New Growth Momentum from Science, Technology and Digital Transformation

After more than a year and a half of implementing Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, Phu Tho has made clear progress in raising awareness and taking action across the entire political system on the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation (STI and DT). Changes in governance methods are gradually creating new momentum for rapid and sustainable growth.

From Administrative Management to Data-Driven Governance

One of the most notable achievements in implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in Phu Tho is the significant shift in mindset. Science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are no longer considered the sole responsibility of specialized agencies, but have become important drivers of socio-economic development, administrative reform, and improved services for people and businesses.

MK Vison Joint Stock Company in Khai Quang Industrial Park is a pioneer in designing, manufacturing and assembling cameras, card readers, security locks and other products.

From traditional administrative management, the province is gradually moving toward data-driven governance. A real-time digital data-based growth monitoring and management system has been developed and put into operation, with the goal of establishing a “correct, sufficient, clean and live” data platform. This enables leaders at all levels to visually monitor task implementation and socio-economic development indicators, while improving analysis, forecasting and early-warning capabilities.

The new approach is also gradually changing the way work performance is evaluated. The focus is shifting from “working according to plans” to “working toward objectives, deliverables and substantive results”; and from emphasizing the completion of tasks on paper to using actual outcomes and the satisfaction of people and businesses as key performance indicators.

These governance changes are laying the foundation for rapid growth of the digital economy. The province’s digital economy is estimated to account for around 22.71% of GRDP, ranking third among the 34 provinces and centrally governed cities nationwide. The province is home to around 600 enterprises operating in electronic component manufacturing, software development, digital services and technology solutions. The total export value of digital industrial products has exceeded US$7 billion.

Digital transformation has also been accelerated across state agencies. The rate of online public service applications has exceeded 95%, while 100% of business establishments have implemented cashless payment methods. More than 2.4 million electronic identification accounts have been activated.

Tackling Major Challenges to Create New Growth Drivers

One of Phu Tho’s new approaches is to shift from implementing science and technology and digital transformation tasks separately by sector toward proactively identifying “major challenges” associated with practical development requirements.

The province has identified and launched six strategic major challenges: innovating governance and management methods; training and assessing the skills of officials; developing smart tourism, the experience economy and the digital cultural industry; developing industrial parks and clusters toward ecological and smart models; increasing the value of key agricultural products in association with green and circular agriculture; and providing early warnings, prevention and response measures to optimize losses caused by floods and landslides.

Identifying these major challenges enables the province to concentrate resources, expand cooperation among the State, educational institutions, businesses and research organizations, mobilize experts, acquire technologies and jointly address practical issues.

In its engagement with businesses, models such as the “24-Hour Green Channel,” “50% Green Channel” and “Business Coffee” continue to be maintained, helping shorten processing times and promptly resolve difficulties faced by production and business activities. These initiatives also represent the province’s efforts to put into practice the principle of placing businesses at the center of innovation and digital economic development.

At the grassroots level, the role of leaders has also undergone positive changes. Many Party Committee Secretaries and Chairpersons of commune- and ward-level People’s Committees have become “digital leaders,” directly leading, directing and participating in digital transformation initiatives. From applying technology to promote culture and tourism to supporting the sale of OCOP products and local specialties, digital transformation is becoming increasingly closely linked to socio-economic development.

Members of the Digital Technology Team in Phu Chinh Village, Tho Tang Commune, guide residents in using online public services.

In Phu Chinh Village, Tho Tang Commune, members of the Community Digital Technology Team guide residents in registering for and using online public services, helping them gradually become familiar with new transaction methods and reduce the time spent traveling.

Ms. Trinh Thi Hao, a resident of Phu Chinh Village, said: “Previously, when dealing with administrative procedures, we often had to go directly to government agencies, and some procedures took us a lot of time because we did not know how to complete them. With guidance from members of the Digital Technology Team, I have learned how to use my phone to submit applications online, check results and carry out some cashless transactions.”

Community Digital Technology Teams are also becoming a bridge that brings technology closer to residents. Models such as “Digital Village,” “Digital Family” and “Digital Ambassador,” combined with the activities of Community Digital Technology Teams and the “Mass Digital Literacy” movement, are gradually improving people’s digital skills and fostering the habit of using digital platforms for learning, production, business and everyday life.

For businesses, technological innovation is increasingly linked to green development requirements. The “dual transformation” model, which combines technological innovation with green transformation, has initially delivered positive results. In 2025, the province supported 10 businesses in technological innovation, with total funding of more than VND 4 billion. Many businesses have invested in automation lines, clean technologies and energy-saving solutions, gradually meeting ESG and Net Zero standards as well as the requirements of international supply chains.

However, the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW still faces a number of limitations. Digital infrastructure and digital data remain fragmented in some sectors; there is a shortage of high-quality human resources; and research and development activities and AI applications have yet to achieve sufficient depth. Some digital technology enterprises remain primarily engaged in outsourcing and assembly, with relatively low added value.

At the grassroots level, some community digital transformation models have yet to establish regular and sustainable technology-use habits among residents.

The province is identifying these shortcomings in order to develop solutions for the coming period. Key priorities include continuing to reform leadership and management methods; accelerating the application of AI, big data and virtual assistants in public service delivery; completing the digital data ecosystem; improving the quality of human resources; and further promoting research and innovation to unlock resources and enhance competitiveness.

Thuy Huong