Investing in science and technology effectively and avoiding waste

Delegate Nguyen Ngoc Son (Hai Duong) questioned on the morning of June 7 (Photo: National Assembly Electronic Information Portal)

On June 7, questioning a group of issues in the field of science and technology, delegate Nguyen Ngoc Son (Hai Duong) said that through monitoring the practice of thrift and anti-waste, waste in investment in science and technology development in ministries, branches, especially localities, was pointed out.

"In addition, due to the lack of development investment expenditure data, it is impossible to assess whether the annual state budget allocation is in accordance with the minimum regulation of 2% according to Resolution 20 and the Law on Science and Technology. I request the Minister to clarify this issue further," questioned delegate Nguyen Ngoc Son.

Responding to this content about funding for science and technology tasks, Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat gave an example of total regular expenditure for science and technology in 2023 of 12,000 billion. Of which, the central budget accounts for 8,800 billion, and the local budget accounts for about 3,200 billion. Of the 8,800 billion central budget, the expenditure to support salaries and apparatus operations is about 900 billion. Thus, the proportion for science and technology tasks accounts for 89%...

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that some localities do not allocate capital or allocate a very low proportion for science, technology and innovation. Explaining the expenditure for investment in science, technology and innovation, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said that the responsibility of the Central Government was to spend in accordance with the regulations of the National Assembly's Resolution and the Law on Public Investment, with a focus and key allocation. However, from 2017 to 2023, the expenditure ratio gradually decreased, reaching only 1.1-1.18%, and in 2023 it was 0.83%. Meanwhile, the Resolution of the Central Government and the Politburo stipulates that 2% or more of the total budget expenditure for science, technology and innovation must be ensured and gradually increased over the years. This shows that ministries, branches and localities have not really paid attention and have not had plans to ensure the correct principles and criteria for capital allocation. Some localities do not allocate capital or allocate a very low percentage for this activity.

Responding at the parliament, Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc said that in the coming time, the Ministry of Science and Technology will preside, the Ministry of Finance will coordinate with other ministries and branches to amend Decree 95 and Circular 27 to be more suitable, on the basis of consulting scientists and people to amend legal regulations to ensure proactive openness, based on the output results of the work to implement effective spending.

Regarding the science and technology management mechanism, the Minister said that it is necessary to redesign it to be more suitable, specifically for the state to order and pay according to the ordered products. The ordering can be done by bidding and bidding. Thereby, making estimates, selecting research organizations that ensure output products, making payment more convenient. Along with that, it is necessary to regulate the transfer and application of research topics into practice to meet the requirements of practice.

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