Making porcelain products in Bát Tràng Village, Hà Nội City. Bát Tràng is embracing a new era of modernisation through the widespread integration of advanced technologies. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Bát Tràng, a renowned traditional porcelain and pottery village located approximately 15km from Hà Nội's city centre, is embracing a new era of modernisation through the widespread integration of advanced technologies across its production lines, heralding a transformative phase for the historic craft village.

For centuries, Bát Tràng Village has been celebrated for its exquisite artistry, with a rich history spanning centuries. In recent times, while preserving the centuries-old artistry, the craft village has embraced technological advancements to elevate skills, careers, and overall development for its craftsmen.

Traditionally, the ceramic firing process heavily relied on coal stoves, with outcomes heavily dependent on craftsmen's experience. Even minor deviations in temperature or firing duration could lead to flawed ceramics.

Presently, numerous facilities in Bát Tràng have transitioned to use gas stoves, electric kilns, and automated temperature control systems. This shift has resulted in precise parameters, enhancing production efficiency, reducing defects, optimising fuel consumption, and mitigating environmental concerns like smoke and dust emissions.

Moreover, technology has permeated various production stages such as soil processing, raw material preparation, glaze filtration, mold creation, and product drying. Some workshops have integrated artificial intelligence and automatic control systems into kiln operations, streamlining temperature control and firing stages with remarkable accuracy, revolutionising what was historically considered a challenging aspect of the pottery profession.

Concurrently, many enterprises have adopted pattern design software, digital tools for raw material management, order monitoring, and business organisation. Leveraging online platforms like websites, social media, and e-commerce channels has enabled small-scale artisans to widen their market reach, underscoring the integration of digital transformation into the craft village's production and marketing landscapes.

Hà Thị Vinh, a distinguished craftswoman from Bát Tràng and deputy chairwoman of the Việt Nam Handicraft Village Association, acknowledged the indispensable role of technology in enhancing production and trade within the village. To align with this trend, the community has established clubs comprising outstanding female entrepreneurs and conducted educational classes on e-commerce to facilitate knowledge-sharing among craftsmen.

Vũ Đình Mạnh, chairman of the board of directors at Bát Tràng Space Ceramic Joint Stock Company, highlighted how science and technology have bolstered productivity, quality assurance, cost efficiency, and fulfillment of large-scale orders for enterprises. While automation has streamlined processes, the intrinsic value of handicraft artistic products primarily emanates from craftsmen's expertise, skills, and emotional investment.

A craftman checks a product at Bát Tràng Village. — Photo Courtesy of tapchivietnamhuongsac.vn

The progressive changes in Bát Tràng resonate with the ethos of Resolution No 57-NQ/TW on integrating science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation into production practices. Undoubtedly, science and technology are pivotal growth drivers, yet the pivotal role of individuals remains paramount.

By embracing technology, Bát Tràng aims not only to enhance productivity and economic value but also to safeguard cultural heritage, enhance workplace conditions, and foster creativity among successive generations of artisans.

Notably, the Hà Nội Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Bát Tràng commune authorities, is spearheading initiatives to promote science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, with a focus on enhancing the craft village's value, brand reputation, and competitive edge.

In a recent meeting, the People's Committee of Bát Tràng Commune shared that, during the initial seven months of 2026, the local area has undertaken diverse digital transformation initiatives, conducting training sessions on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and digital skills for officials, public servants, and members of community digital transformation teams.

The integration of digital transformation into production and commercial activities is progressively unfolding in Bát Tràng.

A significant event took place on August 14 when the Bát Tràng People's Committee collaborated to organise a live stream session to highlight, advertise, and foster the consumption of traditional pottery items. This initiative is part of the "100 days of implementing key tasks on digital transformation," aiming to directly showcase village products to consumers digitally, broaden the market reach, and establish additional channels for promoting trade activities.

Hoàng Tiến Dũng, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and chairman of the People's Committee of Bát Tràng Commune, emphasised that digital transformation is pivotal for socio-economic development, particularly in craft villages like Bát Tràng.

Moving forward, the commune will concentrate on addressing data, infrastructure, and digital workforce challenges, accelerating the adoption of AI, e-commerce, traceability, cashless payments, while gradually developing digital craft village models, smart tourism strategies, and digital museums. — VNS