Numerous Vietnamese organizations are now seeking clear guidelines to identify and develop digital transformation leaders following the country’s first dedicated law on the digital technology industry. This landmark legislation sets ambitious goals to expand Vietnam’s digital technology sector to 150,000 firms by 2035, representing a strategic shift in the nation’s economic priorities and positioning in Asia’s competitive innovation landscape.
The criteria for digital transformation leaders in Vietnam focus on three core competencies:
- Technical expertise in emerging technologies
- Strategic vision for organizational transformation
- Change management capabilities for workforce adaptation
Vietnam’s approach stands out through its extensive fiscal support system. The government offers up to 50% reimbursement for technology acquisition by startups and SMEs, while also providing multi-year corporate tax reductions for companies engaged in technology transfer.
Vietnam’s fiscal arsenal for digital growth delivers substantial reimbursements and tax benefits, creating unparalleled incentives for technological advancement.
These incentives create a fertile environment for cultivating leadership talent that can leverage financial advantages for rapid digital advancement.
Foreign digital experts receive particularly favorable treatment under the new framework. Work permit exemptions and five-year visas eliminate bureaucratic barriers, making Vietnam an increasingly attractive destination for international talent.
This influx of diverse expertise accelerates knowledge transfer and elevates the overall caliber of digital leadership across sectors.
What sets Vietnam’s criteria apart from regional competitors is the integration of mandatory digital governance standards. All ministry and provincial leaders must implement full digital administration by mid-2025, establishing clear benchmarks for technology adoption at leadership levels. The Vietnam National Committee on Digital Transformation provides crucial guidance for these leaders in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape necessary for effective digital economy development.
This top-down approach guarantees that digital transformation extends beyond private enterprise into public governance.
The emphasis on both infrastructure development and talent acquisition forms a holistic strategy that addresses immediate leadership needs while building long-term digital capacity.
The newly formed Central Steering Committee on Science, Technology, and Digital Transformation directs national priorities with a strong focus on AI development, mirroring China’s centralized approach to technological governance.
As neighboring countries scramble to develop comparable frameworks, Vietnam’s early-mover advantage in establishing rigorous digital leadership criteria could reshape Asia’s innovation landscape for decades to come.
