The newly issued Decree No. 263 details and guides the implementation of several provisions of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation. It focuses on the autonomy and accountability of public science and technology organizations, as well as policies for human resources, talents, and awards in the field.

Among the decree’s highlights are favorable policies aimed at nurturing and supporting exceptional young scientific and engineering talent.

Young scientists and engineers eligible for these policies must meet general standards, including a clear personal background, good moral character, and no violations of prohibited acts under Article 14 of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Specifically, a talented young scientist must be a Vietnamese citizen under 35 years old, hold a doctoral degree, and be active in the field of science, technology, or innovation. Additionally, they must meet at least one of the following criteria:

They must have won a prestigious national or international award in the relevant field, or serve as the principal investigator of a national-level scientific and technological research project that has been evaluated and deemed successful.

Eligible scientists will receive the following incentives:

Priority in recruitment into public service positions.

Support in forming strong research teams.

Funding for implementing research ideas in their area of expertise, in accordance with expenditure regulations for science and technology research.

Priority and financial support for short-term training or work abroad.

Access to other preferential policies as stipulated by the government.

Similarly, a talented young engineer is defined as a Vietnamese citizen under 35 years old with at least a bachelor's degree, currently working in organizations or enterprises operating in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

To qualify, the engineer must meet at least one of the following standards:

They must be a project lead, key member, or chief engineer of a research, technology transfer, or innovation project with significant socioeconomic impact, recognized by management agencies, professional associations, or authorized organizations.

Alternatively, they may be the inventor of a patented innovation already applied in practice with clear economic and social benefits, or the founder/co-founder of a technology-based startup that has successfully raised capital from venture funds or generated substantial revenue from market-accepted products.

Talented engineers will receive the following incentives:

Priority in recruitment into public service roles.

A 150% salary allowance based on their current pay scale for five years from the recruitment date. This allowance will not be included in calculations for mandatory social insurance, health insurance, or unemployment insurance contributions.

Priority and financial support for short-term training or work abroad.

Support for overseas education and professional development.

Consideration for leading national science, technology, and innovation projects.

These policies are designed to retain talent and encourage young professionals to contribute to Vietnam's scientific and technological development.

Huong Quynh