Key Takeaways

• The Vietnamese government has implemented 45 standards for smart urban development since 2018.
• 29 of 43 localities have connected local and national government databases through the Local Government Service Platform.
• Challenges include data fragmentation and resource shortages, but citizen engagement is enhancing real-time urban issue resolution.

Sustainable Smart City Development in Vietnam

The roadmap for developing sustainable smart cities in Vietnam has evolved significantly since the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 950/QD-TTg was issued on August 1, 2018. Over seven years, the framework has led to the incorporation of smart urban development objectives into numerous legal documents, with 45 standards established to guide this initiative.

As outlined in a recent report by the Ministry of Construction, the period from 2018 to 2025 has seen 29 out of 43 localities implement the Local Government Service Platform. This platform integrates local and national government data, promoting e-government capability and efficiency. Additionally, 19 localities have successfully set up shared databases or provincial data centers. Project 06, led by the Ministry of Public Security, has also made strides, linking population data across 15 ministries and local agencies.

To foster innovation, the government is developing mechanisms to pilot new technologies and business models that are not yet regulated. This includes preparing a draft decree aimed at creating a unified legal framework for smart urban development. This decree will clarify stakeholder responsibilities and define maturity levels for smart cities, while the Ministry of Construction will provide assessment guidelines and indicators. Successful pilot programs will receive priority in public procurement, encouraging businesses to innovate within the smart city space.

Despite progress, various challenges hinder the full realization of smart cities. Key issues include fragmented data, insufficient human resources, and a tendency for projects to remain in pilot phases. Collaboration between the government and citizens is crucial in addressing these barriers. Many localities have initiated on-site reflection services to enhance citizen-government engagement, allowing for real-time urban issue detection and resolution.

Mobile applications like Hue-S, SmartAnGiang, Bien Hoa SmartCity, and Phu Quoc – Kien Giang facilitate easier interaction between residents and authorities, enabling access to essential smart services. Citizens function as ‘living sensors,’ providing feedback and data that play a critical role in service enhancement. This dynamic two-way communication allows governments to make timely and informed decisions, aligning public services more closely with community needs and advancing towards truly smart cities in Vietnam.

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