Accepting risks and encouraging experimentation
The Law on Science, Technology and Innovation institutionalises the principle of risk acceptance in scientific, technological, and innovation activities. Accordingly, organisations and individuals undertaking research tasks will be exempt from administrative and civil liability if there is no fraud, no violation of the law, and full compliance with research procedures. This approach is in line with international practice, where failure in research is recognised as an inevitable part of the knowledge creation process.
The legalisation of the spirit of “normalising failure” helps remove psychological barriers for scientists, creating conditions for new ideas, challenging ideas, and breakthrough ideas to be boldly tested. At the same time, codifying principles of scientific ethics helps ensure transparency and enhances the quality and credibility of research activities.
The law also recognises controlled trial mechanisms (sandbox), with clear regulations on time limits, periodic evaluation, and supervisory responsibilities. Emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence, genetic technology, blockchain, and financial technology are allowed to experiment within a flexible legal space while still ensuring safety.
In parallel, there is a shift in state management thinking from pre-inspection to post-inspection. Regulatory agencies no longer intervene in methods or implementation processes, but instead evaluate outcomes, transparency, and social impact. This is an important step forward, both unshackling research activities and strengthening accountability.
Enterprises as the central force of innovation
A prominent highlight of the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation is its clear establishment of enterprises as the central actors in the innovation ecosystem. Enterprises are no longer merely beneficiaries of policy, but become co-creators, leaders, and exploiters of research outcomes.
The law stipulates a default mechanism granting ownership, use, and disposition rights over research results funded by the state budget to the lead implementing organisations, including enterprises. This mechanism helps shorten administrative procedures, increase autonomy, and promote the commercialisation of research outcomes.
Notably, the law guarantees the rights of research authors with a minimum entitlement of 30% of profits from commercialisation. This is a high proportion, creating genuine incentives for scientists to remain engaged with research products and facilitate their transfer into practice.
In addition, the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation establishes a comprehensive system of support policies, ranging from investment in basic research, commissioning tasks based on social needs, financial and tax incentives, to promoting digital transformation, investment in strategic technologies, and international integration.
The development of a national digital platform for managing science, technology, and innovation — integrating the entire process from proposal, appraisal, and evaluation to commercialisation — not only enhances management efficiency but also lays the foundation for a shared knowledge ecosystem.
The Law on Science, Technology and Innovation therefore not only completes the legal framework but also opens up a new development space, where science, technology, and innovation truly become key drivers of national growth and sustainable development.
