Proposal to decentralize the authority to issue policies on technology imports.
The draft law assigns the Ministry of Science and Technology the authority to issue—or submit to competent authorities for approval—policies regarding technology import, transfer, and innovation.
On the afternoon of August 17, the National Assembly Standing Committee reviewed the draft law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Radio Frequencies, the Law on Telecommunications, the Law on Electronic Transactions, and the Law on Technology Transfer. The bill is expected to be passed by the National Assembly on August 24.
Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan stated that the bill focuses on simplifying administrative procedures and business conditions, promoting decentralization and the delegation of authority, and refining the legal framework for telecommunications infrastructure development.
Regarding the Law on Technology Transfer, the draft transfers certain powers from the Prime Minister to the Ministry of Science and Technology to enhance the initiative of the specialized management agency and shorten the time required to formulate and issue policies.
Specifically, the Ministry of Science and Technology is tasked with leading and coordinating with other ministries, provincial People's Committees, and relevant agencies to formulate programs, schemes, and policies concerning technology imports, the development of the science and technology market, and the promotion of technology transfer, application, and innovation.
The Ministry is authorized to issue programs, schemes, and policies within its jurisdiction; matters exceeding its authority must be submitted to competent authorities for consideration and decision. The Ministry also leads the formulation and issuance of the national program for science and technology market development.
According to the Government, this regulation aligns with the Law on Organization of the Government and the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation, while maintaining the mechanism for submitting major, inter-sectoral issues to competent authorities for approval.
National programs must still undergo appraisal by a council comprising representatives from ministries, sectors, localities, and experts. The appraisal covers necessity, objectives, expected outcomes, feasibility, commercialization potential, and socio-economic impact. Including provincial-level People's Committees in the group of coordinating agencies aims to ensure policies align with local realities, clearly identify resources, and facilitate smoother implementation.
Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan speaking at the session on the afternoon of August 17. Photo: National Assembly Portal.
Regarding the proposal to shift the focus from importation to the adoption and mastery of technology—particularly in the healthcare sector—the Government maintains that existing laws already regulate the transfer of knowledge, professional processes, training, technical support, operations, and maintenance.
Provisions concerning valuation, support for core technologies, and budget utilization efficiency are either already addressed in current legislation or will be further examined during the comprehensive revision of the Law on Technology Transfer.
Regarding mobile infrastructure, the draft bill introduces regulations to foster the development and efficient use of passive telecommunications infrastructure, meeting the deployment needs of high-frequency band networks.
Enterprises are required to formulate five-year and annual plans for passive infrastructure development and to provide data enabling regulatory bodies to monitor and guide network development. The Government will continue to refine regulations to facilitate investment, enhance infrastructure sharing, and optimize infrastructure utilization.
The bill also proposes abolishing, simplifying, or amending 54 business conditions and eliminating two administrative procedures. The Government stated that each item has been evaluated regarding its regulatory objective, the risks requiring control, and potential alternative measures.
Mechanisms for post-inspection, inspection methods, data for management purposes, and measures for handling violations have also been defined to prevent legal gaps following the reduction of procedures.
The Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment supports the draft bill's major policy groups, including the transfer of certain authorities from the Prime Minister to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The reviewing body urges the Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology to promptly issue guiding documents, ensuring they take effect concurrently with the law. Allocate resources for post-licensing inspections, particularly regarding radio frequencies, the ".vn" national domain name, and digital signature certification services.
Son Ha
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