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THE ROLE OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN
VIETNAM

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh* , Tran Thi Thu Phong , Nguyen Thi Nam Chi , Dong Thi Toan ,
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1, 2, 3, 4 Hanoi Open University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
(*E-mail: lananh.kt@hou.edu.vn)
ABSTRACT
The article analyzes the role of the digital economy in promoting sustainable
development in Vietnam during the 2020–2025 period using a mixed-methods research
approach combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. From a qualitative perspective,
the study synthesizes the theoretical foundations of the relationship between digital
transformation, economic growth, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while
also examining Vietnam’s transition toward a greener and more digitalized growth model.
From a quantitative perspective, a multiple regression model is employed to assess the
impact of key factors, including digital transformation (DI), economic growth (EC),
Internet development (IN), and Fintech (FI), on sustainable development (SDG). The
results indicate that digital transformation has the strongest and most statistically
significant impact on sustainable development, followed by economic growth, whereas
Internet development and Fintech exert positive but comparatively weaker effects. These
findings confirm that the digital economy is not only a key driver of economic growth but
also plays a foundational role in ensuring long-term sustainable development.
Keywords: Role; digital economy; sustainable development.

1. Introduction
In the context of globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the digital
economy has become a key driver of growth and the restructuring of development
models in many countries. At the same time, the requirement to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) poses significant challenges for developing economies such as
Vietnam, which must ensure economic growth alongside environmental protection and
social progress. In practice, the traditional growth model—largely dependent on natural
resource exploitation and low-cost labor—has revealed limitations in terms of growth
quality and long-term sustainability. In Vietnam, the process of digital transformation has
accelerated in recent years, as reflected in the expansion of digital infrastructure, e-
commerce, digital finance, and the application of technology in production and business
activities. However, an important question remains: what is the actual role of the digital
economy in promoting sustainable development? Does digital transformation merely
generate short-term economic growth, or can it also enhance productivity, improve
resource efficiency, and strengthen the economy’s resilience?
Addressing this research gap, the article focuses on analyzing the role of the digital
economy in sustainable development in Vietnam during the 2020–2025 period, using a
combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The study aims to provide empirical
evidence on the extent to which digital transformation and related factors contribute to
the achievement of sustainable development goals, thereby proposing appropriate policy
implications in the transition toward a green and digital growth model

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