Circular No. 01/2018/TT-BKHCN dated April 12, 2018 of the Ministry of Science and Technology on management of “national program for startup ecosystem assistance by 2025”

THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

Circular No. 01/2018/TT-BKHCN dated April 12, 2018 of the Ministry of Science and Technology on management of “national program for startup ecosystem assistance by 2025”

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

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 95/2017/ND-CP defining functions, tasks, entitlements and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 08/2014/ND-CP dated January 27, 2014 on elaboration of some Articles of the Law on Science and Technology;

Implementing the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 844/QD-TTg dated May 18, 2016 on approval for the “national program for startup ecosystem assistance by 2025”;

At the request of Director of at the request ofNational Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development and Director of Department of Legal Affairs;

The Minister of Science and Technology hereby promulgates a Circular to provide for management of the “national program for startup ecosystem assistance by 2025”.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of adjustment and subject of application

1. This Circular provides for management of the “national program for startup ecosystem assistance by 2025” (hereinafter referred to as “the Program 844”) that is approved in the Decision No.844/QD-TTg dated May 18, 2016 of the Prime Minister (hereinafter referred to as “the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg).

2. This Circular applies to organizations and individuals involved in tasks included in the Program 844, regulatory authorities and other relevant organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Definitions

For the purposes of this Circular, the terms below shall be construed as follows:

1.“startup”means an enterprise that is able to grow quickly by using intellectual property, technology and new business models and operates for no more than 05 years from date on which the first enterprise registration certificate is issued.

2.“auxiliary service provider”means an organization that provides several auxiliary services for individuals, groups of individuals and startups, such as infrastructure, consulting, training, investment, investment assistance and communication.

3.“business accelerator”means an organization, group of individuals or startup that develops business models and accesses investments through bootcamps and investment days.

4.“startup service center”means an area where infrastructure, co-working space, events, services, training, investment, investment assistance and other necessary services are provided to serve startup tasks.

5.“startup expert”means a person who has experience in connecting and assisting entities of the startup ecosystem in improving their capacity through provision of training, policy and startup counseling.

6.“organization presiding over tasks included in the Program 844"(hereinafter referred to as "the presiding organization") means an organization that is assigned to preside over the tasks included in the Program 844 by a competent authority.

7.“Program 844 Administration Board”means an organization that is responsible for assisting the Minister of Science and Technology in providing guidelines for execution, and inspecting and assessing the execution of the Program 844. The Minister of Science and Technology shall establish the Program 844 Administration Board and define its functions and tasks.

Article 3. Tasks included in the Program 844

1. Science and technology tasks include execution of science and technology topics and science projects that are aimed at carrying out the tasks specified in Clauses 10 and 11 Section III Article 1; Point dd Clause 1 Article 2 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

2. Annual/periodic tasks aimed at assisting national startup ecosystem (hereinafter referred to as “annual/periodic tasks”) include:

a) Provision of startup training prescribed in Points a and b Clause 5 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

b) Dissemination of information about startup activities, startup assistance, startup investment and introduction of Vietnamese typical successful startups prescribed in Clause 7 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

c) Establishment and development networks of business accelerators, angel investors and venture capital funds by 2020 prescribed in Clause 4 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

d) Organization of startup events by ministries, areas, socio-political-professional organizations, research institutes and training facilities that have a potential for startup development prescribed in Clause 3 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

dd) Organization of techfest and events aimed at connecting and building startup ecosystem in economic zones prescribed in Clause 3 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

e) Provision of assistance in activities of several business incubators, business accelerators and non-specific equipment providers prescribed in Point a Clause 2, Point c Clause 5, Point a Clause 6 Point III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

g) Connection of Vietnam’s networks of startups, startup assistance and venture capital with those of the region and world; establish a connection of and provision of assistance for startups participating campboots at some foreign prestige business accelerators prescribed in Clause 8 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

h) Introduction of partners and investors, provision of assistance for domestic investors and startups in penetrating foreign market prescribed in Clause 9 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

i) Provision of direct assistance for startups prescribed in Point c Clause 5, Point b Clause 6, Clause 8 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

3. Tasks related to information technology application include:

a) Creation/upgrade and operation of the startup portal prescribed in Clause 1 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

b) Establishment/upgrade and operation of the Program 844 management assistance system prescribed in Point c Clause 1 Article 2 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

c) Establishment/upgrade and operation of the startup database management and analysis system.

4. Startup service centers are constructed as prescribed in Clause 2Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

5. The Program 844 shall be managed as follows:

a) Organize an advisory council to determine tasks, interpretation assessment council, funding appraisal team, assessment council and commissioning council, or hire independent consultants (if necessary);

b) Establish missions in charge of inspecting and assessing task performance;

c) Hire consultants on policy, staff and employment contract that are aimed at serving operation of the Program 844 Administration Board;

d) Provide assistance in renting co-working space, hiring experts, organizing investment connection events, provide work-trip allowances for seconded officials in charge of assisting domestic startups in engaging in activities in several foreign prestige startup service centers;

dd) Organize conferences and seminars (Administration Board meetings, conferences, seminars, startup training courses, Program 844 reviews, etc.); welcome foreign guests paying a working visit to Vietnam;

e) Establish missions (providing guidelines for execution of the Program 844, discussing startup ecosystem development with areas and organizations, etc.);

g) Send missions to foreign countries to participate in events, connect partners and learn about foreign startup ecosystem assistance models, with the participation of typical startups, startup coaches and mentors and domestic startup ecosystem managers and builders;

h) Disseminate orientations towards startup ecosystem development and activities included in the Program 844 Administration Board;

i) Collect and update information concerning entities of the startup ecosystem and startup database management and analysis system;

k) Other activities aimed at serving management and execution of the Program 844.

Chapter II

MANAGEMENT OF TASKS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM 844

Article 4. Power to manage tasks included in the Program 844

1. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall assign, approve and provide funding and organize performance of:

a) national science and technology tasks prescribed in Clause 1 Article 3 of this Circular;

b) tasks prescribed in Clauses 2, 3, 4 and 5 Article 3 of this Circular on a regional, national and international scale with a view to promoting national startup ecosystem development.

Procedures for managing the tasks assigned and assigned to the unit in charge selected by the Ministry of Science and Technology are prescribed in Articles 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of this Circular.

Procedures for managing the tasks assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology and directly assigned to its affiliate are prescribed in Article 11 of this Circular. Procedures for managing the annual/periodic tasks assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology and directly assigned to its affiliate are prescribed in Article 11 of this Circular.

Startup service centers shall be constructed in accordance with applicable regulations of the law on investment and development.

2. Ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations shall assign, approve and provide funding and organize performance of:

a) ministerial and provincial-level and internal science and technology tasks under their management that are aimed at addressing the issues concerning considering and formulation policies as prescribed in Clause 1 Article 3 of this Circular;

b) tasks under their management that are prescribed in Clauses 2, 3, 4 and 5 Article 3 of this Circular and aimed at assisting in building startup ecosystem in ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations.

Pursuant to the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg and Article 15 of this Circular, ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations shall apply regulations specified in this Chapter and applicable regulations to provide for management of tasks included in the Program 844 within their power and jurisdiction.

Article 5. Task code

Task and project of the Program 844 shall be coded as follows:

KNDMST. [acronyms for the task/project]. [acronyms for the applicant ].XX-YY, where:

1. KNDMST: symbol of the Program;

2. XX: ordinal number of the approved task documentation;

3. YY: the year in which the task starts to be performed.

Article 6. National science and technology tasks

1. According to Clause 11 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg and proposal and propositions of the Program 844 Administration Board, units, ministries and areas shall propose and send tasks to the unit responsible for task management, which will compile a consolidated list of proposed tasks. The unit responsible for task management shall determine tasks. Procedures for determining tasks are prescribed in the Circular No. 07/2014/TT-BKHCN dated May 26, 2014 that is amended by the Circular No. 03/2017/TT-BKHCN dated April 03, 2017.

2. The unit responsible for funding management shall take charge and cooperate with the unit responsible for task management and relevant units in managing science and technology tasks included in the Program 844 in accordance with the Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BKHCN dated June 26, 2017, Circular No. 05/2014/TT-BKHCN dated April 10, 2014, Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BKHCN dated March 11, 2015 and Circular No. 11/2014/TT-BKHCN dated May 30, 2014 of the Minister of Science and Technology and other applicable legal documents.

Article 7. Determination of annual/periodic tasks

1. Bases for proposing tasks:

a) Activities included in the Program 844 prescribed in Clause 1 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

b) The Program 844 Administration Board s master and annual plans for performance of tasks in each period;

c) Instructional documents of leaders of the Communist Party and the State; Governmental and ministerial-level agreed minutes;

d) Demands of the entities involved in building the national startup ecosystem.

2. The unit responsible for task management shall publish a notice of submission of the proposal for annual/periodic tasks on the web portal of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The proposal shall be submitted within 30 days.

3. According to the bases for proposing tasks that are prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, central government authorities, areas, organizations and individuals shall submit a task proposal to the unit responsible for task management. The proposal is prepared using the Form C1.1-PDX in the Appendix I hereof.

4. Within 10 working days after the deadline for submission of the task proposal, the unit responsible for task management shall review the duplication and submit a consolidated task proposal (Form C1.2-BTHNV in the Appendix I hereof) to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision on establishment of an advisory council in charge of determining tasks as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 3. The tasks to be determined include new proposed ones and ones on the announced and approved list. Members, working methods and procedures of the advisory council are prescribed in the Form C1.6-QT in the Appendix I hereof.

5. Within 10 working days from the date on which the result given by the advisory council is obtained, the unit responsible for task management shall cooperate with the unit responsible for funding management and relevant units in submitting the list of annual/periodic tasks to the Minister of Science and Technology.

Within 10 working days from the date on which the decision on approval for the list of annual/periodic tasks is issued, the unit responsible for task management shall publish the list of annual/periodic tasks on the web portal of the Ministry of Science and Technology and national startup portal. The list shall be published within 30 days to serve selection of or assignment of tasks to sufficiently competent organization. 01 task may be assigned to multiple organizations.

Article 8. Selection of organizations presiding over annual/periodic tasks

1. An organization that operates in a manner that is appropriate to annual/periodic tasks and has its own seal and account is entitled to apply for task performance.

01 application for participation in task performance that is printed on A4 paper sheets using Vietnamese Unicode Character Set according to TCVN 6909:2001, size 14 and 01 electronic application (non password-protected PDF file) shall be submitted.

An application includes:

a) Enterprise registration certificate or establishment decision:

- In the case of submission of the application in person: a copy and original presented for comparison or certified true copy;

- In the case of submission of the application by post: a certified true copy;

b) A task interpretation (Form C2.1a-TMHT for the auxiliary service provider and FormC2.1c-TMKN for the startup in the Appendix II hereof);

c) Explanation, commitment, agreement, certificate and other documentary evidences for the applicant’s fulfillment of the criteria specified in Section II Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

2. The application shall be packaged, sealed and specify the followings in its cover:

a) Name of the annual/periodic task;

b) Name and address of the applicant and name of the task presiding person;

c) List of documents contained in the application.

3. The applicant shall prepare 01 application in person or by post to the unit responsible for funding management.

The date of receipt is the date stamp of the unit responsible for funding management.

4. Within 10 working days after the deadline for submission of the application, the unit responsible for funding management shall open, inspect and verify its validity with the participation of representatives of relevant authorities.

5. The unit responsible for funding management shall cooperate with the unit responsible for task management in submitting the application to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision on establishment of an interpretation assessment council and funding appraisal team. Members, working methods and procedures, assessment conditions and criteria are prescribed in the Form 2.9-QT in the Appendix II hereof.

6. According to the result given by the interpretation assessment council and funding appraisal team and comments of the independent consultant (if any), within 05 working days, the unit responsible for funding management shall cooperate with relevant units in requesting the Minister of Science and Technology to consider approving the presiding organization, funding and time limit for task performance.

Article 9. Organizing performance of annual/periodic task

1. The unit responsible for funding management shall cooperate with the unit responsible for task management and relevant units in signing a task performance contract (Form C2.8-HDNV in the Appendix II hereof).

2. The unit responsible for funding management shall take charge and cooperate with relevant units in inspecting, assessing, adjusting and terminating the contract during task performance by following the procedures specified in the Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BKHCN dated March 11, 2015 the Minister of Science and Technology.

Task performance report shall be prepared using the Form C3.1-BCKQ in the Appendix III hereof. The record on inspection and assessment of task performance shall be made using the Form C3.2-BBKT in the Appendix III hereof.

Article 10. Assessment, commissioning, completion of contract on, recognition of the result of performance of annual/periodic task

1. Within 30 working days from the date of termination of the task performance contract, the presiding organization shall submit assessment and commissioning documentation to the unit responsible for funding management. The documentation includes:

a) An application form for assessment and commissioning (Form C3.3-DNNT in the Appendix III hereof);

b) A task performance report (Form C3.1-BCKQ in the Appendix III hereof);

c) Result of task performance and relevant documents according to the approved task interpretation and task performance contract.

2. Within 10 working days from the date on which the assessment and commissioning documentation is received, the unit responsible for funding management shall take charge and cooperate with the unit responsible for task management in submitting the documentation to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision on establishment of a task performance assessment and commissioning council. Members, working methods and procedures, assessment conditions and criteria are prescribed in the Form 3.8-QT in the Appendix III hereof.

3. According to the assessment and commissioning record, the unit responsible for funding management shall cooperate with relevant units in completing the contract. The contract completion record shall be made using the Form C3.6-TLHD in the Appendix III hereof.

4. In the cases where the result of task performance is satisfactory, within 05 working days after the contract is completed, the unit responsible for funding management shall request the Minister of Science and Technology to recognize the result of task performance (Form C3.7-QDCN in the Appendix III hereof).

5. Processing of the result of task performance and transfer of the right to use and ownership of the result of task performance shall be carried out in accordance with applicable results.

Article 11. Procedures for managing the tasks directly assigned to affiliates of the Ministry of Science and Technology

1. Annually, the assigned unit shall take charge of making task interpretation and send it to the Ministry of Science and Technology (through the Department of Planning - Finance).

2. The Department of Planning - Finance shall submit the interpretation to the Minister of Science and Technology for organization of an interpretation assessment and funding appraisal council including leaders of the unit responsible for task management and the Department of Planning - Finance, and 03 experts on relevant fields with a view to assessing the interpretation and appraising funding for task performance.

3. According to comments of the interpretation assessment and funding appraisal council, the Department of Planning - Finance submit the assessed task interpretation to the Minister of Science and Technology for decision on assignment of task to the assigned unit.

4. The Department of Planning - Finance shall sign a task performance contract with the presiding unit with the authorization from a leader of the Ministry.

The presiding unit shall take responsibility for task performance and manage funding therefor as prescribed. Periodic task performance reports shall be submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology (through the Department of Planning - Finance and unit responsible for task performance).

The Department of Planning - Finance shall cooperate with the unit responsible for task management in inspecting task performance on a periodic basis.

5. The presiding unit shall prepare and submit a task performance report to the Department of Planning - Finance.

The Department of Planning - Finance shall establish an assessment and commissioning council that includes leaders of the unit responsible for task management and the Department of Planning - Finance, and 03 experts on relevant fields with a view to assessing and commissioning the result of task performance and submit the assessed and commissioned result to the Minister of Science and Technology for consideration and recognition. The Department of Planning - Finance shall complete the contract as prescribed.

6. Forms and documents serving the tasks specified in this Article are provided in the Appendices II and III hereof.

Article 12. Provision of assistance for startups

1. Selection methods are prescribed in Article 20 Section 2 Chapter IV of the Decree No. 39/2018/ND-CP dated March 11, 2018.

2. Assistance shall be provided as follows:

a) Provide partial funding for labor salaries and service charges as prescribed in Point c Clause 5 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

b) Provide partial funding for digital space, online auxiliary services; pilot production, samples and technology as prescribed in Point b Clause 6 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

c) Provide partial funding for short-term campboots at some foreign prestige business accelerators prescribed in Clause 8 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

d) Provide assistance in connecting and introducing partners and completing procedures through Vietnamese science and technology representatives and commercial representatives in foreign countries for foreign market penetration as prescribed in Clause 9 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

Article 13. Provision of assistance for startup experts

1. A startup expert shall be provided with assistance by the Program 844 as follows:

a) Provide startup training as prescribed in Clause 5 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

b) Provide counseling on formulation of policies and law on startup assistance as prescribed in Clauses 10 and 11 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg;

c) Provide counseling on startup assistance, including counseling on business administration, communication, network development and international connection prescribed in Clauses 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

2. Criteria to be satisfied by an expert eligible for assistance include:

a) The expert that provides startup training must have experience in providing training as prescribed in Clause 5 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg for one or some of the following entities:

- Individuals, groups of individuals, startups;

- Investors, mentors, coaches, units and organizations involved in provision of startup assistance.

b) The expert that provides counseling on startup assistance policy must have experience in engaging in one or some of following tasks:

- Research into, formulate and organize implementation of legislative documents to improve startup environment;

- Assist areas and enterprises in implementing startup policies and law;

- Assess impact of and contribute comments to facilitate completion of startup policies and law;

c) The expert that provides startup counseling must have experience in providing counseling on business administration, business model development, network development and international connection as prescribed in Clauses 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg. He/she should provide counseling on one or some of the following activities:

- Marketing, introduction of products and services;

- Use of information concerning technology and patents;

- Settlement and finance;

- Assessment and valuation of scientific research findings and results of technology and intellectual property development;

- Legal issues, intellectual property, investment, establishment of science and technology enterprises, commercialization of scientific research findings and results of technology and intellectual property development;

- Establishment and development of a network of business accelerators;

- Establishment of networks of startup angel investors and venture capital funds;

- Design of communication program for startup, startup assistance, startup investment assistance and introduction of typical successful startups;

- Connection of Vietnam’s networks of startups, startup assistance and venture capital with those of the region and world;

- Introduction of partners and investors, provision of assistance for domestic investors and enterprises in foreign market penetration.

3. The level of each startup expert that is used as basis for making regulations on assistance provided by the Program 844 is prescribed as follows:

a) Level 1 shall be reached by an expert that satisfies the criteria specified in Clause 2 of this Article and has at least 12 years’ experience in the corresponding field;

b) Level 2 shall be reached by an expert that satisfies the criteria specified in Clause 2 of this Article and has from 9 to less than 12 years’ experience in the corresponding field;

c) Level 3 shall be reached by an expert that satisfies the criteria specified in Clause 2 of this Article and has from 6 to less than 9 years’ experience in the corresponding field;

d) Level 4 shall be reached by an expert that satisfies the criteria specified in Clause 2 of this Article and has from 3 to less than 6 years’ experience in the corresponding field;

dd) Level 5 shall be reached by an expert that satisfies the criteria specified in Clause 2 of this Article and has less than 3 years’ experience in the corresponding field.

4. Assistance shall be provided for experts carrying out activities included in the Program 844 through the organization in charge of carrying out the tasks included in the Program 844.The organization that takes charge of carrying out the tasks included in the Program 844 and is provided with assistance in hiring experts shall comply with regulations of law on procurement of provision of consulting services and ensure the accuracy of documentary evidences for capacity of the expert that satisfies the criteria and conditions prescribed in this Article.

Article 14. Activities of the Program 844 Administration Board

1. According to the activities performed by the Program 844 Administration Board, its head shall decide on the quantity of officials and personnel under the employment contract.

2. The Program 844 Administration shall approve the annual plan for performing the activities specified in Points c, d, dd, e, g, h, i and k Clause 5 Article 3 of this Article and submit it to the Minister of Science and Technology for approval.

3. Funding for performance of the activities by the Program 844 Administration Board and the division responsible for assisting the Program 844 Administration Board that are specified in Points c, d, dd, e, g, h, i and k Clause 5 Article 3 of this Circular shall be included in the estimate of funding for the Program management that is annually provided through the Office of National Programs on Science and Technology.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 15. Guidelines for formulating a Program 844 execution plan and organizing implementation of the Program 844

1. Bases for formulating a Program 844 execution plan:

a) Decision No. 844/QD-TTg, documents providing guidelines for execution of the Program 844, national programs and schemes, and relevant regulations of law on startup assistance;

b) Resolutions, strategies, plans, schemes, projects and programs on socio-economic, scientific and technological development and innovation of ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations;

c) Orientations, potential and advantages in startup ecosystem development of ministries, areas, socio-political-professional organizations;

d) Assessment of current status and potential of participants in startup assistance ecosystem within ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations;

dd) Assessment of capacity for development of human resources for startup; investment from the state budget, existing infrastructure, private sector resources, domestic and international cooperation projects;

e) Market size for startup within ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations; policies and measures for assisting startups in accessing and expanding market on a national and international scale.

2. Orientations for implementation of the Program 844 execution plan by ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations:

a) Introduce objectives and assistance activities relevant to startup activities within the area under management and within jurisdiction;

b) Provide appropriate funding covered by the state budget for infrastructure development, and encourage private sector involvement in startup;

c) Make use of available infrastructure to create co-working space, provide non-specific equipment and startup service centers;

d) Attract domestic and international startup experts, mentors, investors and typical startups to jointly build startup assistance ecosystem;

dd) Strengthen dissemination of knowledge, training of human resources and provision of training in knowledge and skills necessary for startups;

e) Periodically organize techfest within areas under their management; assist startup enterprises, investors, coaches, mentors and experts in participating in domestic and international startup events; carry out surveys and gain experience in building startup assistance ecosystem on a national and international scale.

g) Establish a startup portal within areas under their management to establish a connection with national startup portal.

3. Responsibility of ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations for management of the Program 844:

a) Use task management assistance system for online receipt and processing of applications for participation in the performance of tasks included in the Program 844 within ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations;

b) Update and expedite update of information concerning entities of the startup ecosystem within areas under their management to the startup database management and analysis system established by the Ministry of Science and Technology to submit monthly consolidated reports to the Prime Minister;

d) Publish execution plan, guiding documents and list of auxiliary service providers and startups provided with assistance on their website.

dd) Consider and propose plans for use of science and technology development fund of areas and enterprises to invest in startup as prescribed in Clause 10 Section III Article 1 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg; Article 18 of the Law on Provision of Assistance for Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises dated June 12, 2017; Clause 2 Article 35 of the Law on Technology Transfer dated June 19, 2017 and its guiding documents.

4. The Ministry of Science and Technology shall take charge of formulating a plan, making an estimate and provide annual state funding for science and technology and other funding sources to perform the Program 844 tasks assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology; submit annual reports on execution of the Program 844 to the Prime Minister; carry out preliminary reviews and reviews of the Program 844 as prescribed in Clause 1 Article 2 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

5. Ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations shall, according to practical demand, formulate annual plan and 5-year plans for execution of the Program 844 and provide funding for carrying out activities according to the plan approved by the competent authority as prescribed in Clause 3 Article 2 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg; by December 15, submit an annual report on performance of activities, results and issues that arise to the Ministry of Science and Technology, which will submit it to the Prime Minister as prescribed in Clause 5 Article 2 of the Decision No. 844/QD-TTg.

Article 16. Responsibilities of Program 844 management authorities

1. Program 844 Administration Board shall:

a) orient execution of the Program 844 in line with guidelines of the Party, the State and social demand in the context of international integration.

b) request the Prime Minister to direct Ministries, central government authorities and local governments to reach objectives of the Program 844.

2. The National Agency for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Development that is an authority in charge of managing the tasks assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology shall:

a) receive, handle, manage and consolidate task proposals, complete procedures related to determination and announcement of list of Program 844 tasks assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology;

b) take charge and cooperate with relevant units in making an annual estimate of funding for performance of Program 844 tasks assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology to include it in the annual plan;

c) instruct, cooperate and assist affiliates of ministries, areas and socio-political-professional organizations in formulating plans, annually carry out assessment and submit report on execution; carry out preliminary reviews and reviews of the Program 844 and perform other tasks under the guidance of the Program 844 Administration Board shall.

3. The Department of Planning - Finance affiliated to the Ministry of Science and Technology shall:

a) consolidate plans and provide funding for performance of Program 844 tasks assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology and funding for management of the Program 844;

b) receive interpretation; take charge and cooperate with relevant units in following procedures for assessing interpretation and appraising funding, assigning tasks, signing contracts, inspecting and adjusting execution, assessment, commissioning and completion of contracts, recognizing results and carrying out other activities related to the tasks in Clauses 2, 3 and 4 Article 3 of this Article that are assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology and directly assigned to affiliates of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

4. Affiliates of the Ministry of Science and Technology that are directly assigned to perform tasks shall manage funding for performance of the assigned tasks.

5. The Office of National Program on Science and Technology affiliated to the Ministry of Science and Technology shall:

a) act as an authority in charge of managing funding for:

- tasks in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 Article 3 of this Article that are assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology and are not directly assigned to affiliates of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

- management of the Program 844 prescribed in Clause 5 Article 3 of the Circular;

b) take charge and cooperate with relevant units in making an estimate of funding, proposing adjustments to contents and funding for management of the Program 844;

c) receive, process and manage documents; take charge and cooperate with relevant units in following procedures for selecting, assigning tasks, signing contracts, inspecting and adjusting execution, assessment, commissioning and completion of contracts, recognizing results and carrying out other activities related to the tasks in Sub-point 1 Point a of this Clause.

Article 17. Responsibilities of persons and organizations presiding over Program 844 tasks

1. Develop approved contents; take responsibility for progress and result of task performance; propose issues that arise and need addressing during task performance to the unit responsible for funding management.

2. Cooperate with the unit responsible for task performance, unit responsible for funding management and relevant units in inspecting and supervising Program 844 task performance according to objectives, contents and progress.

3. Submit a written request to the responsible for funding management in the case of adjustment to objectives, contents and progress in performing Program 844 tasks on practical demand.

4. Submit periodic reports (every 6 months, every year, preliminary reviews, reviews) and ad hoc reports on performance of Program 844 tasks and reports on funding settlement to the unit responsible for funding management. Monthly update and expedite update of information concerning entities of the startup ecosystem and task performance to the startup database management and analysis system established by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

5. The presiding person shall be responsible to the presiding organization for organizing task performance and result of task performance by agreement with the presiding organization.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATIONPROVISIONS

Article 18. Effect

1. This Circular takes effect on June 01, 2018.

2. In the cases where any of the legislative documents referred to in this Circular is amended or replaced, the newest one shall apply.

Article 19. Implementationresponsibility

1. Ministries, ministerial agencies, Governmental agencies, People’s Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities and relevant organizations and individuals are responsible for the implementation of this Circular.

2. Any difficulties arising in the course of implementation of this Circular should be promptly reported to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consideration./.

For the Minister

The Deputy Minister

Tran Van Tung