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promote long-term economic growth. Moreover, the digital economy fosters innovation by
enabling the development of new business models, startup ecosystems, and platform-
based economic models. In this regard, innovation is a core driver of long-term sustainable
growth.
Regarding the social pillar: The digital economy promotes financial inclusion
through digital payments and Fintech, thereby expanding access to financial services and
reducing transaction costs, especially for small businesses. This contributes to reducing
inequality and increasing the economic participation of vulnerable groups. The digital
economy also broadens access to education and employment. Digital transformation
enables online learning, enhances digital skills, and creates new jobs within the platform
economy. It can improve the Human Development Index (HDI) by enhancing education
quality and income levels, while also strengthening transparent governance. Digital
government initiatives increase information transparency, reduce corruption, and
improve public administration efficiency, thereby contributing to sustainable institutional
development.
Regarding the environmental pillar: Digital technologies support smart energy
management, optimize logistics, reduce fuel consumption, and facilitate smart
manufacturing, real-time environmental monitoring, and smart city development. The
Internet of Things (IoT) and big data technologies enable more effective pollution control
and environmental management.

Economic Social Environmental

Growth and Financial inclusion Optimizing resource
productivity utilization

Expanding access to
Promoting green
Innovation education and economic models
employment

Transparent
governance

Figure 2. The role of the digital economy in sustainable development
Source: Compiled by the author
2.4. Literature review
Tran Đang Khoa (2025), in the article “The Impact of the Digital Economy on
Productivity and Sustainable Development in Vietnamese Agriculture,” argues that the
digital economy plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and production
efficiency through the application of modern technologies. Phan Nhan Trung (2024), in
“The State's Role of Digital Economy and Economic Innovation in Vietnam,” emphasizes
that government involvement in building digital infrastructure, developing human
resources, and establishing supportive legal frameworks has a significant impact on the
development of the digital economy. Environmental and social welfare issues in the
context of Industry 4.0 are also considered important, requiring balanced policies
between technological advancement, sustainable practices, and labor market adaptation.
The State Bank of Vietnam (2023), in “Digital Economy and Sustainable Development:

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