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through efficient capital allocation, reduced information asymmetry, and support for
innovation. Fintech expands financial inclusion, contributes to poverty reduction,
supports SMEs, and enhances social inclusion. Financial inclusion theory identifies Fintech
as enabling vulnerable groups to access digital payments, microcredit, and e-wallets.
These elements positively affect SDGs 1, 8, and 9.
3. Research methodology
This study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to clarify the
research objectives. The qualitative method is employed to examine the current state of
the digital economy in promoting sustainable development in Vietnam, thereby
highlighting the role of the digital economy during the 2020–2025 period. The
quantitative method is used to test the measurement scales and the proposed research
model of digital economy factors affecting sustainable development. The scales and the
model are evaluated using the following tools: Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test,
Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and linear regression analysis. The research results are
based on a survey of 300 respondents, including managers and economic experts in
Vietnam. The survey was conducted from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
4. Research results
4.1. The current situation of the digital economy in sustainable development in
Vietnam
Overall, the current state of the digital economy in sustainable development in
Vietnam is illustrated through the data presented in the following table:
Table 1. Indicators of Vietnam’s digital economy development in sustainable
development (period 2020–2025)
Digital ICT revenue Internet usage DTI ( Digital E-commerce
Year economy share (billion rate of the Transformation revenue
of GDP (%) USD) population (%) Index) (%) (billion USD)
2020 12,66 120 70 30,26 11,8
2021 12,87 136 70,3 40,14 13,2
2022 12,83 148 73,2 57,87 16,4
2023 12,87 152,7 79,1 67,83 20,5
2024 13,17 165,9 79,1 79,55 25
Forecast 2025 20 198 78,8 Top 50 EGDI 52
Source: Ministry of Information and Communications (DTI, ICT, digital economy);
General Statistics Office (Internet); Ministry of Industry and Trade (E-commerce); United
Nations (EGDI)
The current development of the digital economy in Vietnam, in terms of the trend
of expanding its scale, shows that the digital economy’s share of GDP during the 2020–
2024 period increased slowly and remained relatively stable, rising by only about 0.5%
over four years (from 12.66% in 2020 to 13.17% in 2024). During this period, although the
digital economy grew, it had not yet played a dominant role in the GDP structure.
However, the forecast for 2025 indicates a sharp increase to 20%, reflecting strong
expectations for a significant breakthrough. If this target is achieved, Vietnam will enter a
phase of substantial structural transformation toward a digital economy. This aligns with
the national digital transformation strategy, helping to enhance productivity, improve
resource efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and contribute to SDG 8 – sustainable
economic growth.

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