Vietnam Accelerates Digital Transformation: 1400 Solutions to be Deployed Locally

The Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam is set to deliver 1,400 digital platforms and solutions to local authorities, facilitating their digital transformation (DX) efforts. This initiative aims to provide localities with a comprehensive catalog of options developed by Vietnamese businesses, enabling them to select and implement models best suited to their specific practical needs. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Bui Hoang Phuong, revealed this plan during a DX training conference for the southern region held on July 28. The ministry has already conducted a thorough survey of over 1,400 digital platforms and solutions that have been developed by domestic enterprises and are currently in use across various ministries, sectors, and localities nationwide. "The core idea is to allow localities to visualize and understand these available options, thereby empowering them to choose the most appropriate solutions for establishing digital governance, a digital economy, and a digital society," Phuong explained. He stressed that the goal is not to enforce the adoption of any particular solution but rather to ensure that leaders, officials at all administrative levels, community digital technology teams, and the general public can easily access, consult, and select solutions according to their actual requirements. As an illustration, Phuong highlighted advancements in the agricultural sector, citing examples such as AI-powered systems for detecting plant diseases and the use of drones in agricultural production, alongside numerous other digital applications that have proven effective. "When citizens witness the tangible benefits technology offers, they will naturally become more inclined to adopt it. This is when digital transformation will truly permeate everyday life," the Deputy Minister asserted. Phuong further emphasized that digital transformation has evolved beyond a singular mission for the Ministry or provincial Departments of Science and Technology, now representing a responsibility for the entire system. He stated that ministers, departments, and all sectors must actively engage in DX, noting a significant shift in roles and responsibilities compared to the initial stages of implementation. While acknowledging the diligent efforts of ministries and localities in deploying shared platforms and databases, he candidly addressed the inherent technical challenges that arise during nationwide implementation. He pointed to issues such as the National Public Service Portal experiencing errors after seven years of operation and the potential for glitches even in widely used global software. Consequently, he urged researchers within the scientific and technological system to adopt an objective perspective and collaborate to overcome these obstacles. The 2026 Southern Region Digital Transformation Training Conference was convened to standardize implementation strategies, especially as the Digital Transformation Law takes effect and the two-tiered local government model officially commences operation. A central theme of the conference was the introduction of the commune-level digital transformation model and shared software platforms, accompanied by comprehensive guidelines to facilitate immediate deployment by local authorities. Tran Duy Ninh, Director of the National Digital Transformation Program, commented that the successful implementation of DX at the commune level would enable citizens to clearly perceive its value. Conversely, he warned that limitations at the grassroots level would have a direct and adverse impact on the quality of public services. Additionally, the program featured updates on the strategic directions of the National Digital Transformation Strategy, the unveiling of national shared digital platforms, and the announcement of findings from a nationwide review of digital infrastructure, platforms, software, and equipment. These elements are all integral to the ongoing and future digital transformation efforts at the local level. The organizing committee also provided a dedicated forum for local authorities to exchange experiences and voice their challenges encountered during the implementation process. The insights gathered from these discussions will be systematically compiled by the National Digital Transformation Program and presented to the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Technology. This compilation will serve as a crucial foundation for the continuous improvement of guidelines, platforms, and support solutions designed to assist local administrations in the forthcoming phases of digital transformation.