Decree No. 40/2014/NĐ-CP on the use and promotion of individuals engaged in science and technology activities

DECREE

Regulations on the utilization and promotion of individuals

 scientific and technological 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 issues a Decree to regulate the utilization and promotion of individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree provides detailed guidance on Article 19, Article 22, and Article 23 of the Law on Science and Technology regarding scientific research titles, technological titles, human resource training, nurturing scientific and technological talents, and incentives for utilizing scientific and technological personnel and talents.

Article 2. Applicability

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

Article 3. Principles for Utilizing and Promoting Individuals Engaged in Scientific and Technological Activities

1. Creating favorable working conditions and environments for individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities to fully utilize their capabilities and enjoy benefits commensurate with the results of their scientific and technological activities.

2. Ensuring the correct target group and creating conditions for talents to undertake important scientific and technological tasks to fully utilize their abilities and enjoy benefits commensurate with the tasks they undertake.

3. The State ensures resources to implement policies for utilizing and promoting individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities.

Chapter II

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TITLES, TECHNOLOGICAL TITLES AND

INCENTIVES FOR INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Article 4. Scientific Research Titles, Technological Titles

1. Scientific research titles, technological titles:

a) Scientific research titles (hereinafter referred to as scientific titles) include: Assistant Researcher, Researcher, Senior Researcher, and Distinguished Researcher;

b) Technological titles include: Technician and equivalent, Engineer and equivalent, Senior Engineer and equivalent, and Distinguished Engineer and equivalent.

2. Rank of occupational titles for individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities in public service units with scientific and technological activities:

a) Scientific title ranks include: Scientific title rank IV is Assistant Researcher, scientific title rank III is Researcher, scientific title rank II is Senior Researcher, and scientific title rank I is Distinguished Researcher;

b) Technological title ranks include: Technological title rank IV is Technician and equivalent, technological title rank III is Engineer and equivalent, technological title rank II is Senior Engineer and equivalent, and technological title rank I is Distinguished Engineer and equivalent.

3. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall develop and issue standards for scientific titles and technological titles of Technician, Engineer, Senior Engineer, and Distinguished Engineer after reaching consensus with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

4. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies under the Prime Minister's Office shall establish standards for technological titles within their respective technological fields, equivalent to Technician, Engineer, Senior Engineer, and Distinguished Engineer, after receiving the review opinions of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Article 5. Recognition and Appointment of Scientific Titles and Technological Titles

1. The recognition and appointment of scientific titles and technological titles for individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities in public service units with scientific and technological activities shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on recruitment, utilization, and management of civil servants.

2. Individuals who have achieved outstanding results in scientific and technological activities and meet the requirements of job positions may be specially recruited and appointed to scientific titles and technological titles of rank IV and rank III without probationary periods, and shall be assigned salary grades appropriate to their educational qualifications as stipulated.

Heads of public service units with scientific and technological activities decide on special recruitment and appointment to scientific titles and technological titles as provided for in this Clause.

3. Special recruitment and appointment to scientific titles and technological titles outside the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article for individuals who have achieved particularly outstanding results in scientific and technological activities shall be decided by the Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, government agencies under the Prime Minister's Office, and People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to as provincial-level People's Committees) after reaching consensus with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

4. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall provide detailed guidance on scientific and technological achievements, procedures for special recruitment and appointment to scientific titles and technological titles as provided for in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article.

Article 6. Special appointment to higher scientific and technological titles without promotion examination and regardless of years of service

1. Persons holding scientific and technological ranks at public institutions engaged in science and technology activities, who meet the criteria for higher ranks, may be specially appointed to higher scientific and technological ranks without undergoing a promotion examination and regardless of years of service if they satisfy one of the following conditions during their tenure:

a) Receiving international awards or reputable domestic awards in science and technology;

b) Leading or primarily performing special scientific and technological tasks or important national-level scientific and technological tasks that have been accepted at a satisfactory level or leading scientific and technological works that have been applied with significant economic and social benefits;

c) Being awarded a Doctorate or Doctor of Science degree;

d) Being appointed as Professor or Associate Professor.

2. The special appointment to higher scientific and technological ranks without a promotion examination and regardless of years of service shall only be applied once for each individual engaged in science and technology activities holding a rank.

3. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or agency under the Government, and the Chairman of the People's Committee of a province shall decide on special appointment to Level II scientific and technological ranks without a promotion examination and regardless of years of service based on the proposal of the head of the public institution engaged in science and technology activities after obtaining the agreement of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Minister of Science and Technology shall decide on special appointment to Level I scientific and technological ranks without a promotion examination and regardless of years of service based on the proposals of the Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, agency under the Government, and the Chairman of the People's Committee of a province after obtaining the agreement of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

4. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall provide detailed guidance on the conditions and procedures for special appointment to higher scientific and technological ranks without a promotion examination and regardless of years of service.

Article 7. Exceptional salary increase for individuals with achievements in science and technology activities

1. Individuals appointed to scientific and technological positions in public institutions engaged in science and technology activities may receive an exceptional salary increase within the same rank if they have not violated discipline and meet one of the following conditions:

a) Lead national science and technology tasks that have been accepted and applied to achieve significant socio-economic benefits;

b) Be awarded State Orders of Vietnam in accordance with the Law on Competition and Rewards;

c) Be awarded the title of Labor Hero;

d) Being conferred the title of National Labor Medalist.

2. Individuals meeting the conditions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article may receive an exceptional salary increase of up to two salary grades within the same rank and shall not receive consecutive exceptional salary increases twice in a row.

3. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, agency under the Government, and the Chairman of the People's Committee of a province shall decide on exceptional salary increases for Level I and Level II scientific and technological positions.

The head of a public institution engaged in science and technology activities shall decide on exceptional salary increases for other scientific and technological ranks in accordance with the regulations on cadre management delegation.

Article 8. Working Conditions

Individuals engaged in science and technology activities shall be provided with the following working conditions:

1. They shall be provided with favorable conditions regarding means, equipment, materials, laboratories, experimental facilities, and other necessary conditions from the regular operating funds of organizations conducting science and technology activities to carry out science and technology tasks.

2. They shall be considered for financial support from the National Science and Technology Development Fund or the Science and Technology Development Fund of ministries, sectors, and localities to participate in domestic and international scientific conferences; publish scientific and technological results in reputable international scientific journals; register intellectual property protection both domestically and internationally for inventions and plant varieties, except where the funds for these contents have already been budgeted in the implementation funds for tasks.

3. They shall be provided with access to information and databases on science and technology by public libraries and organizations providing public scientific and technological information to carry out their tasks.

4. Individuals appointed to the first-class scientific and technological positions in public service units shall be supported with funds to use national key laboratories when carrying out science and technology tasks funded by the state budget, except where these funds have already been budgeted in the implementation funds for tasks.

Article 9. Extension of Working Period Upon Reaching Retirement Age

1. Individuals holding scientific and technological positions at public science and technology organizations may be considered for extending their working period to conduct scientific research and technological development without holding management positions if they meet the following conditions:

a) They are professors; associate professors; individuals holding first-class scientific and technological positions are doctoral scientists; individuals holding first-class scientific and technological positions; individuals holding second-class scientific and technological positions are doctoral degree holders;

b) They are in good health and wish to extend their working period;

c) The science and technology organization has a need and agrees.

2. The extended working period for the subjects specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be as follows:

a) Not exceeding ten years for professors; individuals holding first-class scientific and technological positions who are doctoral scientists;

b) Not exceeding seven years for associate professors; individuals holding first-class scientific and technological positions;

c) Not exceeding five years for individuals holding second-class scientific and technological positions who are doctoral degree holders.

3. During the extended working period, the subjects specified in Point a Clause 1 of this Article shall enjoy salaries, benefits, and policies as prescribed and have the right to request retirement leave to enjoy retirement benefits.

4. Procedures, formalities, and authority for considering and extending the working period:

a) The head of the science and technology organization, based on the development orientation and human resource situation of the organization, announces the policy and demand for extending the working period;

b) Individuals meeting the conditions stipulated in Points a and b Clause 1 of this Article submit a request to extend the working period to the head of the science and technology organization at least nine months before the retirement date;

c) The head of the science and technology organization reviews and evaluates the conditions of individuals wishing to extend their working period;

d) The application for extending the working period is submitted to the competent authority for consideration at least seven months before the retirement date;

The application for extending the working period includes: The individual's application for extending the working period; a health certificate issued by the authorized health agency; a letter requesting an extension of the working period from the science and technology organization where the individual works;

e) The head of the science and technology organization decides within their authority or requests the authorized authority to decide on the extension of the working period for science and technology workers;

f) The decision to extend the working period is sent to relevant organizations and individuals at least six months before the retirement date.

Article 10. Personal benefits for individuals engaged in science and technology with professor and associate professor titles

Individuals engaged in science and technology with professor and associate professor titles in public scientific and technological organizations shall enjoy policies and systems equivalent to those of individuals holding similar titles in public higher education institutions if such policies and systems are more advantageous.

Chapter III

TRAINING OF HUMAN RESOURCES, DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TALENTS

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TALENTS

Article 11. Planning and development plans for human resources in science and technology

1. Based on their functions, tasks, and directions for the development of science and technology, scientific and technological organizations shall develop five-year and annual plans for developing human resources in science and technology, and submit them to the competent authorities for consolidation.

2. Based on the planning for developing human resources at the ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial people's committees, and consolidating the plans for developing human resources in science and technology from subordinate scientific and technological organizations, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial people's committees shall develop plans for developing human resources in science and technology within their jurisdiction and submit them to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

3. Based on the economic and social development strategy, national human resource development planning, science and technology development strategy, and consolidating the plans for developing human resources in science and technology from ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial people's committees, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall develop and promulgate the national plan for developing human resources in science and technology.

4. In the plans for developing human resources in science and technology of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and provincial people's committees, and the national plan for developing human resources in science and technology, priority shall be given to female individuals engaged in science and technology.

Article 12. Plans for training human resources and developing scientific and technological talents

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, provincial people's committees, and scientific and technological organizations shall develop plans for training and developing human resources in science and technology based on the national plan for developing human resources in science and technology and their own development plans for human resources in science and technology.

2. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant ministries and sectors to determine priority and key areas of science and technology in each period, serving as a basis for higher education institutions to recruit students to meet the demand for human resources in priority and key areas of science and technology.

3. The Ministry of Education and Training shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology and sectoral management ministries to develop plans for training human resources at undergraduate and postgraduate levels that align with the national plan for developing human resources in science and technology and priority and key areas of science and technology; organizing and managing training according to the development direction of each field.

4. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall take the lead in developing plans for training and enhancing professional skills both domestically and internationally for individuals engaged in science and technology; plans for training outstanding research groups in priority and key areas of science and technology.

5. Higher education institutions specializing in training in priority and key areas of science and technology shall be supported by the State to improve the quality of teaching staff and invest in infrastructure and equipment to train high-level human resources in science and technology in priority and key areas.

6. Encouragement is provided for higher education institutions to cooperate with sectoral management ministries, fields, and localities to train human resources in science and technology according to the development plans for human resources in science and technology of ministries, sectors, and localities.

Article 13. Training and Capacity Building for Individuals Engaged in Science and Technology Activities

1. Content and Forms of Training and Capacity Building:

a) Degree training at higher education institutions;

b) Research group training;

c) Specialized training in priority and key fields of science and technology, and new fields of science and technology;

d) Post-doctoral research;

đ) Professional upgrading in terms of expertise, knowledge, and management skills in science and technology.

Training and capacity building shall be carried out through short-term and long-term forms both domestically and internationally; internships and limited-term work at reputable domestic and international scientific and technological organizations; participation in implementing scientific and technological tasks.

2. The Ministry of Education and Training shall organize training according to the qualifications specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article.

3. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall organize training and capacity building in accordance with Points b, c, d, and đ of Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 14. Training and Capacity Building Budgets

1. Annually, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall allocate an appropriate budget from the science and technology public service fund to implement training and capacity building as stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 13 of this Decree.

2. Based on the consolidated demand for training and capacity building of scientific and technological human resources from ministries, sectors, and localities, the Ministry of Science and Technology shall propose a plan to allocate the training and capacity building budget for individuals engaged in scientific and technological activities from the science and technology public service fund to ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and provincial people's committees, and submit it to the competent authority for decision.

3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and provincial people's committees shall be responsible for using the allocated training and capacity building funds for their intended purposes and effectively.

Chapter IV

UTILIZATION OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TALENTS

Section 1

PROMOTION OF LEADING SCIENTISTS

Article 15. Criteria for Leading Scientists

1. Fields for consideration in selecting leading scientists shall be determined according to the classification table of scientific and technological research fields prescribed by the Minister of Science and Technology.

2. An individual engaged in scientific and technological activities shall be considered and recognized as a leading scientist if they meet all of the following criteria simultaneously:

a) Head of a specialized department, laboratory, or equivalent in national universities, regional universities, key universities, and scientific and technological organizations under the establishment authority specified in Points a, b, and đ of Clause 1 of Article 12 of the Law on Science and Technology;

b) Hold a doctoral degree or higher;

c) Annually, carry out one of the following activities: Chair or officially report at international specialized scientific conferences; teach at a university or conduct research at a reputable foreign scientific and technological organization;

d) In the last three years up to the application date for selection as a leading scientist, be the main author of at least three scientific articles published in reputable international specialized journals, or editor of one monograph, or author of one invention patent granted protection and applied, generating economic and social benefits;

đ) Successfully lead the implementation of at least two national scientific and technological tasks or special scientific and technological tasks;

e) Proficiently use at least one foreign language for professional work and communicate in English;

g) Be unanimously proposed by at least 3/4 members of the Executive Board of the specialized scientific association (established and operating in accordance with the law on associations) to recognize as a leading scientist.

Article 16. Procedure for selecting and recognizing leading scientists

1. Individuals meeting the criteria specified in Article 15 of this Decree shall submit applications for recognition as leading scientists to the scientific and technological organization where they work. The scientific and technological organization shall review and send the results along with the application of individuals meeting the criteria for leading scientists to the relevant professional science association.

2. The Executive Board of the professional science association shall organize a specialized evaluation and propose the recognition of leading scientists through secret ballot voting.

3. The Minister, Head of a Ministry equivalent to a ministry, or agency under the Government shall decide on the recognition of leading scientists based on the individual's application and the professional science association's proposal, and send the list to the Ministry of Science and Technology before July 31 each year for consolidation.

Article 17. Responsibilities of Leading Scientists

1. General responsibilities:

a) Developing new research directions for the field;

b) Advancing the field of science to international standards;

c) Training the next generation of scientific and technological human resources in the field;

d) Representing the field in cooperation and exchange with other domestic scientific fields and representing the field in international scientific cooperation and exchange relations.

2. Specific tasks:

a) From the date of recognition as a leading scientist, on average, must achieve at least one of the following results annually: At least one scientific article published in an internationally reputable specialized scientific journal; at least three scientific articles published in nationally reputable specialized scientific journals; at least one monograph or postgraduate teaching textbook; at least one invention patent granted or a technology, technical solution applied with economic and social benefits;

b) Annually, must chair at least one international specialized scientific seminar;

c) Within three years, must chair and have accepted at least one national-level scientific and technological task;

d) Annually, directly participate in training scientific and technological human resources and guiding postgraduate students;

đ) Participate in building, advising, evaluating, and critiquing policies for developing science and technology in the field, sector, and country; resolving urgent scientific and technological tasks in the field;

e) Participate in selecting, accepting, and independently reviewing national, ministerial, and provincial-level scientific and technological tasks.

Article 18. Policies for Promoting Leading Scientists

Leading scientists shall enjoy the following incentives:

1. Annual funding allocation from the scientific and technological public expenditure funds of ministries, sectors, and localities to carry out activities of outstanding research groups in their specialized fields.

2. Funding support for using national key laboratories and other key laboratories to implement state-budget-funded scientific and technological tasks, except when this funding has already been budgeted for the implementation of the task.

3. Funding support for publishing research results in internationally reputable scientific journals; registering intellectual property rights protection for inventions and plant varieties; publishing high-value scientific works with practical significance.

4. Funding support for attending domestic and international specialized scientific seminars; the number of times attending international seminars shall not exceed two times per year, except in special cases reviewed and decided by the Minister of Science and Technology.

5. Funding support for organizing international specialized scientific seminars in Vietnam.

6. Monthly benefits equal to 100% of the current salary level.

7. Enjoying policies stipulated in Chapter II of this Decree and other incentives prescribed in Article 23 of the Law on Science and Technology.

Article 19. Funding for Implementing the Policy on Promoting Leading Scientists

1. The funding for implementing the policy on promoting leading scientists shall be allocated from the budget for scientific and technological activities.

2. Each year, organizations with leading scientists shall prepare a budget for implementing the policy on promoting leading scientists and submit it to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consolidation and proposal to the competent authority for decision on allocation.

3. The management agency of scientific and technological organizations shall ensure sufficient funding for implementing the policy on promoting leading scientists. Leading scientists shall be responsible for using the funds for their intended purposes in accordance with the approved budget.

Article 20. Non-renewal and Revocation of Recognition as a Leading Scientist

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies shall periodically monitor and evaluate the performance of leading scientists in their assigned tasks to consider whether to continue recognizing, not continue recognizing, or revoke recognition of leading scientists.

2. A leading scientist will not be continued to be recognized if they fall under any of the following circumstances:

a) Resigning from the position of head in a scientific and technological organization as stipulated in Point a, Clause 2, Article 15 of this Decree;

b) Failing to complete the tasks specified in Points a and b, Clause 2, Article 17 of this Decree.

3. Recognition of a leading scientist shall be revoked if they fall under any of the following circumstances:

a) Being dishonest in filling out application forms, resulting in distortion of the results of recognition as a leading scientist;

b) Violating the provisions of Article 8 of the Law on Science and Technology.

4. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or Head of a government agency has the authority to decide on non-renewal or revocation of recognition as a leading scientist and to notify the Ministry of Science and Technology for monitoring and consolidation.

5. A scientist who is not renewed or revoked recognition as a leading scientist shall not enjoy the preferential policies stipulated in Article 18 of this Decree from the date of the decision on non-renewal or revocation.

6. A leading scientist whose recognition is revoked shall not be considered for recognition in subsequent periods and must refund the preferential benefits received as stipulated in Article 18 of this Decree.

Section 2

PROMOTION OF SCIENTISTS ASSIGNED TO MANAGE

NATIONAL KEY SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL TASKS

Article 21. Policy for Promoting Scientists Assigned to Manage National Key Scientific and Technological Tasks

During the period assigned to manage national key scientific and technological tasks, scientists shall enjoy the following preferential treatments:

1. They may independently use the allocated funds according to the prescribed lump-sum method to implement the assigned tasks, including the following contents:

a) Conducting scientific research activities, developing technology, conducting experimental implementation, trial production, and other related activities;

b) Paying salaries and fees to directly participating scientists and indirectly participating personnel according to agreements;

c) Purchasing scientific materials, patents, useful solutions, designs, technical documents, and relevant technologies directly related to the task;

d) Publishing and registering research results both domestically and internationally;

đ) Attending international scientific conferences abroad or organizing international scientific conferences in Vietnam related to the task;

e) Renting land and facilities serving the task;

g) Purchasing equipment and scientific supplies for the task in special cases;

h) Other activities to implement the task as prescribed by law.

2. They may independently arrange and utilize human resources for the assigned task:

a) Proposing the competent authority to mobilize scientific and technological personnel and organizations to participate in the task;

b) Hiring or inviting domestic and foreign experts to consult or participate in the task.

3. They shall enjoy a salary equivalent to that of a senior expert level 3 and monthly benefits equal to 100% of their pre-task salary.

4. They may use national key laboratories and other laboratories free of charge to implement the task.

5. They shall have access to information and materials from important electronic libraries and technical libraries.

6. They shall be provided with transportation means and official accommodation.

6. Được bố trí phương tiện đi lại và nhà ở công vụ.

7. Enjoying policies stipulated in Chapter II of this Decree and other incentives prescribed in Article 23 of the Law on Science and Technology.

Article 22. Funding for implementing the policy on valuing scientists responsible for national-level science and technology tasks of special importance

Clause 1. The funding for implementing the policy on valuing scientists responsible for national-level science and technology tasks of special importance shall be budgeted within the funding for implementing such tasks.

Clause 2. The Ministry of Finance shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to guide the preparation of budgets and allocation of funds for national-level science and technology tasks of special importance.

Section 3

VALUING TALENTED YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Article 23. Criteria for talented young scientists

A talented young scientist is an individual under 35 years old engaged in science and technology activities, holding a doctoral degree or higher, and meeting one of the following criteria:

Point 1. Leading a work that has won a reputable award in domestic or international science and technology.

Point 2. Being the main author of at least five scientific articles published in reputable international specialized journals; or being the editor of at least three monographs; or being the author of at least two patents granted protection, including at least one patent applied and generating economic and social benefits.

Article 24. Policy on valuing talented young scientists

Talented young scientists shall enjoy the following preferential treatments:

Point 1. Being directly recruited without examination to work in public science and technology organizations and receiving a salary coefficient of 5.08 (equivalent to level 3/8 of the senior specialist rank).

Point 2. Being prioritized to participate in post-doctoral research programs in their field of science and technology at domestic and foreign training institutions and research centers; being prioritized to go abroad for internship or limited-term work at foreign science and technology organizations; being prioritized to directly lead potential science and technology tasks in their field of expertise.

Point 3. Being considered by the organization responsible for implementing the science and technology task to grant ownership or usage rights to the results of scientific research and technological development funded by state budget to establish or contribute capital to establish a science and technology business.

Point 4. Being considered for support in using key national laboratories and other laboratories to carry out science and technology activities, except where this funding has already been budgeted within the task implementation funding.

Point 5. Being supported in publishing scientific and technological results, registering intellectual property protection for inventions and plant varieties domestically and internationally, except where this funding has already been budgeted within the task implementation funding.

Point 6. Enjoying policies stipulated in Chapter II of this Decree and other preferential treatments prescribed in Article 23 of the Law on Science and Technology.

Article 25. Funding for implementing the policy on valuing talented young scientists

Clause 1. The funding for implementing the policy on valuing talented young scientists stipulated in Article 24 of this Decree shall be allocated from the science and technology public service funding in the budget assigned to science and technology organizations.

Clause 2. In cases where talented young scientists do not belong to public science and technology organizations, the funding for implementing the valuing policy shall be provided from the National Science and Technology Development Fund or the Science and Technology Development Fund of provinces and centrally-administered cities.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 26. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Science and Technology

Point 1. To be the main body responsible for organizing the implementation of the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities.

Point 2. To develop and issue guiding documents for implementing the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities within its authority.

Point 3. To compile and report to the Ministry of Home Affairs the situation regarding the implementation of the direct recruitment and appointment policy for outstanding individuals to research scientist positions and first-class technology positions without examination and regardless of years of service as stipulated in this Decree.

Point 4. To coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to build and guide financial mechanisms for implementing the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities.

Point 5. To monitor and inspect the implementation of the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities as stipulated in this Decree.

Article 27. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Interior

Coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to promulgate the standards for scientific research positions and technological positions as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 4 of this Decree and to guide the implementation of related policies prescribed in this Decree.

Article 28. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Education and Training

Coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to implement the contents regarding planning, training, and enhancing the human resources for science and technology as provided for in this Decree.

Article 29. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance

1. Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish and guide the financial mechanism for implementing the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities.

2. Annually compile the budget estimate for implementing the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities based on the proposal of the Ministry of Science and Technology and submit it to the competent authority for decision-making.

Article 30. Responsibilities of Ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, government agencies, and People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities

1. Within their respective functions, tasks, and authorities, Ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities as prescribed in this Decree.

2. Annually prepare the budget estimate for implementing the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities and send it to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consolidation and submission to the Ministry of Finance.

3. Report on the implementation of the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities to the Ministry of Science and Technology before November 15 each year for consolidation and monitoring.

Article 31. Responsibilities of scientific and technological organizations

1. Implement the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities as prescribed in this Decree.

2. State-owned scientific and technological organizations annually report to their supervisory bodies on the implementation of the policy on utilizing and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities.

3. Non-state-owned scientific and technological organizations apply the provisions of this Decree to individuals under their management and utilization.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 32. Effectiveness

This Decree takes effect from July 1, 2014.

Article 33. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Ministry of Science and Technology is responsible for urging and inspecting the implementation of this Decree.

2. The Minister, Heads of agencies at the ministerial level, Heads of government agencies, Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, and relevant organizations and individuals are responsible for enforcing this Decree./.