Strong determination is the backbone of any successful digital transformation initiative. It entails unwavering commitment from leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to overcome challenges such as digital divide, cybersecurity risks, and infrastructure limitations. A clear vision, backed by robust policies and investment, ensures that digital initiatives are effectively implemented and sustained.

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The successful implementation of digital transformation requires strong determination, strategic planning, and decisive actions from governments, businesses, and citizens. This article explores the key aspects of determination and the necessary steps needed to achieve a successful digital transformation at the national level.

The Role of Strong Determination

Strong determination is the backbone of any successful digital transformation initiative. It entails unwavering commitment from leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to overcome challenges such as digital divide, cybersecurity risks, and infrastructure limitations. A clear vision, backed by robust policies and investment, ensures that digital initiatives are effectively implemented and sustained.

Political Will and Leadership

Governments must demonstrate strong political will by enacting policies that support digital transformation. Leaders should prioritize digital infrastructure development, data governance frameworks, and digital literacy programs to ensure widespread adoption.

Public-Private Collaboration

A strong determination to transform digitally should be reflected in effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. Governments can provide regulatory frameworks and incentives, while businesses can contribute with innovation, investment, and expertise in technology.

Actions Needed for Digital Transformation

To achieve a successful digital transformation at the national level, several key actions must be taken:

1. Develop Robust Digital Infrastructure

A strong digital foundation, including high-speed internet, 5G networks, cloud computing, and data centers, is crucial for seamless digital operations. Governments should invest in broadband expansion to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity in rural and underserved areas.

2. Enhance Digital Literacy and Skills Development

A digitally competent population is essential for the success of digital transformation. Educational institutions and training programs should incorporate digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, and coding courses to prepare the workforce for the digital economy.

3. Strengthen Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

With increased digital adoption comes the risk of cyber threats. Nations must implement strong cybersecurity measures, data protection laws, and risk management frameworks to safeguard personal and national data from cyber-attacks.

4. Promote E-Government Services

Governments should digitize public services, such as e-governance, digital payments, and online applications, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for citizens. A seamless digital government ecosystem fosters trust and encourages participation in digital initiatives.

5. Support Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A vibrant digital economy requires policies that promote startups, innovation hubs, and research in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Tax incentives and funding for tech startups can accelerate innovation.

6. Encourage Smart Cities Development

Urban areas should leverage digital technologies to improve transportation, healthcare, energy management, and public safety. Implementing smart city initiatives enhances the quality of life for citizens and boosts economic productivity.

7. Foster a Culture of Digital Inclusion

National digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalized communities, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities have access to digital tools and services. Policies should address affordability and accessibility to prevent widening the digital gap.

Strong determination, actions needed for national digital transformation. Photo: VNA

Both awareness and actions have continued to be improved substantially across all-level authorities, sectors, and localities. Digital transformation has helped promote national growth, industrialisation, and modernisation.

However, there remain certain shortcomings, heard the conference.

PM Chinh highlighted the view that digital transformation is currently a global and inevitable trend, so it is necessary to further raise all-level authorities and sectors’ awareness of this issue, keep up with the trend of the era, make development breakthroughs in key areas, issue priority policies to boost online public services, develop digital transformation infrastructure and platforms, and guarantee information safety and cyber security.

A digital citizen ecosystem is an important basis for national digital transformation, a digital economy is a critical impetus for economic development, a digital society is a basis of the Vietnamese society, and digital culture forms a crucial part of the Vietnamese culture deeply imbued with the national identity, he noted.

The Government leader requested harmonising interests of the State, people and businesses; viewing people and businesses as the centre, key players, targets, and momentum of development; and mobilising resources from and the engagement of the entire political system, people, and businesses in digital transformation.

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He also demanded methodological implementation, a strategic vision, a breakthrough mindset, and strong and focus-driven actions in digital transformation.

The leader required that ministries, sectors and localities to further review and streamline administrative procedures and regulations, aiming to simplify at least 20% of regulations and reduce at least 20% compliance costs. Public services and administrative procedures provided on the national public service portal and ministerial-level portals should be further upgraded and simplified, which must be completed within the third quarter of this year. 

Besides, the PM also underlined the importance of stepping up communications to raise public awareness and encourage people to join hands in the task, according to the Government Office’s announcement.

National digital transformation is not just a technological upgrade but a comprehensive shift in the way societies operate. Strong determination from leaders, coupled with strategic actions, is essential to harness the full potential of digital technologies. By investing in infrastructure, fostering digital skills, ensuring cybersecurity, and promoting innovation, nations can build a sustainable and inclusive digital future. The success of this transformation lies in the collective effort of governments, businesses, and citizens working towards a digitally empowered society.