4 strategic pillars to drive Vietnam toward 'Smart Nation'

The four pillars were the focus of discussions among about 100 Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin innovators, scientists and technology leaders with global influence at the Vietnam Global Innovation Connect 2026 forum, held at the Startup and Innovation Hub of Ho Chi Minh City.

The first pillar is 'Smart Data,' which focuses on building data infrastructure and strengthening digital trust.

Experts highlighted two key priorities: data sovereignty and cybersecurity, as well as nationwide telecommunications infrastructure.

Efforts to safeguard data sovereignty should focus on maintaining national control over data through the development of domestic cloud platforms and local data centers, while robust cybersecurity defenses are needed to protect citizens and companies' strategic intellectual property.

The country should also expand broadband fiber-optic coverage and accelerate the deployment of next-generation 5G and 6G technologies, along with urban Internet of Things (IoT) sensor systems to monitor traffic and the environment in real time and optimize energy management.

These efforts would help lay the groundwork for 'smart town' models.

The second pillar is 'Smart People,' with human capital considered the core of the digital economy.

Experts emphasized the need to develop workforce capabilities and promote digital equity by expanding STEM education and lifelong learning to equip workers with the skills needed to adapt to artificial intelligence (AI).

At the same time, Vietnam needs to expand access to digital infrastructure and the Internet for disadvantaged groups to promote more inclusive development nationwide.

The third pillar is 'Smart Business Processes,' which aims to make public services more transparent and efficient through the widespread adoption of integrated digital identification systems.

These systems can improve access to public services and streamline government operations.

Additionally, restructuring government agencies and departments and integrating agentic AI can help automate processes and provide real-time support for civil servants.

The fourth pillar is 'Smart Technology,' which focuses on developing an enabling regulatory framework and advanced technical infrastructure.

Experts said Vietnam needs to strike a balance between technological innovation and privacy protection by using the Law on Digital Technology Industry to establish controlled testing mechanisms while upholding safety and ethical standards under the Law on AI.

The country should also strengthen its domestic semiconductor capabilities, accelerate the adoption of agentic AI and develop smart robotic systems to optimize high-precision manufacturing processes.