Innovating the development and management of digital systems
Dang Tung Anh, Deputy Director of the Centre for Government Digital Technology at the National Digital Transformation Agency (under the Ministry of Science and Technology), stated that during the digital transformation process, various agencies and units have invested in building numerous information systems, digital platforms, and databases to support management, operations, and service delivery.
However, because these systems were developed using disparate approaches and lacked a unified architecture, risks such as redundant investment and difficulties in data connectivity and sharing have emerged. Consequently, citizens and businesses are often required to resubmit information they have already provided, while regulatory bodies struggle to assess the compliance levels and actual effectiveness of these systems.
To address these challenges, the National Digital Architecture Framework (Version 1.0) was issued under Decision No. 1425/QD-TTg on July 29, 2026. It establishes an overarching design that serves as a common standard for the development and operation of digital systems across the entire political apparatus.
The core principle of this framework is a shift from developing isolated, individual systems toward organising a national digital ecosystem with a unified structure—one where components can connect, share data, build upon existing assets, and utilise shared resources.
The framework serves three primary roles: defining the structure, components, and interconnections of the national digital ecosystem; It establishes general principles for the use of shared components, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technical standards, while ensuring that systems remain compliant throughout their entire investment and operational lifecycle.
In implementing this architectural framework, each agency is tasked with developing its own digital architecture—tailored to its specific functions, duties, and authority—while adhering to a unified national-level structure.
The framework prioritised the use of shared components, as well as the leveraging, standardisation, integration, and upgrading of existing assets. New development is permitted only when no suitable shared component exists or when current components fail to meet requirements. This approach aims to prevent redundant investment, minimise the fragmentation of resources, and facilitate the creation of interoperable systems.
A key feature emphasised in the national digital architecture framework is a data-centric approach, coupled with the prioritisation of artificial intelligence integration from the very design stage. Under this framework, data is recognised as a strategic asset that must be standardised, interconnected, shared, and utilised in a consistent manner.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is prioritised for applications in analysis, forecasting, and automation. However, the deployment of AI must remain coupled with human responsibility for final decision-making. The architectural framework also mandates the concurrent design of mechanisms for oversight, traceability, accountability, and risk control regarding AI systems.
Furthermore, cybersecurity and data privacy must be guaranteed throughout the entire lifecycle of any system. Principles prioritising the use of cloud computing and open standards are also included to enhance flexible scalability and mitigate vendor lock-in.
This architectural framework serves as the foundation for the governance and monitoring of implementation. Compliance is not merely assessed at the project development stage; rather, systems must be continuously evaluated throughout their deployment and operational phases to ensure they remain aligned with the established structure, principles, and requirements.
Urgent completion of digital architectures for ministries, sectors, and localities
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long stated that, to foster substantive digital transformation, the Ministry of Science and Technology will collaborate with ministries, sectors, localities, and enterprises to implement the National Digital Architecture Framework.
The Ministry will issue a model architecture framework for local governments to use as a reference for their own implementation, helping to resolve the current uncertainty and confusion.
Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Official Dispatch No. 7234/BKHCN-CĐSQG, providing guidance—along with an accompanying manual—on the development, updating, and maintenance of digital architecture frameworks for agencies and organisations.
The National Digital Transformation Agency has announced that, during the fourth quarter of 2026, the Ministry will organise training sessions, provide guidance and support, and monitor and urge ministries, sectors, and localities to complete the development of new Frameworks—or the review, update, and issuance of existing ones—by January 29, 2027.
Agencies are required to review and categorise existing components to determine which should be retained, standardised, connected, integrated, upgraded, consolidated, or replaced. Adjustments should be limited to those that are strictly necessary, and a roadmap must be established for addressing components that are either unsuitable or redundant.
Regarding evaluation and oversight, the Ministry of Science and Technology will lead—in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant agencies—the development of regulations and guidelines.
This included defining specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), measurement methodologies, evaluation criteria, data verification mechanisms, and reporting protocols, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2026. The common framework for standards, technical regulations, and technical guidelines is to be finalised by April 2027, ensuring nationwide interoperability, integration, and cybersecurity.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, an effective implementation of a Framework must reflect both the level of architectural compliance and the actual outcomes achieved. This is to be assessed through five sets of criteria: architectural compliance; interoperability and integration; governance and operations; technical and security aspects; and implementation results.
Key outcomes to be measured include increased satisfaction among citizens and businesses, shorter processing times for administrative tasks, reduced compliance costs, and improved efficiency in the management and utilisation of public resources.
