The event highlighting inclusive data for sustainable development and open innovation" was organised in Ha Noi recently by the National Innovation Startup Support Centre (NSSC) – the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research (MSD), and the head of the Social Open Innovation community, in coordination with the Southeast Asia-Viet Nam Research Association (SEARAV).
The event took place in the context of Viet Nam’s upcoming Vietnamese Disability Day (April 18), World Innovation Day (April 21), and the 30th anniversary of SEARAV’s founding (August 20, 2026), affirming its commitment to promoting inclusive development in the digital age.
In the context of Viet Nam’s accelerated digital transformation and innovation, a key question arises: is it not just “how much data there is,” but whether that data is comprehensive enough to reflect the voices of all groups in society?
In reality, inclusive data is considered an essential requirement for sustainable development. According to recommendations from the United Nations and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, national data systems need to be able to differentiate by gender, disability status, region, and socio-economic conditions to ensure that no one is left behind, especially minority voices.
Inclusive data – the foundation of sustainable development and human-centred innovation
According to Nguyen Phuong Linh, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development Management Research (MSD) and Head of the Innovation Community, in the age of data, the crucial question is not how much data there is, but whether that data is inclusive enough.
“When people with disabilities ask, ‘Are we included in digital transformation? What role do we play?’, it’s not just a question about technology, but a question about how technology must be designed to be inclusive from the outset. Data must be inclusive for decisions to be inclusive; and only then can we truly ensure that no one is left behind,” Linh emphasised.
According to Linh, referencing the Copenhagen Framework on Citizen-Generated Data is a complementary approach to the national data system, while also calling for expanding the institutional space to integrate citizens’ voices into policy-making and innovation processes.
She emphasised that it is time to expand the institutional space for inclusive and community data. Regulatory bodies need to create mechanisms to integrate citizens' voices into the national data system; businesses need to consider community feedback as a strategic asset in ESG and innovation; and civil society organisations need to continue transforming voices into evidence. Data is not just a management tool. Data is a shared responsibility and the foundation for building an inclusive and developed Viet Nam in the digital transformation era.
Sharing the same view, Pham Thanh Tinh, President of the Southeast Asia-Viet Nam Scientific Research Association (SEARAV), stated that in the context of Southeast Asia’s rapid transformation, reshaping the development approach towards evidence-based and open cooperation is extremely necessary.
“SEARAV is committed to continuing to play the role of a knowledge bridge, creating a foundation for innovative initiatives with regional depth and long-term value,” Tinh said.
Community data is a strategic supplementary source for the national data system and innovation ecosystem
Regarding the collection, connection, and use of data for inclusive development, experts and managers from the General Statistics Office and related units highlighted several issues, such as limitations in the ability to update and differentiate data by population groups, the need for enhanced coordination among stakeholders in information sharing, and the role of community data in supplementing the existing data system.
Tran Thuy Linh, from the Policy, Strategy and Statistical Data Department, General Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance, shared that, following global trends and practical needs in Viet Nam, community-based data (CGD), if properly researched and applied, could become an important part of the national data system in the future, contributing to supplementing practical information and supporting the policy-making process.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of the Institute for Community Development Research and Vice President of the Viet Nam Federation of Associations for People with Disabilities, stated that current data on people with disabilities is still fragmented and does not fully reflect the diversity of these groups. There are approximately 7 million people with disabilities of various types, but in practice, data collection often only focuses on determining whether or not a person has a disability, without differentiating according to specific needs and characteristics.
She also emphasised the need for interdisciplinary data integration, designing data collection tools tailored to specific target groups, and placing people with disabilities at the centre of the data development and utilisation process. According to Lan Anh, inclusive data is data that includes, from the outset, the co-creation participation of all vulnerable community groups, including people with disabilities.
Furthermore, in terms of product development, Ha Thanh Phuong, Country Director of LabSD Enterprises, believes that for businesses, especially innovative ones, data from the community is an asset that determines the organisation’s survival.
“When we enter new fields, data is often not readily available. Investing in collecting data from the community in a community-friendly way to understand the perceptions, habits, and behaviours of the community or customers we serve is extremely important. In addition, it is a process where the community co-creates products and services with us, testing, providing feedback, and making improvements,” Phuong said.
Phuong also emphasised that responsibility for ensuring data quality needs to be clearly allocated among stakeholders in the data ecosystem, with the data collection unit playing a key role. Simultaneously, enhancing objectivity in data assessment and utilisation will contribute to improving information reliability and supporting the decision-making process.
Agreeing with Phuong, Vu Thi Lieu, CEO of ECOSOI, believes that community data helps businesses survive and thrive, telling their stories, creating competitive advantages, and providing evidence of impact to investors. This could be a new direction for businesses to practice sustainable business.
In parallel, drawing from real-world examples, Pham Thanh Nam, project manager of SNV, affirmed that when data is used correctly and conveniently by its creator, stored or exploited effectively, it will be a bridge to sound and sustainable business decisions.
Most managers and experts agree that community data can serve as supplementary evidence for ESG reports and initiatives, while also contributing to reducing information asymmetry between businesses, investors, and stakeholders. Promoting community participation in data collection and use is seen as a crucial direction for improving the effectiveness of development policies and programmes in the future.
