SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND LAUNCH OF THE VIETNAM DIGITAL ECONOMY REVIEW 2025: NEW DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS FOR ADVANCING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

On January 16, 2026, at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Institute for Digital Technology and Economy organized a scientific conference and officially launched the Vietnam Digital Economy Review 2025, under the theme: “New Development Frameworks for Advancing the Digital Economy.”

The conference brought together policymakers, experts in economics and technology, business representatives, and academics to exchange insights and discuss the current state, challenges, and development directions of Vietnam’s digital economy in the coming period.

Digital Economy – A New Growth Driver Amid Global Uncertainties

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh, Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, emphasized that despite global economic fluctuations in 2025, Vietnam has maintained positive growth momentum. The digital economy contributed over 14% of GDP (approximately USD 72.1 billion). Vietnam is gradually shifting from outsourcing to innovation, and from consumption to technological mastery.

In the coming period, achieving the target of the digital economy contributing around 30% of GDP by 2030 will be a significant challenge. This requires supplementing the current growth model with new drivers based on the knowledge economy, innovation, and the dual transformation of digital and green economies.

Assoc. Prof. Huynh Dang Chinh affirmed that Hanoi University of Science and Technology is not only an education and research institution but also an innovation hub, serving as a platform connecting the State, academia, and enterprises, thereby linking science and technology closely with national development and fostering “Made in Vietnam” products by HUST.

Digital Economy – A Pillar of National Growth Strategy

In his remarks at the conference, Prof. Hoang Van Cuong, Member of the 15th National Assembly and Member of the Institute Council of the Institute for Digital Technology and Economy, clarified three major issues facing the development of Vietnam’s digital economy, based on practical analysis and policy requirements.

Although Vietnam’s digital economy has maintained a growth rate of around 17%, ranking among the highest in the region and being recognized as one of the most dynamic markets globally, a critical question remains: how much real value-added is retained within the domestic economy. Accurately assessing the contribution of the digital economy to GDP is therefore an urgent issue that requires further research and appropriate policy solutions.

At the same time, the application of digital economy solutions, the development of national data platforms, and shared data infrastructure for key sectors such as healthcare and business are identified as foundational solutions to enhance governance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and promote sustainable economic growth. According to Prof. Hoang Van Cuong, data standardization, measurement methodologies, and the development of high-quality human resources are key conditions for ensuring that the digital economy contributes more substantively to GDP.

In the context of the Government issuing various policies and resolutions related to digital assets, fintech, and international financial centers, Prof. Hoang Van Cuong emphasized the need to develop appropriate strategies and development frameworks to promote digital finance and digital assets, while increasing investment in fintech to create new growth drivers for Vietnam’s digital economy.

Strengthening Collaboration among the State, Academia, and Industry for National Digital Transformation

Representing the business sector, Mr. Ha Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ETC Technology Systems JSC, affirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with Hanoi University of Science and Technology in developing human resources and implementing national digital transformation projects.

The company expects that students will have opportunities to directly participate in real-world projects and become a core workforce for digital transformation in line with the orientation of the Party and the Government.

From Policy Thinking to Action – Strategic Perspectives for Vietnam’s Digital Economy

The thematic presentations created a space for academic–policy–business dialogue on digital economy and digital technology, where key national issues were examined through the lenses of data, technology, and innovation.

Beyond analyzing the current situation, the presentations also suggested strategic pillars for the development of Vietnam’s digital economy in the new phase. The session focused on clarifying foundational elements such as measurement frameworks, institutions, data, and real-world applications, through in-depth perspectives:

1. Dr. Can Van Luc – Chief Economist at BIDV, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, with the presentation: “Digital Economy and Digital Assets: Growth Drivers in the New Context.”

2. Ms. Nguyen Thuy Anh – Deputy Head of Digital Transformation Division, E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade), sharing insights on the contribution of e-commerce to digital economic growth.

3. Mr. Nguyen Phu Dung – Vice Director of the Institute of Data Science, National Data Association, with the presentation: “Self-Sovereign Identity and Trusted Data – From Technology to National Digital Value.”

4. Mr. Nguyen The Chung – Director of Product R&D and Business Division, EPAY Services JSC, with the topic: “Smart, Green, and Sustainable Cities – A Strong Transformation of the Thousand-Year-Old Capital.”

These four presentations, representing four perspectives, created a multi-dimensional picture of Vietnam’s digital economy—where policy thinking meets technology, and academic research is closely linked to market realities.

Roundtable Discussion: New Development Frameworks for Vietnam’s Digital Economy

The roundtable discussion, featuring Prof. Hoang Van Cuong, Dr. Nguyen Van Cuong, Dr. Can Van Luc, Mr. Ha Manh Hung, and Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Binh Minh, focused on key issues of Vietnam’s digital economy in the coming period.

The discussion aimed to clarify bottlenecks, challenges, barriers, and opportunities in implementing digital economy solutions, thereby identifying breakthrough actions to enhance the contribution of the digital economy to overall GDP.

An Open Knowledge Platform for Digital Economy Development

Within the framework of the conference, the Vietnam Digital Economy Review 2025 was officially introduced. The report provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s digital economy through data and key developments, while also compiling studies related to the digital economy, digital healthcare, and digital society.

Through in-depth analysis and policy recommendations, the report contributes to supporting policymaking, advancing research, and fostering innovation, thereby creating breakthrough impacts on the contribution of the digital economy in the coming period.

In his foreword, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Quyet Thang, President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, emphasized:

“This publication is not only an annual report but is expected to become an open knowledge platform where ideas, solutions, and initiatives are shared, connected, and disseminated, contributing to promoting the digital economy as one of the most important growth drivers of the country in this historic transformation period.”

Prof. Hoang Van Cuong also shared:

“This publication not only reports the Institute’s activities in digital economy-related fields but also provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s digital economy in comparison with regional and global contexts. Beyond general analysis, it integrates in-depth research to clarify scientific foundations and propose policy directions, particularly in services, e-commerce, and finance.”

The scientific conference and the launch of the Vietnam Digital Economy Review 2025 created a reputable academic forum that effectively connects policy, research, and business. It contributes to shaping new ideas, policy recommendations, and development orientations for Vietnam’s digital economy in the 2026–2030 period, with a vision toward 2045.