If transport infrastructure connects people and goods, and digital infrastructure connects data and knowledge, then digital cultural infrastructure is the specialised infrastructure that connects national identity with creativity, the economy, and the country's soft power.
The decree provides detailed regulations on the development of digital cultural infrastructure, comprising three fundamental components: digital infrastructure; digital cultural data infrastructure; and digital platforms, digital systems, and digital tools serving the public interest. Rather than being confined to the core cultural sector alone, this infrastructure will be shared and integrated to promote the coordinated development of both tourism and sports.
The decree consists of five chapters and 20 articles, applying to all domestic and foreign agencies, organisations, and individuals participating in Viet Nam's digital cultural ecosystem. Notably, the document embodies a strong spirit of administrative reform by removing barriers and creating no additional burdensome administrative procedures for citizens or businesses.
Eight strategic transformations
Rather than following the conventional approach of investing in fragmented physical infrastructure, the decree focuses on establishing mechanisms to address eight core challenges through a data-driven governance model. These are:
First, preserving cultural heritage amid rapid change. Many cultural values are at risk of being lost due to the passage of time, natural disasters, urbanisation, and changing social conditions. Digital cultural infrastructure will enable: the digitisation of artefacts, heritage sites, documents, and performing arts; long-term preservation in accordance with international standards; restoration using AI, 3D, and XR technologies when artefacts are damaged; and the creation of digital twins of cultural heritage. As a result, cultural values can be preserved even if the original artefacts are destroyed.
Second, expanding access to culture. Previously, people had to visit museums, libraries, and theatres in person. With digital cultural infrastructure, everyone will be able to visit museums online; learn about the arts through digital platforms; watch high-quality performances; and access information on cultural heritage from anywhere.
Third, providing raw materials for AI and the creative economy. In the age of artificial intelligence, data is the essential raw material. For AI to understand Vietnamese culture, it requires datasets covering the Vietnamese language, cultural heritage, the arts, festivals, music, traditional costumes, fine arts, and more. Without a digital cultural data infrastructure, AI will learn primarily from foreign datasets and will struggle to reflect Vietnamese cultural identity.
Forth, promoting the cultural industries.
Film, video games, animation, music, design, advertising, and publishing all rely on cultural data. A robust digital cultural infrastructure will enable businesses to legally exploit cultural data; reuse digital resources; reduce creative production costs; and develop new products. Digital cultural infrastructure therefore serves as the equivalent of a motorway for the cultural industries.
Fifth, building the national brand. Today, a nation's strength lies not only in its economy but also in its cultural appeal. Countries that have succeeded all possess digital ecosystems for promoting their culture, including the Republic of Korea with K-content; Japan with anime and manga; and China with digital cultural platforms and online games. If Viet Nam wishes to establish its own digital cultural brand, it requires infrastructure capable of connecting data, content, and businesses. Digital cultural infrastructure therefore provides the foundation for developing Viet Nam's digital cultural brands, including VietCreative and VietGames.
Sixth, creating a transparent digital cultural market. Without adequate infrastructure, it is difficult to determine copyright ownership; trade digital assets; share revenue fairly; and protect artists and creators.
Digital cultural infrastructure enables the establishment of copyright databases; work identification systems; digital cultural asset exchanges; and payment and benefit-sharing mechanisms. These form the foundation of the digital cultural economy.
Seventh, improving the effectiveness of state management. Regulatory authorities will be able to monitor cultural activities in real time; compile statistics on the cultural industries; assess policy impacts; analyse trends in cultural consumption; and forecast market demand. Governance will shift from being based on experience to being driven by data.
Eighth, safeguarding cultural sovereignty in cyberspace. Cyberspace is increasingly becoming a new cultural space. Without its own infrastructure, Viet Nam risks having its cultural data stored on foreign platforms; Vietnamese content receiving less prominence; foreign algorithms determining users' access to Vietnamese content; and growing dependence on external data and the spread of foreign cultural values.
Supporting businesses and developing creative "incubators"
To establish a solid foundation, the decree identifies priority digital technologies for development, including cloud computing, edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, digital twins, blockchain, VR/AR/XR, LiDAR, GIS, and BIM/HBIM.
Businesses investing in, researching, and developing digital technologies, digital technology products, as well as digital cultural products and services, will be entitled to all incentives and support provided under the current legislation on investment, science and technology, innovation, high technology, the digital technology industry, and digital transformation, provided they satisfy the relevant eligibility criteria. At the same time, the state will support market development, investment promotion, trade promotion, business networking with cultural and artistic institutions, and research and product development under programmes approved by competent authorities.
Building a streamlined, lean, and strong military capable of advancing directly towards modernisation, ensuring readiness to defend the Fatherland and maintain a peaceful environment for national development.
At the same time, the Cultural Innovation Centre model has now been formally recognised in law. These centres will be developed through cooperation among the state, educational institutions, and businesses operating as public non-business units, enterprises, or other lawful organisations, without creating additional administrative structures, legal procedures, or preferential policies beyond the existing legal framework.
Flexibly located within cultural and creative industry clusters, creative complexes, educational institutions or cultural establishments, these centres will fulfil the core mission of supporting digital content creation, developing digital cultural products and services, and connecting the creative community with educational institutions and businesses. This synergy is expected to transform the nation's invaluable cultural heritage into a powerful and sustainable driver of the creative economy in the years ahead.
