Comments On The Draft Amended Law On Science And Technology

Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology recently published and invited comments on an outline version of a new science and technology law (the "Draft Amended Law") to replace the 2013 Law on Science and Technology (the "2013 Law"). The 2013 Law lacks specific regulations on innovation and has unclear guidelines for the form and classification of science and technology organizations. Overall, it has not fostered the development of high-quality human resources in science, technology and innovation ("ST&I") or created conditions conducive to investment and financing in ST&I.¹ Furthermore, and of particular interest to proponents of the Europe – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement ("EVFTA"), the domestic legal framework codified by the 2013 Law requires alignment with Vietnam's commitments in the EVFTA. To overcome these challenges and ensure the effective economic integration of advances in ST&I, the Government has recognized the need to update the 2013 Law.