On the morning of October 9, 2025, National Economics University (NEU) organized a national scientific conference on “The Role of the Government in Developing Vietnam’s Digital Economy in the Context of Industry 4.0.” The event attracted a large number of researchers, experts, businesses, and managers to exchange views and propose solutions to advance national digital transformation.

An overview of the conference

Attending the conference from outside the University were Dr. Nguyen Huu Xuyen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Science and Technology Strategy; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Bich Ngoc, Chief of Office of the National Council for Education and Human Resources Development; Tong Anh Duc, Chair of the Board of Directors of TMGS Vietnam Joint Stock Company; Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy, Member of the Board of Directors of Toan Phuong Technology Joint Stock Company; Bui Tuan Minh, Director of LPD Premium Product Distribution Company; and Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Trang, Head of the Division of Management Theory, Faculty of Business Management, Hanoi University of Business and Technology.

Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; and Prof. Dr. Do Thi Hai Ha, Rector of the College of Economics and Public Management. Also attending were representatives of the leadership of colleges, departments, faculties, schools, institutes, and centers; researchers and lecturers; representatives of higher education institutions and employers; researchers and managers; and the Faculty of Management Science’s network of PhD candidates.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, delivers remarks

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, emphasized that, as the Fourth Industrial Revolution gathers momentum, the digital economy has become an important driver of growth, helping increase productivity, renew development models, and transform the economy toward innovation, modernity, and sustainability. Vietnam recognized early on that digital transformation was an inevitable trend and issued numerous strategic policies, including Resolution 52-NQ/TW in 2019 and Decision 749/QĐ-TTg in 2020, setting targets for the digital economy to account for 20% of GDP by 2025 and 30% by 2030.

However, according to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, the development of the digital economy in Vietnam still faces many difficulties: institutional and legal frameworks have not kept pace with technological development, policy implementation capacity remains limited, and tools for managing emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain are not yet coordinated. These realities call for substantial innovation in the state management model and a stronger role for the Government in shaping institutions, leading innovation, and supporting businesses and citizens throughout national digital transformation.

Prof. Nguyen Thanh Hieu affirmed that the conference aimed to create a practical academic and policy forum where researchers, experts, and businesses could exchange views, assess the current situation, and propose solutions for developing the digital economy. The research findings, presentations, and discussions at the event are expected to make practical contributions to improving institutions and policies for digital economy development, toward an innovative and prosperous Vietnam in the digital era.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Xuyen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Science and Technology Strategy, presents “Policies for Digital Economy Development Based on Science, Technology, and Innovation”

Presentations at the conference offered diverse perspectives. According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Xuyen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Science and Technology Strategy, digital economy development must be grounded in science, technology, and innovation. Vietnam has achieved many results, including expanding telecommunications infrastructure, establishing data centers, and promoting e-commerce and innovative entrepreneurship. However, challenges remain, including limited data interoperability, disparities in digital skills between regions, a shortage of capital for startups, and insufficiently developed links between research and businesses.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Xuyen proposed coordinated improvements to policies on infrastructure, data, digital skills, innovation ecosystems, and international cooperation to increase labor productivity, narrow the digital divide, and enhance national competitiveness.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Bich Ngoc, Chief of Office of the National Council for Education and Human Resources Development, presents “Developing a Digital Workforce to Support Digital Economy Development: The Role of Education and Training”

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luu Bich Ngoc, Chief of Office of the National Council for Education and Human Resources Development, emphasized that developing a digital workforce is key to advancing the digital economy. She also argued that education and training must take the lead in equipping the workforce with digital skills, narrowing skills gaps, and fostering close connections among educational institutions, businesses, and society to develop a high-quality workforce that meets the requirements of national digital transformation.

Bui Tuan Minh, Member of the Executive Committees of the Hanoi Young Business Association and the Ho Chi Minh City Young Business Association, and Director of LPD Premium Product Distribution Company, presents “Opportunities and Challenges for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Vietnam in Relation to Digital Transformation Strategies and the Role of the Government”

Speaking at the conference, Bui Tuan Minh, Director of LPD Premium Product Distribution Company, noted that small and medium-sized enterprises account for as much as 98% of all businesses nationwide, contribute approximately 40% of GDP, and provide more than half of all jobs. Successful digital transformation could help this sector reduce operating costs by 20-30% and double productivity. However, businesses still face numerous barriers, including financial constraints, a shortage of digitally skilled personnel, infrastructure that is not yet integrated, and concerns about data security. He proposed that the Government continue to improve the legal framework, provide flexible financial support, build a digital ecosystem, and strengthen public-private cooperation to provide strong impetus for digital transformation.

Conference delegates pose for a commemorative group photo

The presentations and discussions at the conference provided fresh perspectives and in-depth analyses while suggesting practical solutions, helping affirm the Government’s enabling and regulatory role in digital economy development. The research findings and exchanges at the event are expected to make practical contributions to improving institutions and policies, toward an innovative, modern, and sustainable economy in the digital era.

Additional photos from the conference:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.