to cooperate in research (Form B1-5-PHNC) - if there is cooperation in research.

6. Legal documents proving the ability to mobilize capital from other sources (in cases where organizations and individuals declare that they can mobilize funds from other sources).

Article 7. Organizations and individuals participating in the selection need to submit one set of Dossiers (including: one original copy and fifteen copies) to the Ministry of Science and Technology at 39 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi (through the Post Office or directly) within the specified deadline.

2. Name and code number of the Science and Technology Program (if applicable); field of science and technology;

1. Name of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project being registered for selection of the leading organization or individual;

2. Name and code number of the Science and Technology Program (if it belongs to a Program);

3. Name and address of the organization applying to lead the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project;

4. Full name of the individual applying to be the head of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project and list of participants in implementing the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project:

- For selecting Research Topics: fill in fully as declared in item 22 of Form B1-2-TMĐT Research Topic Description;

- For selecting Pilot Production Projects: fill in fully as declared in item 11 of Form B1-2-TMDA Pilot Production Project Description.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will take the lead in opening the Dossier. Representatives of the Advisory Council for Selection, relevant agencies, and representatives of organizations and individuals applying for selection will be invited to attend.

The Dossier must be submitted on time. The date of receipt of the Dossier is the date stamped by the Hanoi Post Office (in case of submission through the Post Office) or the stamp "received" of the Ministry of Science and Technology's Secretariat (in case of direct submission).

Article 8. Before the deadline for submitting the Dossier, organizations and individuals applying to participate in the selection have the right to withdraw the Dossier and replace it with a new one, supplement or amend the submitted Dossier. Any supplements and amendments must be submitted within the specified period and become part of the Dossier.

Chapter IV

Article 3. EVALUATION OF DOSSIER

Article 9. The Ministry of Science and Technology will take the lead in opening the Dossier. Representatives of the Advisory Council for Selection, relevant agencies, and representatives of organizations and individuals applying to participate in the selection will be invited to attend.

The process of opening the Dossier will be recorded in a protocol signed and stamped by the Ministry of Science and Technology, signed by the representative of the Advisory Council for Selection, and signed by the representative of the organization and individual applying to participate in the selection (if present).

Dossiers meeting the conditions stipulated in Articles 5, 6, 7, and 8 of this Regulation will be considered for evaluation. In cases where the Dossier lacks legal documents proving the ability to mobilize capital from other sources as stipulated in item 6 of Article 6 of this Regulation, it will still be considered valid but will not be scored for mobilizing other sources of funding.

Article 10.

1. The evaluation of the Dossier for participation in the selection will be carried out through an Advisory Council for Selection decided by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2. The selection evaluation will be based on the registered Dossier.

3. The evaluation of the Dossier must follow the unified criteria stipulated in Article 11 of this Regulation.

Article 11. The evaluation of the Dossier will be conducted using a scoring method based on the following three groups of criteria:

A. Evaluation of the selection of organizations and individuals leading the Research Topic

I. Scientific value and practical value of the research content, implementation plan, and expected results (maximum score of 70 points)

1. Overview of domestic and international research situation and development trends: demonstrating the necessary understanding of the organization or individual applying to lead the Research Topic about the research field (having information about related research works, the latest research results in the research field, clearly stating the author's view on the urgency of the Research Topic,...)

2. Determining the research content and methods:

. Clearly explaining the approach and design of the research for the problem to be solved (scientifically, detailed; unique)

. Research content to solve the raised problem (reasonable; new, creative)

. Research methods and techniques to be used - compared with similar solution methods (appropriate; new, creative)

3. Potential for applying research results

. Proving the involvement of the receiving agency in the implementation of the Research Topic (the Research Topic has a specific application address, ...)

. Feasibility of the transfer plan for research results

. Having a feasible plan to link research with training and developing scientific and technological personnel

. Clear and specific output products

- For scientific and technological Research Topics:

+ Detailing the type of product of the Research Topic compared to the order.

+ Creating a quantity of products and detailing advanced quality indicators.

- For social and humanistic Research Topics:

To produce specific and practical products serving economic and social development (reporting on the scientific basis of the research issue, analyzing the results of practical surveys, proposing reasonable solutions and policies, etc.).

II. Competence of the individual and organization registering to be the main proponent of the Research Topic (scored out of a maximum of 25 points)

1. Research experience of the individual registering as the main proponent of the Research Topic: number of years of experience, number of Research Topics already implemented in the field of study.

2. Notable achievements in the field of research of the Research Topic for the individual registering as the main proponent of the Research Topic:

. Number of works published in specialized journals; number of works granted intellectual property rights; related science and technology awards

. Number of works that have been applied or transferred, scale of application, etc.

3. Organizational management capability of the individual registering as the main proponent of the Research Topic (scientific and rationality in planning schedule, progress, ability to complete, etc.).

4. Potential (related to the selection of organizations and individuals as the main proponents of the Research Topic) of the scientific and technological organization registering to be the main proponent of implementing the Research Topic

. Existing material facilities (equipment, workshops, etc.) ensuring the implementation of the Research Topic

. Conditions guaranteeing human resources, workforce, and staff structure, professional qualifications, experience, and research achievements of those participating in the implementation of the Research Topic, etc.

. Current international cooperation capabilities.

III. Reasonableness of the proposed budget (scored out of a maximum of 5 points)

1. The reasonableness, practicality, and sufficient grounds of the proposed budget, level of detail of the estimate.

2. Ability to mobilize other sources of funding for the implementation of the Research Topic.

B. Evaluation of the selection of organizations and individuals as the main proponents of the Pilot Production Project

I. Technological and economic value of the implementation plan and expected results (scored out of a maximum of 65 points)

1. Overall assessment of domestic and foreign technological levels and trends: demonstrating understanding and grasp of information about relevant technologies and research results related to the project, clearly stating the author's view on the urgency of the project, the basis for the project which the author uses to build the project, etc.)

2. Identifying the content and issues that need to be addressed and implemented by the project:

. Clearly stating the key issues that the project needs to resolve (aimed at implementing) to achieve the project's goals and products (clear; comprehensive and detailed)

. Content and sequence of steps to address the issues raised (reasonable; innovative)

3. Implementation Plan

. Pilot production organization plan: describing and analyzing conditions regarding location, site, workshop, human resources, materials, equipment, process flow diagram, environmental factors, and solutions (reasonable and feasible)

. Financial plan: analyzing and calculating financial aspects of the project implementation concerning product types and quantities (complete and accurate)

. Product marketing plan and ability to recover costs: proving the market demand for the product (specific consumption needs and addresses, socially accepted product cost and quality)

4. Project products and post-completion development potential: proving the stability and advancement of the technology, product quality and cost, analyzing and clarifying the feasibility of technology transfer or expanded production plans

II. Competence of the individual and organization registering to be the main proponent of the Pilot Production Project (scored out of a maximum of 25 points)

1. Practical experience in business operations and notable achievements in implementing technology within the project's research field for the individual registering as the main proponent of the project

. Number of years of experience, number of projects implemented

. Number of scientific and technological works applied or transferred to production

. Organizational management capability of the individual registering as the main proponent of the project (scientific and rationality in content and implementation plans, etc...)

2. Potential (related to the selection of organizations and individuals as the main proponents of the project) of the organization registering to implement the project

. Existing material facilities (equipment, workshops, etc.) ensuring the implementation of the project

. Conditions guaranteeing human resources, workforce, and staff structure, professional qualifications, experience, and technological implementation achievements of those participating in the project, etc.

III. Reasonableness of the requested support budget (scored out of a maximum of 10 points)

1. The reasonableness, practicality, and sufficient grounds of the requested support budget, level of detail of the estimate.

2. Feasibility of mobilizing other sources of funding for the implementation of the project.

Article 12. The Minister of Science and Technology establishes a National Scientific and Technological Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council) according to the field of science to provide advisory evaluation for the selection of organizations and individuals as the main proponents of Research Topics and Pilot Production Projects.

The Council consists of from 9 to 11 members, including the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and other members (two opposing members appointed by the Council). Members of the Council must be reputable experts, impartial, with appropriate professional qualifications and deep understanding of the fields of science and technology assigned for advisory selection. The Council includes:

+ One-third are representatives of relevant state management agencies, production and business organizations using scientific and technological results, and other related organizations;

+ Two-thirds are scientists and technologists working in relevant fields of science and technology.

Individuals registering as the main proponent of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project and those participating in the implementation of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project shall not participate in the Council selecting organizations and individuals as the main proponents of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project. In necessary cases, Council members may be staff currently working at the organization registering as the main proponent of the Research Topic or Pilot Production Project, but not more than one person and they cannot be the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, or opposing member.

The Council is responsible for its advisory work.

Article 13. The Council assigns two experts with deep knowledge in the research field of the Research Topic and Experimental Production Project to provide critical reviews and evaluations of all Application Forms for selecting the main implementer of one (01) Research Topic and Experimental Production Project. When necessary, the Council may recommend the Ministry of Science and Technology to invite additional experts outside the Council who have deep knowledge in the research field of the Research Topic and Experimental Production Project to review and evaluate the Application Forms (these experts will not vote on the Application Forms).

The reviewing expert is responsible for researching, analyzing, and comparing the Application Forms for selecting the main implementer of one (01) Research Topic and Experimental Production Project, conducting reviews and evaluations of each Application Form according to the criteria set forth in Article 11 of this Regulation corresponding to each Research Topic and each Experimental Production Project, and writing a review and evaluation report for each Application Form.

The Council organizes meetings to discuss and evaluate by voting scores.

In cases where only one (01) Application Form participates in the selection process for the main implementer of one (01) Research Topic and Experimental Production Project, the Council still organizes the evaluation according to the standards and procedures stipulated in this Regulation.

The organization or individual proposed as the winner for the main implementer of the Research Topic is the organization or individual whose Application Form ranks highest, but must achieve a minimum average score of 70 out of 100 points, with the average score on scientific and practical value being at least 50 out of 70 points.

The organization or individual proposed as the winner for the main implementer of the Experimental Production Project is the organization or individual whose Application Form ranks highest, but must achieve a minimum average score of 65 out of 100 points, with the average score on technological and economic value being at least 45 out of 65 points.

The Council ranks the priority order of Application Forms for registering as the main implementer of one (01) Research Topic with an average score of 70 out of 100 points or higher, including a minimum score of 50 out of 70 points for scientific and practical value (or Application Forms for registering as the main implementer of one (01) Experimental Production Project with an average score of 65 out of 100 points or higher, including a minimum score of 45 out of 65 points for technological and economic value), based on the following principles:

- Average scores in descending order;

- Prioritize scores on scientific and practical value for Application Forms with the same average score;

- Prioritize the Chairman's score (or the Deputy Chairman's score, in the absence of the Chairman) for Application Forms with the same average score and the same score on scientific and practical value;

For Application Forms with the same average score, the same score on scientific and practical value, and the same score from the Chairman (or the Deputy Chairman, in the absence of the Chairman), the Council recommends that the Ministry of Science and Technology consider and decide.

If no Application Form achieves an average score of 70 out of 100 points or higher for a Research Topic (or an average score of 65 out of 100 points or higher for an Experimental Production Project), the Research Topic or Experimental Production Project will not be implemented in the planned year.

The Council discusses and recommends additional or necessary amendments to the contents described in the Research Topic Explanation and Experimental Production Project Explanation, and suggests funding for implementing the Research Topic and Experimental Production Project or highlights points to note during the completion of the Application Form by the selected organization or individual.

The Council records the evaluation of the applications registered for selection and recommends the winning organizations and individuals.

The working method of the Scientific and Technological Council for selecting organizations and individuals as the main implementers of National-level Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects is regulated in Decision number .../2003/QĐ-BKHCN dated .../07/2003 issued by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Chapter V

APPROVAL OF SELECTION RESULTS

Article 14. An individual participating in the selection process who has been recommended by the Council as a winner has the right to choose one (01) Research Topic to implement. Within seven days from receiving the request to select a Research Topic to implement, the individual must submit their written opinion for the Ministry of Science and Technology to consider and decide.

In case the winning individual refuses the Research Topic or Experimental Production Project they were chosen for, the organization or individual with the next highest total average score will replace them, but must still meet the requirement of achieving at least 70 out of 100 points, with a minimum score of 50 out of 70 points for scientific and practical value - for Research Topics and at least 65 out of 100 points, with a minimum score of 45 out of 65 points for technological and economic value - for Experimental Production Projects.

Article 15. Based on the Council's work results, the Ministry of Science and Technology decides on the winning organizations and individuals.

The Ministry of Science and Technology notifies the selection results to the winning organizations and individuals, to the Management Ministries of the winning organizations, to the direct management agencies of the winning individuals, and announces the results on the Science and Development Newspaper, the Vietnam Science and Technology Information Network (http://www.vista.gov.vn/), and the MOSTE-NET Network (http://www.moste.gov.vn/) of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 16. The winning organizations and individuals are responsible for completing the Research Topic and Experimental Production Project Application Forms according to the Council's recommendations and submitting them to the Ministry of Science and Technology within fifteen days from receiving the notification of the selection results.

The Ministry of Science and Technology collaborates with the Program Director Board related to the Programs in the review of the Explanations of the Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects under the Programs, and collaborates with the relevant Management Ministries in the review of the Explanations of independent Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects and decides on the approval of the total budget for the entire implementation period of the Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects.

The Minister of Science and Technology's approval decision is the legal basis for signing contracts with the winning organizations and individuals and providing funds for the implementation of the Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects.

Article 17. Relevant organizations and Council members must adhere to the selection discipline, keep confidential information related to the evaluation process for selecting the main implementers of Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects.

Article 18. The retention of Application Forms and related documents during the evaluation process is carried out in accordance with current regulations.

Organizations and individuals have the right to lodge complaints and initiate lawsuits against administrative decisions and administrative acts of the agencies organizing the selection of organizations and individuals in charge of Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects.

Citizens have the right to report violations of laws on the selection of organizations and individuals in charge of Research Topics and Experimental Production Projects and the working methods of the Selection Council.

The handling of complaints and reports shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 19. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, provincial People's Committees, and municipal People's Committees directly under the central government may apply this Regulation to study, develop, and promulgate regulations on the selection of organizations and individuals in charge of scientific and technological tasks within their respective areas of management./.