Nghe An province has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Science and Technology, requesting a review and recommendation to the central Government to adjust the planning framework so that Nghe An can become one of five national centers for innovation and startups during the 2021–2030 period.

According to Clause 1, Article 74 of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation, which was passed by the National Assembly on June 27, 2025, as cited by the ministry,  "Research and development centers, innovation centers, provincial-level innovation centers, national-level innovation centers, startup support centers, provincial-level startup support centers, and national-level startup support centers shall be identified based on criteria related to technical infrastructure, resources, implementation capacity, objectives, and performance outcomes." The Government is tasked with detailing these provisions, the ministry noted.

Currently, the ministry is drafting a government decree to provide detailed regulations and guidance on several articles of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation.

This includes encouraging science, technology, and innovation activities within enterprises; recognizing innovation centers, startup support centers, and innovative startups and entrepreneurs; and developing infrastructure, networks, and ecosystems for innovation and startups. The draft is expected to be finalized and submitted to the Government by September 15, 2025.

“The establishment and recognition of innovation startup centers by localities will be based on their ability to meet the criteria set forth in the guiding documents for the implementation of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation,” the ministry affirmed.

Previously, on March 13, 2024, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 229/QĐ-TTg approving the planning of the network of public science and technology organizations for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050. The goal is to establish innovation and startup centers in three key regions—North, Central, and South—by 2025.