An online public service point in Hà Nội. Hà Nội has affirmed its pioneering role in digital transformation. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội has reaffirmed its pioneering role in digital transformation, which, together with science, technology and innovation, is identified as a key driver of the capital city’s sustainable growth model.

A recent report by the Ministry of Science and Technology showed that Hà Nội ranked first among 34 provinces and cities (after administrative merger) in the digital transformation index (DTI) in 2024, with an overall score of 0.8241.

This highlights the city’s significant efforts in strengthening digital transformation in recent years, moving up from a ranking of 43rd out of 63 provinces and cities in 2020, to 40th in 2021, 24th in 2022 and sixth in 2023.

The city’s digital transformation strategy is built on three main pillars: digital government, digital economy and digital society, all operating on an integrated digital platform with digital citizens placed at the centre, Deputy Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Trương Việt Dũng said.

One of Hà Nội’s key solutions is developing digital apps to close gaps between government, citizens and businesses, such as the online public services platform and the i-Hanoi app, which help save time, reduce costs, increase convenience and improve efficiency and transparency.

A citizen instructed to use i-Hanoi app. — VNA/VNS Photo Quốc Luỹ

Nguyễn Thị Dung, a resident in Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Ward, said that the i-Hanoi app has provided access to a wide range of information, from submitting feedback and suggestions to using smart city services.

“I can track the status of requests and access information easily with just a few simple steps on my phone,” she said, urging more timely responses from Government agencies.

These digital platforms aim to address bottlenecks arising from interactions between citizens, businesses and public agencies, Trần Anh Tuấn, Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology, said.

“It is the businesses and citizens who will benefit from the digital transformation,” Tuấn said.

In late October, Hà Nội launched a digital transformation evaluation index of public agencies in the capital city, aiming to assess the level of digital adoption across Government bodies and support the development of a digital government, digital economy and digital society.

Hà Nội also passed six resolutions to promote the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, providing an important legal framework to unlock resources for the capital to achieve breakthrough developments.

The city decided to allocate 4 per cent of its budget to the development of science and technology – higher than the national average of 3 per cent – which underscores its determination in digital transformation.

Hà Nội is also pursuing an 'AI First' strategy, prioritising the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, education, healthcare, the economy and public services, towards creating a comprehensive digital transformation ecosystem.

Digital economy: new growth driver

A consumer at self-checkout in AEON Long Biên, Hà Nội. The capital city has taken drastic actions and launched a series of initiatives to promote the development of digital economy, including cashless payment. — VNA/VNS Photo Trần Việt

Hà Nội has set the target that the digital economy will contribute 30 per cent to the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by the end of this year and 40 per cent by 2030.

To achieve this goal, the capital city has taken decisive action and launched a series of initiatives to promote the development of the digital economy.

Recently, Hà Nội rolled out 'Digital Booths – Elevating the Capital’s Merchants,' considered a breakthrough initiative to promote the digital economy, under which the city will open an online store showcasing Hà Nội's products on the e-commerce platform Shopee.

By the end of this year, Hà Nội aims to have over 60 per cent of products in each OCOP group (excluding fresh and semi-processed agricultural or aquatic items) available on the 'Hanoi Capital Products Booth.'

The city also launched '4.0 Cashless Commercial Streets' and 'Digital Markets,' alongside encouraging cashless payment via QR code, promoting participation in e-commerce and digital platforms as well as the application of digital technology.

The Hanoi Support Center for Enterprise and Investment Promotion under the municipal Department of Finance is providing training to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and household businesses on digital transformation and online business.

According to Bùi Quang Tuấn, Deputy President of the Việt Nam Economic Association, Hà Nội’s growth potential lies in the business sector, which is expanding into new areas such as the digital economy.

The capital city has outstanding development potential compared with the national average, especially in e-commerce, financial technology and digital currency.

He said it is necessary for Hà Nội to increase investment in science, technology and innovation to build a comprehensive innovation ecosystem and leverage its role in education and training to develop high-quality human resources to boost digital economy development.

Economist Trần Đình Thiên said that Hà Nội should promote the development of Hoà Lạc Hi-Tech Park into a leading hub for science, technology and innovation. The city must also invest in human resources to meet the demands of the high-tech era.

Nguyễn Đức Kiên, former Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic Committee, said that Hà Nội needs to consider the rapidly changing global economic context. Digital transformation is not merely about equipping computers or implementing e-governments, he said, emphasising that the core lies in digital transformation within enterprises to increase productivity and the quality of growth.

Hà Nội should establish an investment fund to support technology and digital transformation, Kiên said. He also urged special mechanisms for industrial infrastructure and social housing to attract investment and encourage entrepreneurship. — VNS