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Empirical studies further reinforce these conclusions. An et al. (2024) demonstrate
that the digital economy has a positive and statistically significant impact on sustainable
development based on regression analysis and robustness tests. This result is consistent
with the findings of Zhang (2022) and Xu et al. (2023), who confirm that digital economy
development improves growth quality and supports the achievement of sustainable
development goals. Additionally, Savchenko and Borodina (2020) emphasize the role of
digital solutions in advancing sustainable development goals, especially in the context of
urban development.
According to the study by An et al. (2024), based on regression analysis and
reliability tests, the digital economy exerts a beneficial and statistically significant
influence on sustainable development. This finding aligns with the results reported by
Zhang (2022) and Xu et al. (2023), who likewise confirmed that the expansion of the
digital economy enhances growth quality and facilitates the attainment of sustainable
development goals. Furthermore, Savchenko and Borodina (2020) emphasized the role of
digital solutions in promoting sustainable development goals, especially in the context of
urban development.
Overall, the literature suggests that the digital economy is closely linked to
sustainable development and exerts a positive influence by enhancing the efficiency of
resource allocation, fostering technological innovation, optimizing economic structures,
transforming economic activities, and advancing long-term development objectives.
However, most empirical studies are mainly concentrated in specific nations or regions
such as China and developed economies, while evidence from developing countries
remains relatively limited.
In Vietnam, although digital transformation has accelerated and the digital economy
is playing an increasingly important role in driving economic growth, quantitative
research exploring its relationship with sustainable development remains limited. Notably,
there is a shortage of empirical studies evaluating the extent to which the digital economy
influences sustainable development within the Vietnamese context.
Therefore, examining the link between the digital economy and sustainable
development in Vietnam is essential to address this research gap, provide empirical
evidence for the field, and better elucidate the role of the digital economy in the
country’s sustainable socio-economic development trajectory.
3. Research model and hypotheses
3.1. Research model
Based on the literature review, the authors construct a set of indicators to measure
the development of the digital economy, including: number of telephone subscribers,
number of mobile subscribers within total telephone subscribers, number of fixed
broadband internet subscribers (ADSL), and telecommunications revenue. Sustainable
development is measured using a range of socio-economic and environmental indicators,
such as per capita disposable income (urban and rural), GDP per capita, consumption as a
share of regional GDP, wastewater treatment rates, non-hazardous waste treatment rates,
water supply and waste management activities, forest coverage, and daily solid waste
treatment. In addition to examining the impact of digital economy development on green
economic development, the authors also propose several control variables, including:
scientific research and innovation development, business environment, human capital,
and economic growth.

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