HCM CITY — Đắk Lắk Province is stepping up efforts to implement the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation, and is seeking to remove administrative bottlenecks, accelerate disbursement and turn resources into practical development outcomes.

Resolution 57 has become a guiding framework for the province’s transformation, prompting a shift from traditional governance towards a more modern and transparent model based on digital platforms.

The resolution also paves the way for technology investment, with the province targeting the allocation of at least 3 per cent of its annual budget expenditure to science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

This year, the province allocated more than VNĐ532 billion (US$20.4 million) to these areas, and plans to provide another VNĐ500 billion.

Of the public investment funds, more than VNĐ126.4 billion has been allocated to 11 projects. However, by the end of July, just over VNĐ60 billion had been disbursed.

Bùi Thanh Toàn, director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, said the recent restructuring of administrative agencies and reassignment of responsibilities have disrupted some procedures, forcing agencies to revise documents.

Digital transformation and high-tech projects require stringent appraisals at every stage, from surveys and drafting requirements to selecting suppliers through tendering, he pointed out.

Frequent changes in technology prices and equipment specifications forced agencies to review and adjust cost estimates. Meanwhile, officials responsible for digital transformation at the grassroots level often hold other positions and have limited IT expertise, adding to the pressure as workloads increase.

Regulatory changes have further complicated matters.

Decree No 224/2026/ND-CP, issued on June 24, requires spending on digital transformation activities involving the digitisation of information and data to come from recurrent expenditure.

The province is therefore reviewing funding arrangements for projects previously approved as public investment.

Hồ Thị Nguyên Thảo, Permanent Vice-Chairwoman of the Đắk Lắk People’s Committee, said that given province's target of economic growth of at least 10 per cent in 2026, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation must become key drivers of growth.

Thảo asked agencies to develop detailed roadmaps and work to ensure full disbursement of funding in 2026.

“Resolution 57 has become one of the six criteria for assessing officials, while the disbursement of public investment and recurrent expenditure for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation is mandatory,” she said.

‘Green lane’ to speed up projects

To tackle procedural bottlenecks, the province People’s Committee has issued Decision No 2355/QĐ-UBND, launching a pilot “green lane” mechanism for investment preparation procedures for digital transformation projects funded through development investment expenditure.

The mechanism is intended to cut processing times and speed up investment without changing legally prescribed procedures, conditions, or appraisal standards.

Under the scheme, documents will be processed entirely online using shared data platforms, and the progress will be displayed on an online management system.

The aim is to prevent agencies from requesting documents already available in existing databases and to improve transparency and accountability.

The province will also strengthen technical support and training for grassroots officials, including specialised training on Decree 224/2026/ND-CP.

It will issue detailed guidance on investment preparation procedures and assign dedicated staff to work directly with project owners in resolving specific problems.

Toàn also called for agencies and local authorities to work closely with project owners and follow a “payment for each completed phase of work” approach.

He proposed progress reports every two weeks, with regular updates on the online monitoring system so that provincial leaders can identify obstacles and take timely action.

By streamlining procedures while maintaining legal and technical standards, the province hopes to turn funding for science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation into practical infrastructure, applications and services, providing an impetus for socio-economic development. — VNS