Economy

"Technological Spring" and Nghe An's Digital Journey

Content: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh | Design: Huu Quan • February 17, 2026 07:13

If spring symbolizes new beginnings and hope, then digital transformation is the "Technological Spring" opening up new opportunities for individuals, social groups, communities, localities, and nations. For Nghe An – a locality with diverse development potential – digital transformation is not only an essential requirement but also a historic opportunity to improve the quality of growth and realize the aspiration for rapid and sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tuan Anh
Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
February 17, 2026

Globally, digital transformation has moved beyond the initial stage of mere "informatization" to a new era – the era of big data, digital platforms, the Internet of Things (IoT), and especially artificial intelligence (AI). AI is increasingly penetrating almost all aspects of social life, creating groundbreaking changes in the production of goods and services, social management, scientific research, cultural and artistic activities, as well as providing essential services such as healthcare, education, finance, and urban governance. This process not only enhances the efficiency and quality of socio-economic activities but also contributes to the transition to a smart society, where technology, data, and human capabilities are integrated to support decision-making, optimize resources, and improve the quality of life.

However, the rapid development of AI also poses many new demands regarding risk management, ethics, safety, and social responsibility. Therefore, many international organizations have been promoting principles and standards for AI. For example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has proposed principles to promote innovative, reliable artificial intelligence that respects human rights and democratic values, especially in the context of the rapid development of general-purpose and generative AI.

Alongside opportunities, the era of AI also presents new challenges. Many scholars and international organizations have warned of the risk of misinformation and distortion amplified by AI, posing a threat to social trust and socio-political stability. AI could also exacerbate social inequality if its benefits are concentrated in only certain social groups. Furthermore, AI could disrupt the labor market if appropriate policies are lacking to retrain the workforce in the context of this new technology. Therefore, the UNDP report “From Access to Empowerment: Digital Inclusion in a Dynamic World,” published in 2024, emphasizes the core foundation of digital inclusion, which includes participation in the digital economy, engagement with citizens' and political lives, and strengthening trust and confidence in the digital environment. This report also highlights the need to identify the interaction between digital inclusion and global trends – from the transformation of poverty to the increasing complexities and challenges brought about by new technologies and ways of working. Therefore, a crucial requirement is to develop AI and digital transformation in a human-centered direction, linked to social responsibility, ethics, and sustainable development.

From a certain perspective, digital transformation and AI are not just technological stories, but development stories: inclusive or fragmented development, sustainable development or trade-offs, improving the quality of life or increasing social risks. Therefore, the UNDP report, "From Access to Empowerment: Digital Inclusion in a Dynamic World," when addressing the crucial role of the State in the context of AI development, particularly emphasizes national vision, strategy, and commitment; inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms throughout the entire government system; lifelong digital skills and competency development for citizens; and digital capacity development within government agencies. From this perspective, digital transformation is not just a technological story, but a story about development models, and the core question is how to apply technology to achieve societal goals.

In Vietnam, digital transformation has been clearly identified as one of the key drivers for national development in the new era. The National Digital Transformation Program to 2025, with a vision to 2030, has set out a vision for 2030: “Vietnam will become a digital nation, stable and prosperous, pioneering the testing of new technologies and models; fundamentally and comprehensively innovating the management and operation of the Government, the production and business activities of enterprises, the way of life and work of the people, and developing a safe, humane, and widespread digital environment.” The National Digital Transformation Program focuses on the pillars of: digital government, digital economy, and digital society.

Furthermore, the National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy and Digital Society to 2025, with a vision to 2030, emphasizes that "developing the digital economy helps people become wealthier," "developing the digital society helps people become happier," and "contributing to making Vietnam a safe and humane digital nation." Thus, digital transformation is not only seen as a tool to promote economic growth, but also as a means to improve the quality of life and happiness of the people. Setting the goal of "being wealthier" alongside "being happier" reflects a comprehensive development orientation, centered on people, and emphasizes the close connection between the digital economy and digital society in Vietnam's development process.

In particular, Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo, issued at the end of 2024, on breakthroughs in national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, outlined the guiding principle: “Developing national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation is a top priority breakthrough, the main driving force for the rapid development of modern productive forces, the improvement of production relations, the renewal of national governance methods, socio-economic development, preventing the risk of backwardness, and enabling the country to achieve breakthrough development and prosperity in the new era.” This guiding principle represents a significant development in the Party's strategic thinking, as science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are identified as “top priority breakthroughs,” playing a central role as the driving force of the development process. Thus, digital transformation is affirmed not simply as a technological solution, but as a strategic tool, creating a foundation for breakthrough and sustainable national development in the new era.

The Resolution of the 20th Congress of the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee, term 2025-2030, affirmed: “Developing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation will create new impetus for rapid and sustainable development... Promoting comprehensive digital transformation in all areas of state management, economy, culture, and society. Building an effective digital government to better serve the people and businesses. Developing a digital society in conjunction with building digital citizens.”

Thus, the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee has identified digital transformation as a key driver in the development strategy for the 2025-2030 period, closely linked to the local goal of "rapid and sustainable" development. The emphasis on "comprehensive" digital transformation across state management, the economy, and socio-cultural fields reflects a synchronized approach, viewing digital transformation not merely as a technical issue but as a process of innovating governance methods and social organization. In particular, the orientation towards building a digital government and developing a digital society, coupled with the development of digital citizens, demonstrates a mindset centered on citizens and businesses, while simultaneously laying the foundation for the transition to a smart society model at the local level.

In fact, the digital transformation process in Nghe An has achieved many important accomplishments. The 2025 summary conference and the 2026 key directions and tasks of the Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Administrative Reform, and Project 06 of Nghe An province affirmed that Nghe An has achieved many positive results in digital transformation. These results contribute to promoting socio-economic development and improving the quality of services for citizens and businesses. Specifically, online public services have developed strongly; shared data systems, digital platforms, and information systems have been upgraded to meet the operational requirements of the two-tiered local government, creating an important foundation for building a digital government, developing the digital economy, and a digital society in the province.

Spring is the time that ignites Nghe An's aspiration for rapid and sustainable development, and digital transformation is the journey to realize that aspiration through concrete, persistent steps and a long-term vision. With guidance from the central government, the province's political determination, and significant achievements in practice, Nghe An is facing a historic opportunity to turn digital transformation into a driving force for development in the new era.

The new spring has arrived; and with it, the digital transformation journey, guided by a development mindset and a humanistic spirit, will not only create many changes today but also build lasting values ​​for the future of Nghe An, a land rich in tradition and aspiration for progress.