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Furthermore, the digital economy promotes the integration and more efficient use
of production factors, while easing traditional limitations associated with time and
geographic distance (Miao, 2021; Gao et al., 2022; Liang & Tan, 2024). As a result, it not
only stimulates economic expansion but also opens up opportunities to improve resource
efficiency, encourage innovation, and achieve sustainable development goals. In
Vietnam’s ongoing digital transformation, analyzing the link between the digital economy
and sustainable development is crucial for understanding its contribution to broader
socio-economic advancement. This study therefore seeks to explore this relationship by
employing a quantitative approach, specifically using econometric regression methods to
estimate and validate the proposed model and measure the impact of the digital
economy on sustainability outcomes. In this way, the research contributes to the existing
literature by offering new perspectives on how the digital economy can support
sustainable development, while also providing practical implications for Vietnam’s green
transition and regional development strategies.
2. Literature review
Research on the relationship between the digital economy and sustainable
development can generally be divided into two main strands.
First, numerous studies point to a positive link between the digital economy and
sustainable development outcomes. Zhang and Yin (2023) argue that the coordinated
progress of the digital economy and sustainable development goals can facilitate
economic recovery and growth, while highlighting the importance of local governments
adopting strategies that match their specific resources and development conditions.
Similarly, Lahouel et al. (2021) suggest that, with appropriate policy direction, the
integration of digital technologies and sustainable development objectives can stimulate
the growth of related industries, improve labor market flexibility, and support structural
transformation. In addition, a systematic review by Castro, Fernández, and Colsa (2021)
shows that technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence have strong potential
to contribute to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Secondly, numerous studies concentrate on examining the beneficial effects of the
digital economy on sustainable development. Ghobakhloo (2020) suggests that the digital
economy provides critical technological resources that improve operational efficiency and
support long-term development objectives. Empirical research also indicates that the
development of the digital economy can drive high-quality economic growth and enhance
the efficiency of resource allocation (Kong & Li, 2023). In addition, it shapes consumer
behavior and encourages sustainable consumption models through digital platforms and
financial technology solutions (Shi & Chen, 2023; Li, Cheng & Liu, 2023).
From a broader perspective, Yi et al. (2010) argue that investment in information
technology has a positive relationship with economic growth and creates knowledge
spillover effects that enable low-productivity countries to improve development
efficiency. Studies by Gao et al. (2022) and Niu et al. (2024) also show that the digital
economy contributes to improving economic efficiency, promoting industrial
restructuring, and strengthening the linkage between the digital economy and the real
economy. Studies by Nambisan et al., (2019); Sanders et al., (2019); Mishra et al., (2022)
indicate that the digital economy also helps optimize the fit between supply and demand,
while promoting the efficient allocation of factors of production, thereby fostering
sustainable growth.

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