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process risks stalling at a superficial level of application, lacking depth and struggling to
generate high value-added.
In the new era of development, where data and knowledge are regarded as
strategic resources on par with capital and natural resources, the development of digital
human resources goes beyond the objective of employment generation. It is directly
linked to long-term national development strategies. The challenge is not only to train a
sufficient quantity of technological workers but also to enhance the quality, structure and
adaptability of the workforce in a rapidly digitizing environment. Therefore, a systematic
study of the theoretical basis, roles, current situation and solutions for developing digital
human resources in Vietnam holds significant importance from both scientific and policy
perspectives. It contributes to the development of a framework for analyzing digital
human resources and providing practical evidence to support policy planning for digital
economic development in Vietnam.
2. Theoretical basis of digital human resources
2.1. Endogenous growth theory
The endogenous growth theory [1] posits that long-term economic growth is
determined by factors internal to the economy, particularly human capital, knowledge,
innovation and institutions, rather than relying solely on exogenous factors such as
external technological progress. According to this theory, knowledge and technology are
the products of purposeful investment, specifically investment in education, R&D and
skills training. Through spillover effects, knowledge generates increasing returns to scale,
enabling the economy to sustain long-term growth without being constrained by the law
of diminishing returns associated with physical capital. Human capital is the center of
growth, as humans are both the creators of knowledge and the agents who transform
knowledge into productivity.
In the context of digital economy development, the endogenous growth theory
clearly explains: The digital economy is based on data, digital technology, artificial
intelligence and continuous innovation-elements that are not exogenous but are
generated from the quality of digital human resources. Human resources equipped with
digital skills, creative thinking and innovative capacity constitute the endogenous driving
force that boosts productivity and shapes new business models. Investing in the
development of workers' digital skills and R&D capabilities will enhance personal income
while simultaneously creating spillover effects that increase the productivity of the entire
economy. Consequently, in the digital economy, human resources are not merely an
input factor but the decisive element for the pace and quality of long-term growth,
ensuring sustainable development based on knowledge and innovation.
2.2. Human capital theory and the transition to digital human resources
Human Capital Theory asserts that human beings are a special form of capital, in
which investment in education, training, and skill development will create higher labor
productivity and promote economic growth [3]. According to this approach, the
knowledge, skills, and capabilities of workers are not only the result of individual
accumulation but also a strategic national resource.
In the context of the knowledge economy and digital transformation, human capital
theory is expanded to emphasize the role of competencies associated with digital
technology. The rapid development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data,
cloud computing, and digital platforms has changed the structure of traditional human
capital. While previously, human capital was mainly measured through educational

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