Nordic expertise helps Vietnam concretize innovation ambition

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam emphasizes the role of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as important drivers for the country’s breakthrough development in the new era – the era of the nation’s rise.

To support the country in a turning point in its history, Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway) share experiences and practices in advancing leadership in public administration for effective governance, innovation, and digital transformation, the field that matters a lot to Vietnam’s political apparatus restructuring.

Prof Duong Trung Y, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics, spoke to The Hanoi Times that the Nordic model’s experience in national leadership and governance focusing on innovation, digital transformation and effective governance for sustainable social development is very useful for Vietnam in the current context, especially for the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 57, contributing to Vietnam’s breakthrough development in the new era – the era of the nation’s rise.

Nordic governance, exemplified by Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, thrives on strong welfare systems, inclusive policies, innovation, and sustainability. Consistently ranking in the top 10 of the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index, these nations excel in natural capital, resource efficiency, social cohesion, and economic sustainability while ensuring long-term prosperity.

In pursuing its sustainable development, Vietnam has learned lessons from its strategic partners, which are the leading countries in effective governance and innovation. In this regard, the Nordic embassies have supported the partnership through the implementation of agreements signed between the governments and, most of all, annual scientific conferences.

The annual events showcase expertise from the four Northern European nations and think tanks from the Vietnamese government to help make full use of the shared experiences, according to Prof. Duong Trung Y.

Vietnam is at a critical juncture in its development, on track to reach high-income economy status as outlined in its bold 2045 vision. To realize the goals, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, has emphasized the pressing need for thorough administrative reform, improving leadership capabilities, and digital transformation within the public sector.

Innovations will help Vietnam’s public administration better serve the people’s needs, strengthening trust and accountability in state governance. Resolution 57-NQ/TW issued by the Vietnamese Politburo on December 22, 2024, is a forward-looking roadmap that harnesses science, technology, and digital innovation as core engines of the country’s economic growth.

Resolution 57 drives Vietnam’s digital transformation, targeting nationwide 5G and smart cities by 2030, fostering AI, IoT, big data, and blockchain to spur innovation. It aims for upper-middle-income status with a strong digital economy and seeks to rank in the top 30 in innovation by 2045, attracting global tech leaders and research and development (R&D) hubs.

Valuable expertise from Nordic countries

In the 2024 Governance Efficiency Ranking by SolAbility Sustainable Intelligence, Publisher of the Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index, Sweden ranked first with 71.91 scores, followed by Denmark and Finland, while Norway ranked 7th.

On the occasion of the Nordic Day [March 23], The Hanoi Times is honored to introduce the Nordic efforts to foster governance systems that are transparent, effective, and attuned to the needs of both business and citizens and to reach a breakthrough in growth targets.

Sweden’s decentralized system is a model for inclusivity and innovation, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and collaboration. “Governance is most effective when it is inclusive, innovative, and citizen-focused,” explained Ambassador of Sweden to Vietnam Johan Ndisi.

“Our decentralized model, coupled with a commitment to digital transformation, gender equality, and work-life balance, illustrates how leadership grounded in collaboration and adaptability can drive profound change. Sharing these lessons empowers us all in our collective efforts to enhance public administration on a global scale,” he told The Hanoi Times.

For years, Denmark has consistently ranked as the world’s top E-Government. The Danish story has showcased how digital transformation can empower communities, improve public service efficiency, increase trust in public institutions, and enhance civic engagement. Digital tools also enable better data sharing and decision-making, helping the government foster sustainable development.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, effective governance hinges on adaptability, innovation, and trust,” Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz shared with The Hanoi Times. “The Nordic tradition of collaboration and knowledge sharing underscores that these elements thrive when governments learn from each other.”

Finland stands at the forefront of transparency, credibility, and nurturing a culture of innovation, which has enabled the country to develop resilient, citizen-focused governance systems. “One of the cornerstones of Finland’s governance is the profound trust our citizens place in their institutions,” Ambassador of Finland to Vietnam Keijo Norvanto spoke to The Hanoi Times.

He said that over generations, they have fostered an environment where the public feels confident that their government will act in their best interests transparently, ethically, and with accountability.

“This trust is not a given; it is earned through consistent, responsible leadership and the belief that every decision is made with integrity and inclusivity. This foundation of trust also empowers us to feel both secure and inspired to innovate and build a brighter future together,” the ambassador stated.

Meanwhile, Norway’s governance model focuses on striking the right balance between central and local authority while encouraging public participation to craft more inclusive and responsive systems. “Good governance is built on trust, transparency, and inclusion,” affirmed Ambassador of Norway to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken.

“We have witnessed the value of engaging citizens to create more responsive governance systems. By sharing ideas and experiences, we can collectively advance towards more effective and accountable public administrations,” Solbakken said in an interview with The Hanoi Times.

To maximize the unique governance practices that have made Nordic countries global leaders, the scientific seminar “Advancing Leadership in Public Administration: Effective Governance, Innovation, and Digital Transformation – Nordic and Vietnamese Experiences” was held on March 18 on the occasion of the Nordic Day 2025 to feature remarks from the leadership of the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics and the Nordic embassies.

The event once again brought together experts from Nordic countries and Vietnam to examine key issues, including digital transformation in public administration, decentralization, and governance dynamics, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.