VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministries of Home Affairs and Science-Technology have issued a joint circular which says that each district must appoint 1-2 government officers in charge of science and technology.

If this circular is implemented, Vietnam will have around 1,000 officers in charge of science and technology in districts.

These officers are responsible for organising science-technology campaigns, selecting advanced science and technology, innovations, etc. to apply in their districts. They are also in charge of managing standardisation, quality measurement activities, inspecting and punishing violators of science and technology policies in their districts under Vietnamese law.

According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan, sci-tech research can be conducted at the macro-level but the application of sci-tech achievements needs to be carried out at the grassroots level. District-level sci-tech officers must understand the need of local businesses and organisations for sci-tech applications so they can effectively guide and support these organisations in applying sci-tech advances.

Quan said that these officers will also ensure radioactive safety (at local hospitals and businesses), intellectual property rights are recognised, and look out for counterfeit goods, etc. in their areas.