Where land, minerals and labour were once regarded as the key drivers of growth, digital transformation has elevated data to the foundation of the digital economy, digital government and digital society. The development of these pillars has also been identified as a strategic priority in the documents of the 14th National Party Congress.
Recognising digital data as a core factor in creating new economic value, many localities have begun treating data as a new resource to be effectively harnessed. In Da Nang, city leaders have described data as the “key of all keys” in building digital government and smart urban management. Developing synchronised, accurate and interconnected databases has been identified as a fundamental task that will determine the success of digital transformation and smart-city development in the years ahead.
To support this vision, Da Nang is investing heavily in information technology infrastructure and attracting businesses to develop data facilities, with the ambition of becoming both a national and international data hub. The city currently operates seven data centres. As of December 2025, its Open Data Portal provided more than 1,500 datasets across various sectors. Core databases have been standardised and integrated into shared data repositories and administrative procedure databases, enabling data to be connected, shared and directly applied to urban management, public service delivery and the digital economy.
Adopting a new approach that treats data as a valuable asset, Da Nang has integrated data into the operation of its Intelligent Operations Centre (IOC). The centre currently manages 15 smart-service groups, drawing on around 160 data categories and 50 real-time alerts to support urban governance.
According to city officials, the IOC uses data to monitor developments, conduct analysis and provide real-time warnings, supporting decision-making by municipal leaders and local authorities while also delivering information and services to residents. The development of data infrastructure is also laying the groundwork for advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain and fintech, all of which are expected to drive the digital economy and smart-city management.
The documents of the 14th National Party Congress identify science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation as key drivers of national development. As digital transformation expands across all sectors, data is increasingly viewed as a new means of production and as the foundation for shifting from traditional administration to data-driven governance, enhancing transparency, efficiency and public services.
In the northern province of Lai Chau, authorities have likewise identified science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as essential to achieving economic growth and improving living standards. The province has invested in modern and integrated digital infrastructure, with particular emphasis on data systems.
To date, the dedicated government data transmission network connects all provincial departments and agencies. All work records and documents at provincial and commune levels are now created and processed electronically. Databases covering Party organisations and Party members have been fully standardised, ensuring information is accurate, complete, up-to-date, consistent and shared.
Online applications account for 93.87% of administrative procedures, while the digitisation rate of records and administrative results has reached 94.06%. All business-related administrative procedures are now conducted online through seamless digital processes.
These achievements have begun to improve governance, enhance services for citizens and businesses, and contribute positively to socio-economic development. In the first quarter of 2026, Lai Chau’s GRDP growth was estimated at 9.65%, placing the province among the 10 fastest-growing localities nationwide.
