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digital economy. South Korea trains IT human resources using a "learning by doing" model,
combining national policies, universities, and businesses, creating a high-quality
workforce to serve the digital economy. Leading universities such as Seoul National
University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Pohang
University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Yonsei University and Korea University
all have strong IT programs focusing on AI, big data, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and
smart automotive technology. The curriculum typically combines theory – practice -
research, with modern labs and direct links to major technology companies such as
Samsung, LG, Naver, and Kakao. The South Korean government implements an
emergency training program for high-tech human resources, for example, a "contract
quota" to quickly replenish engineers for cutting-edge industries. The state signs
contracts with universities, research institutes and businesses, specifying the number of
human resources to be trained or recruited within a given period.
The IT workforce training program needs to aim at accelerating the socialization of
information technology education, especially updating IT training curricula to align with
new technological trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI)
and robotics. It should create conditions for students to access IT as early as possible, and
promote training and practice linkages between schools and the business sector in the
application of IT.
Training IT human resources is a key factor determining the success of the digital
economy. Currently, Vietnam has nearly 900,000 IT professionals, including a large
number of engineers in AI, IoT and data science. Many have received certifications.
However, despite improvements, Vietnam's IT workforce still ranks only moderately high
in terms of quality, highly skilled labor and creativity in the digital economy when
compared to the rest of the world. The percentage of the workforce with vocational
training is only 60%, still a long way from the requirements of digital transformation. The
shortage of IT human resources, both in quantity and quality, is considered one of the
major challenges to the development of Vietnam's digital economy.
Fourthly, build and improve the legal framework to create a foundation for the
development of the digital economy.
South Korea is one of the leading countries in building a legal framework for the
digital economy, with over 50 years of experience in developing e-government and digital
government (1967-2025). South Korea has digitized the law-making process, leading to
increased transparency, reduced costs, and improved efficiency in government
administration. The legal system supports the development of the digital economy,
including laws on personal data, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and innovation.
South Korea focuses not only on individual laws but also on building a
comprehensive legal ecosystem: from laws on industrial digital transformation and
digital government to the digitization of legislative processes. In 2022, South Korea
enacted a specific law on digital transformation through the Law on Promoting
Industrial Digital Transformation. This law focuses on encouraging the creation and use
of industrial data and the application of intelligent information technology in production
to enhance the competitiveness of industries in the context of digitalization. South
Korea prioritizes building a legal framework for digital government, aiming to modernize
the organization and operation of the state through digital technology and ensure the
effectiveness and transparent provision of public services.

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