History of the Formation and Development of the Ministry of Science and Technology

01/10/2026

The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) was established under Decree No. 122/2003/ND-CP dated October 22, 2003 of the Government, marking an important step in reforming the management and funding of science and technology activities in Vietnam. The establishment of the Foundation helped shape a competitive, open and transparent mechanism for funding scientific research, gradually approaching international standards and creating favorable conditions for scientists and research organizations to improve their research capacity and quality.
Throughout its formation and development, the Foundation has gradually refined its organizational structure and management mechanisms, expanded its funding programs, supported research and strengthened international cooperation, affirming its role as one of the important instruments for promoting the development of science, technology and innovation in Vietnam.

PERIOD: 2003 - 2014

On October 22, 2003, the Government issued Decree No. 122/2003/ND-CP establishing the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development.

PERIOD: 2014 - 2021

On April 3, 2014, the Government issued Decree No. 23/2014/ND-CP on the Charter on the organization and operation of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development.

PERIOD: 2021 - 2025

On March 15, 2021, the Government issued Decree No. 19/2021/ND-CP amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Charter on the organization and operation of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development, issued together with Decree No. 23/2014/ND-CP dated April 3, 2014 of the Government.

PERIOD: A New Era (2025 - Present)

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on “Breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation” is an important document that identifies science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as a strategic breakthrough and the main driving force for national development. Resolution 57 sets out a vision to 2045 with the goal of turning Vietnam into a developed, high-income country, with a digital economy accounting for at least 50% of GDP.

In the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW, and in implementing the Party's directive on streamlining and consolidating the organizational apparatus to operate effectively and efficiently in line with Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, on June 25, 2026 the Government issued Decree No. 229/2026/ND-CP on the organization and operation of the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development, on the basis of merging three units: the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development, the Office of the State-level Key Programs, and the Office of the National S&T Programs.