Circular No. 45/2025/TT-BKHCN on statistical activities in the science and technology sector

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS ON STATISTICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Pursuant to the Law on Statistics No. 89/2015/QH13 amended and supplemented by Law No. 01/2021/QH15;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 94/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Statistics;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 85/2017/NĐ-CP dated July 19, 2017 of the Government stipulating the structure, tasks, and powers of centralized statistical organizations and statistical organizations under ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 278/2025/NĐ-CP dated October 22, 2025 of the Government stipulating mandatory data connection and sharing between agencies within the political system;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 94/2022/NĐ-CP dated November 7, 2022 of the Government stipulating the content of statistical indicators belonging to the national statistical indicator system and the process of compiling gross domestic product indicators, gross regional domestic product indicators at provincial and centrally-administered city levels;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 62/2024/NĐ-CP dated June 7, 2024 of the Government amending and supplementing certain articles and appendices of the Decree No. 94/2016/NĐ-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Statistics and the Decree No. 94/2022/NĐ-CP dated November 7, 2022 of the Government stipulating the content of statistical indicators belonging to the national statistical indicator system and the process of compiling gross domestic product indicators, gross regional domestic product indicators at provincial and centrally-administered city levels;

Pursuant to Decree No. 55/2025/NĐ-CP dated March 2, 2025 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

Pursuant to the Decree No. 262/2025/NĐ-CP dated October 14, 2025 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation regarding information, statistics, evaluation, digital transformation, and general issues;

At the proposal of the Director of the Information and Statistics Department;

The Minister of Science and Technology promulgates this Circular regulating statistical activities in the field of science and technology.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates on:

1. Statistical indicator system for the field of science and technology

2. List of statistical surveys on science and technology within the scope of management by the Ministry of Science and Technology outside the National Statistical Survey Program,

3. Reporting regime for statistical activities in the field of science and technology within the scope of management by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Article 2. Applicability

1. This Circular applies to the following agencies, organizations, and individuals:

a) Units under the Ministry of Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as units under the Ministry);

b) Provincial and municipal Departments of Science and Technology;

c) Agencies and units entrusted with the task of conducting statistical surveys on science and technology under ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, the Supreme People's Procuracy, and the Supreme People's Court;

d) Agencies, organizations, enterprises, and individuals related to statistical activities in the field of science and technology.

2. The Ministries of National Defense and Public Security shall implement the reporting regime for statistical activities in the field of science and technology according to this Circular based on the regulations on protecting state secrets.

Article 3. Principles of statistical activities in the field of science and technology

1. Truthfulness, objectivity, transparency, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reflecting the actual situation of the field of science and technology.

2. Uniformity in the system of statistical indicators, lists, classifications, forms, methods, procedures, and technical standards for statistics as prescribed by competent authorities; referencing international statistical standards and methods to ensure comparability, integration, and connectivity with the national statistical system.

3. Compliance with management requirements, guidance, operation, and development orientation of science, technology, and innovation at each period; meeting the needs of monitoring, evaluating, forecasting situations, building strategies, policies, and development plans for the sector and the country.

4. Ensuring confidentiality and proper use of statistical data for legitimate purposes and within authorized limits; serving the lawful management needs of agencies, organizations, and individuals as prescribed; implementing data management, access, and sharing in accordance with laws on information security and safety. Units and individuals providing data are responsible under the law for the accuracy and completeness of reported information.

5. Promoting the application of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and big data in collecting, processing, analyzing, storing, publishing, and sharing statistical information; prioritizing efficient exploitation of data from electronic reporting systems, national databases, and existing administrative data to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and avoid duplication.

6. Not hindering the activities of information providers or survey respondents, while adhering to survey plans, legal regulations, and approved statistical procedures.

Chapter II
STATISTICAL INDICATOR SYSTEM, REPORTING REGIME, AND STATISTICAL SURVEYS IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Article 4. The system of statistical indicators for the science and technology sector

1. The system of statistical indicators for the science and technology sector is a collection of statistical indicators reflecting the situation, resources, results, and effectiveness of the science and technology sector, issued to unify the collection and publication of statistical data on the science and technology sector.

2. Statistical indicators for the science and technology sector are established based on ensuring consistency with the national statistical indicator system and reflecting the following main areas:

a) Scientific research and technological development;

b) Technology application, innovation, entrepreneurship, and business;

c) Intellectual property;

d) Standards, measurement, and quality;

đ) Atomic energy, radiation and nuclear safety;

e) Postal services and telecommunications;

g) Digital transformation;

h) Digital technology industry;

i) Finance, human resources, and international cooperation.

3. The system of statistical indicators for the science and technology sector specified in Appendix I attached hereto includes:

a) List of statistical indicators for the science and technology sector;

b) Content of statistical indicators for the science and technology sector.

4. The system of statistical indicators for the science and technology sector shall be reviewed, updated, and adjusted when there are changes in management requirements, practical development of the sector, or international statistical standards, ensuring consistency with the national statistical indicator system and relevant legal provisions.

Article 5. Statistical surveys on science and technology

1. Statistical surveys on science and technology are activities to collect data and statistical information on science and technology according to statistical methods decided by the Minister of Science and Technology and in accordance with the law.

2. Periodic statistical surveys on science and technology

a) Are carried out according to annual plans or cycles approved by the Minister of Science and Technology;

b) Periodic surveys aim to collect statistical information on scientific, technological, and innovation fields serving the management needs of the Ministry of Science and Technology but not included in the national statistical indicator system;

c) Each periodic survey must have a survey plan developed, reviewed, and approved according to current regulations, clearly defining the purpose, scope, subjects, time frame, data collection methods, reporting forms, and responsibilities of related units;

d) The list of periodic statistical surveys on science and technology is specified in Appendix II attached hereto.

3. Ad hoc statistical surveys on science and technology

a) Ad hoc statistical surveys on science and technology are conducted when urgent needs arise to serve management work, policy planning, or monitoring and evaluating special programs and tasks of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) Ad hoc surveys are conducted when there are significant changes in scientific, technological, and innovation activities, or when it is necessary to update specialized information and data for comprehensive reports, analysis, evaluation, and forecasting;

c) The Minister of Science and Technology issues a decision organizing ad hoc surveys, specifying the scope, subjects, time frame, and implementation plan; ensuring no overlap with other surveys and complying with legal regulations on statistics.

4. Time for submitting Statistical Survey Forms

a) Statistical Survey Forms must be submitted within the deadline stipulated in the approved survey plan by the Minister of Science and Technology;

b) In cases where the implementation schedule needs adjustment or the submission of Statistical Survey Forms is delayed due to objective factors, the survey participating unit must submit a report (in paper or electronic form) detailing the reasons, expected completion time, and obtain review and approval from the leading survey agency;

c) Delayed submission of Statistical Survey Forms will only be accepted in cases of legitimate reasons, including technical system failures for data collection, requirement for data verification, or force majeure such as natural disasters, epidemics, power outages, or urgent requests from competent authorities. Delayed submission of Statistical Survey Forms should not affect the progress of compiling and publishing survey results;

d) Delayed submission of Statistical Survey Forms outside the cases mentioned in point b and point c of this clause that affect the progress of compiling and publishing survey results will be subject to examination and handling according to administrative violation penalty regulations in the field of statistics.

5. Organization of statistical surveys on science and technology

a) The Department of Information and Statistics under the Ministry of Science and Technology leads and coordinates with related units under the Ministry of Science and Technology, ministries, sectors, and localities to develop plans and schemes for periodic or ad hoc statistical surveys, seek review opinions, and submit them to the Minister for approval according to current regulations before publicly announcing on the Ministry's official website (excluding contents classified as state secrets); organize, guide, inspect the implementation; collect, process, compile, and report the results of statistical surveys on science and technology to the Minister of Science and Technology;

b) Units under the Ministry of Science and Technology and related agencies have the responsibility to coordinate with the Department of Information and Statistics to implement statistical surveys on science and technology according to the provisions of point a of this clause.

Article 6. Statistical Reporting System for the Science and Technology Sector

1. The statistical reporting system for the science and technology sector specifies the content, forms, methods, deadlines, and responsibilities for implementing statistical reports in fields of science and technology issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, aimed at collecting, compiling, and providing statistical information and data to serve state management work and to aggregate statistical indicators as prescribed by law.

2. The content of the statistical reporting system for the science and technology sector is detailed in Appendix III attached to this Circular.

3. Reporting Units

a) Reporting units are organizations, agencies, or units subject to the statistical reporting system;

b) The name of the reporting unit must be recorded in the top right corner of the report form. The agency or unit responsible for preparing and submitting the statistical report must accurately record its name in this position and bear responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the reported data according to the law on statistics.

4. Receiving Units

The receiving unit is the agency or organization specifically identified in the top right corner of each report form, immediately below the "Reporting Unit" line, consistent with the分级和实施统计报告制度的权限。

5. Period of Statistical Reporting

a) The period of statistical reporting is the time frame specified for the reporting unit to compile and provide statistical data according to the indicators and criteria in the report form;

b) The period of statistical reporting is clearly stated in each report form and calculated based on the Gregorian calendar.

6. Deadline for Submitting Statistical Reports

a) The deadline for submitting statistical reports is the latest date by which the reporting unit must complete and submit the report to the receiving unit as stipulated;

b) The submission deadline is specifically noted in the top left corner of each form, immediately below the form identifier line, and calculated based on working days;

c) If the last day of the reporting period coincides with a public holiday, Tet holiday, or weekly rest day, the submission deadline will be extended to the next working day following the holiday.

7. Methods of Submitting Statistical Reports

a) Statistical reports are updated and submitted online through the National Information System on Science, Technology, and Innovation using access accounts provided to the reporting unit;

b) Statistical reports are submitted via the National Electronic Document Transmission Network to the receiving unit or directly handed over or sent via postal service to the receiving unit in the following cases:

- In case the online system cannot be accessed or technical issues occur, the reporting unit submits electronic or paper versions of the statistical report according to the deadline specified in each form. Upon resolution of the issue, the reporting unit is responsible for re-entering the information into the National Information System on Science, Technology, and Innovation to ensure data integrity and centralization.

- The reporting unit or the receiving unit of the statistical report does not meet requirements for technical infrastructure, technology, and information security.

c) Reports must be digitally signed (for electronic reports) or bear the signature of the head and the stamp of the agency or unit (for paper reports) to ensure the accuracy of the data and facilitate verification, comparison, and processing of the data.

Article 7. Revision of Statistical Reports and Survey Forms

1. The revision and supplementation of statistical reports or Survey Forms shall be carried out when data or information are found to be incomplete, erroneous, or not ensuring accuracy, rationality, and consistency between periods of reporting or among sources of statistical data.

2. Organizations, units, and individuals responsible must proactively review, revise, and supplement the content of statistical reports or Survey Forms upon discovering errors or inconsistencies; they must also carry out revisions and supplements upon receiving written requests from the receiving agency or the leading survey agency.

3. The revision and supplementation of statistical reports or Survey Forms must be completed within a period not exceeding five working days from the date of discovery of errors or from the receipt of a request from the competent authority; in special cases, the reporting unit or the participating survey unit must submit a written document (on paper or electronically) detailing the reasons, expected completion time, and obtain approval from the receiving statistical report unit or the leading survey agency.

4. Methods for submitting revised and supplemented statistical reports and Survey Forms

a) In cases where statistical reports or Survey Forms are conducted electronically, the reporting unit or the surveyed entity must update, replace, and resend the data through the National Information System on Science, Technology, and Innovation as prescribed;

b) In cases where statistical reports or Survey Forms are conducted in paper form, the reporting unit or the surveyed entity must resubmit the revised and supplemented report along with an explanatory document detailing the contents, causes, and timing of the revisions.

5. The receiving agency or the leading survey agency is responsible for checking, accepting, confirming, and updating the revised and supplemented data into the National Information System on Science, Technology, and Innovation to ensure the consistency, completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of statistical data.

6. Failure to comply with or non-compliance with regulations on the revision and supplementation of statistical reports or Survey Forms shall be considered a violation of the reporting and surveying system and will be handled according to current laws.

Chapter III
IMPLEMENTATION

Article 8. Budget for Scientific and Technological Statistics Activities

1. Annually, Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, government agencies, the Supreme People's Procuracy, the Supreme People's Court, provincial and municipal people's committees shall prepare and allocate state budget funds (central budget, local budget) for scientific and technological statistics activities in accordance with the State Budget Law.

2. Funds for conducting scientific and technological surveys shall be sourced from the budget for implementing scientific and technological statistics tasks of the Ministry of Science and Technology and allocated in the annual state budget of the Ministry in accordance with the State Budget Law and guiding documents.

3. Encouragement is given to the use of other lawful funding sources as stipulated by law to conduct scientific and technological surveys.

Article 9. Implementation responsibilities

1. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Science and Technology

a) Directing and organizing the implementation of scientific and technological statistics work;

b) The Bureau of Information and Statistics is the agency assisting the Minister of Science and Technology in organizing and implementing scientific and technological statistics activities, including:

b1) Taking the lead in building and submitting to the Minister of Science and Technology for approval the allocation of units under the Ministry to collect and compile national science and technology statistical indicators;

b2) Organizing the collection and compilation of science and technology statistical indicators according to Appendix I attached to this Circular; periodically reviewing and updating the system of science and technology statistical data to meet management requirements, industry practices, and international statistical standards;

b3) Inspecting the implementation of the reporting system for scientific and technological statistics, scientific and technological surveys, and other related content in accordance with the law on statistics; requesting reporting units to explain, supplement, or provide statistical data when necessary; being accountable to the Minister for the completeness and accuracy of statistical data;

b4) Coordinating with agencies, units, organizations, enterprises, and individuals specified in Article 2 of this Circular to implement data collection, verification, compilation, and provision; reviewing and revising data before publication and supplementation;

b5) Coordinating with the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance to review survey plans before organizing scientific and technological surveys;

b6) Publishing scientific and technological statistical data in accordance with regulations;

b7) Organizing training and guidance on scientific and technological statistics business for ministries, sectors, localities, and units assigned the task of scientific and technological statistics;

b8) Building budgets for implementing surveys, submitting for the Minister's consideration and approval in accordance with regulations.

c) Responsibilities of units under the Ministry of Science and Technology

c1) Cooperating with the Bureau of Information and Statistics to implement data collection, compilation, verification, and inspection; providing complete data, files, and materials for scientific and technological statistics activities;

c2) Checking and reviewing the accuracy and completeness of statistical data before submitting to the Bureau of Information and Statistics for consolidation; carrying out explanations, supplements, or re-provision of statistical data as required by the Bureau of Information and Statistics;

c3) Participating in scientific and technological surveys when assigned and adhering strictly to survey plans, procedures, and statistical business requirements.

2. Responsibilities of Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, government agencies, the Supreme People's Procuracy, the Supreme People's Court, and provincial and municipal people's committees

a) Direct subordinate units to fully and timely implement the reporting and statistical system for the science and technology sector, conduct surveys on science and technology statistics; update statistical data onto the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Information System according to the requirements of the Ministry of Science and Technology; inspect, review, and ensure the quality, completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of statistical data before submitting to the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) Ensure material resources, equipment, and allocate funds annually in the budget for the agency or unit assigned the task of conducting science and technology statistics to organize and carry out statistical activities within their management scope;

3. Agencies and units under ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, the Supreme People's Procuracy, the Supreme People's Court, provincial Departments of Science and Technology directly under the central government, which are assigned the task of conducting science and technology statistics;

a) Organize the collection, compilation, verification, inspection, and review of the accuracy and completeness of statistical data in the science and technology sector; submit the results of industry science and technology statistics information to the Department of Information and Statistics under the Ministry of Science and Technology in full, accurate, and timely manner; at the same time, report to the supervising agency to serve the guidance and management of science, technology, and innovation development within their management scope;

b) Guide and train staff from subordinate units under the supervising agency on implementing the reporting and statistical system for the science and technology sector and conduct surveys on science and technology statistics;

4. Responsibilities of agencies, organizations, enterprises, and individuals related to the activity of conducting statistics in the science and technology sector;

a) Provide complete, accurate, truthful, and timely information and statistical data as stipulated in this Circular to serve the calculation of science and technology statistical indicators;

b) Cooperate with the Department of Information and Statistics or competent authorities in verifying, explaining, supplementing, or resubmitting statistical data upon request;

c) Bear legal responsibility for the legality, truthfulness, and accuracy of the provided statistical data;

Article 10. Inspection and Handling of Violations;

1. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance (General Statistics Office) and relevant agencies in periodically and urgently inspecting and evaluating the implementation of responsibilities in organizing inspections and supervision of the implementation of the reporting and statistical system for the science and technology sector within their management scope;

3. Organizations and individuals violating regulations on providing, reporting, and using statistical information in the science and technology sector will be handled according to current administrative penalty regulations in the field of statistics and related laws;

4. The work of inspecting the implementation of statistical regulations in the science and technology sector shall not hinder the normal operations of inspected units while ensuring compliance with confidentiality regulations on statistical information;

Article 11. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from January 30, 2026, and applies from the 2026 reporting periods;

2. Repeal the following legal regulatory documents from the date this Circular takes effect;

a) Circular No. 35/2016/TT-BTTTT dated December 26, 2016, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications on the reporting and surveying system for science and technology statistics of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, the Supreme People's Procuracy, the Supreme People's Court, and provincial people's committees;

b) Circular No. 03/2018/TT-BKHCN dated May 15, 2018, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the system of statistical indicators for the science and technology sector and methods for collecting and compiling national statistical indicators on science and technology;

c) Circular No. 04/2018/TT-BKHCN dated May 15, 2018, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the conduct of surveys on science and technology outside the National Statistical Survey Program;

d) Circular No. 15/2018/TT-BKHCN dated November 15, 2018, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on the reporting and statistical system for the science and technology sector;

3. Repeal certain provisions in the following legal regulatory documents from the date this Circular takes effect;

a) Repeal points a, b, c, d, and e of Clause 2, Article 3, and Appendices I, II, III, IV, and V of Circular No. 03/2022/TT-BTTTT dated June 22, 2022, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications on the system of statistical indicators for the information and communication sector;

b) Repeal points a, b, c, d, and e of Clause 1, Article 3, and Appendices I, II, III, IV, and V of Circular No. 04/2022/TT-BTTTT dated June 22, 2022, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications on the reporting and statistical system for the information and communication sector;

4. During the implementation process, if difficulties arise, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to reflect them to the Ministry of Science and Technology for research, revision, and supplementation to make them appropriate./.