Lesson 2: Untangling the knot to get to the heart of the matter.

Digital transformation at the grassroots level is entering a crucial phase, as the two-tiered local government model is being implemented simultaneously and the demand for better service to the people is increasing.

Expanding data infrastructure and virtual reality technology, enhancing support for digital transformation in agencies and businesses. (In the photo: Exhibition booth at Internet Day 2025)

Experience shows that if institutional, data, infrastructure, and human resource bottlenecks at the commune and ward levels are not promptly addressed, digital transformation will be difficult to achieve in a substantive way. This is not just a technological challenge, but a measure of governance capacity in the new development phase.

Where are the obstacles after restructuring the organization?

Representatives from various science and technology departments frankly pointed out that the difficulties in implementing digital transformation at the grassroots level today do not lie in a single step, but focus on three core bottlenecks: inconsistent institutional and coordination mechanisms; scattered and uninterconnected infrastructure and data; and a shortage of human resources, especially at the commune level, which have not kept pace with the new requirements in the context of strong decentralization and delegation of power.

Given the uneven development of information technology infrastructure, particularly in merged communes and wards, many localities still face difficulties in connecting data from the National Public Service Portal with the provincial-level public administration system; some outdated software and databases are redundant or have to be temporarily suspended, disrupting the electronic document processing process. Even in large cities with better infrastructure, the operation of the two-tiered local government model is not entirely smooth. In Da Nang , the large volume of procedures, coupled with incomplete data handover and inadequate professional training, has left local officials confused.

In other localities such as Tay Ninh, Can Tho , Dak Lak, Lam Dong, or northern provinces like Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, and Quang Ninh, the organizational structure has gradually stabilized after restructuring, but implementation capacity at the commune level remains a weak point. Along with infrastructure, the human resources issue continues to be a major bottleneck. In many localities, especially in remote areas, a team of specialized officials in information technology and digital transformation has not yet been formed. Many commune-level officials have been assigned new tasks but have not received proper training, and are still hesitant when handling areas requiring high technical skills.

Although Cao Bang province's two-tiered local government model has been operating stably, its vast territory, fragmented terrain, sparse population (approximately 95% ethnic minorities), limited telecommunications infrastructure, technological equipment, and low smartphone usage rates in remote areas have directly impacted the progress of digital transformation.

Ms. Nong Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Department of Science and Technology

According to Ms. Nong Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Cao Bang province, although the two-tiered local government model has been operating basically stably, the vast area, fragmented terrain, sparse population (approximately 95% ethnic minorities), along with limitations in telecommunications infrastructure, technological equipment, and the low smartphone usage rate in remote areas, have directly impacted the progress of digital transformation. The unclear decentralization and lack of specialized agencies continue to be obstacles in implementation at the grassroots level.

From a local perspective, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee Ho Quang Buu proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology coordinate with other ministries and agencies to review, improve, and effectively utilize national databases and shared databases of state agencies, and implement key tasks and solutions outlined in Decision No. 15665/QD-TTg dated July 18, 2025, of the Prime Minister on the plan to improve the quality of online public service delivery throughout the entire process; and provide data-driven digital services for citizens and businesses.

Untangling knots through mechanisms and enforcement capabilities.

Digital transformation has been identified as one of the three breakthrough pillars for national development according to Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, with an increasingly完善 legal framework from the central to the local level. In this new development phase, where data and technology become crucial production resources, the requirement is not only to continue improving institutions, but also to simultaneously remove barriers related to mechanisms, resources, and implementation capacity at the local level, so that digital transformation can go deeper and yield tangible results.

One of the major bottlenecks in recent times has been the financial mechanism for investment in information technology applications, causing many projects to fall behind schedule due to a lack of legal basis for content of a "digital" nature. The issuance of Circular No. 57/2025/TT-BKHCN by the Ministry of Science and Technology is considered a crucial adjustment, as it standardizes expenditure content throughout the entire lifecycle of information technology projects, applying to both development investment and recurrent expenditures; and clarifies the basis for data expenditures – considering data as a core "asset" of digital governance. This approach helps policies align with the realities of digital transformation, facilitating smoother project implementation and more efficient budget utilization.

In the initial stages of digital transformation implementation, many localities still felt hesitant due to a lack of specific guidance on spending procedures and resource allocation. According to the Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee, Pham Anh Tuan, the workload for the locality was enormous, while previous financial regulations were not truly "open" to the specific aspects of digital transformation. The issuance of Decree No. 265 and related guidelines has created a unified legal framework, helping localities to be more confident in organizing implementation.

From an implementation perspective, the Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Vu Hai Quan, emphasized the need to narrow the digital divide and ensure the principle of "leaving no one behind." With broadband infrastructure now covering over 99% of villages and hamlets, the focus should be on popularizing digital skills and tools, while ensuring data privacy and security so that people can effectively utilize digital platforms. Building on this foundation, all levels of government need to operate based on real-time data, apply artificial intelligence, and provide comprehensive, paperless, and personalized online public services, thereby shortening the gap between government and citizens; and simultaneously building digital trust in a safe, civilized, and people-centered cyberspace.

To standardize practices nationwide, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Consolidated Document No. 02/VBHNBKHCN, consolidating Circular No. 21 and Circular No. 11 on the information system for handling administrative procedures; thereby standardizing electronic documents, electronic forms, and digital signatures, synchronizing the results of administrative procedure processing; and simultaneously forming a platform for monitoring and evaluation based on real-time data, serving guidance and management in the context of digital transformation.

Based on practical surveys, the Ministry of Science and Technology proposes a key set of solutions including: perfecting the legal framework for decentralization and delegation of power; building a national digital architecture framework to unify standards for data connection and sharing; and strengthening digital skills training for commune and ward officials in a "practical" approach, prioritizing resources for the grassroots level. When institutions are streamlined, resources are allocated correctly, and implementation capacity is enhanced, digital transformation will truly become a pillar of reform, turning Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW from a policy into concrete results, linked to effective governance and quality of service to citizens and businesses.

TRA MY, BICH LIEN and ANH DAO

Source: https://nhandan.vn/bai-2-go-nut-that-de-di-vao-thuc-chat-post943037.html