It will be the first time the ministry will apply advanced methodology for data collection created by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The methodology is popular in European countries and has proved to be effective, said the director of the National Agency for Science and Technology Information, Ta Ba Hung. The investigation will be carried out in 800 institutes and centres under the Government's and ministries' management, 367 universities, colleges and academies, 300 research organisations under the Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Associations, provincial departments of science and technology and hospitals. Among the materials to be collected will be that relating to the number of research projects being carried out, inventions, awards and national standards. Expenses for research and technology transfer during the past year will also be collected. The data will be used to assess the level of science and technology development in Viet Nam and set up plans and strategies to boost the sector. The investigation is carried out every two years.