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Digital transformation in Vietnamese enterprises: a large gap between expectations and reality

The digital transformation process in Vietnamese enterprises faces many challenges, creating a large gap between expectations and reality. The survey shows that more than 2/3 of enterprises have not really caught up, still at the basic application level. The main barriers come from leadership awareness, lack of a clear roadmap and staff's fear of change. The key to success lies in the mindset and determination of the entire team.

Bộ Khoa học và Công nghệBộ Khoa học và Công nghệ19/10/2025

Current status and main barriers

According to a recent national survey conducted by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in collaboration with the Department of Digital Economy and Society ( Ministry of Science and Technology ), the digital transformation process in Vietnam still faces many challenges. Currently, more than 5% of businesses have not yet started digital transformation. Notably, up to 69% of businesses have only approached digital transformation at the basic application level such as using email or accounting software. This means that more than 2/3 of businesses in Vietnam have not really caught up with this inevitable process.

One of the biggest barriers is the awareness and determination of business leaders, as well as the support of employees in the system. Besides, many businesses do not know where to start digital transformation and how to start. The market has many solutions, but businesses are confused in finding the right tool to meet their needs, making it impossible for them to find a way out.

Chuyển đổi số ở doanh nghiệp Việt: khoảng cách lớn giữa kỳ vọng và thực tiễn - Ảnh 1.

Illustration photo.

In reality, many businesses have begun digital transformation but are still applying technology in a fragmented manner. For example, one business uses up to 5 separate software, along with complex procedures, making the system unsynchronized and difficult to manage overall.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Duc - General Director of ICOLanguage Joint Stock Company shared: "Using multiple software will generate more problems and take more time. Because the software is not connected to each other, a customer may have to enter information at least twice."

Instead of building an overall strategy, many businesses only look for tools to handle the immediate problems of each department, leading to an unsynchronized and ineffective system. Not only that, the barrier also comes from the hesitant and fear of change of a part of the human resources when they feel that digital transformation is too difficult.

The biggest obstacle that makes businesses hesitant is the lack of a clear roadmap. The lack of direction makes every experimental investment risky and a waste of resources, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that are already limited in finance and human resources.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thu Giang - Vice President, General Secretary of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association: "Digital transformation is not really a story of technology, but a story of how people respond to change and see the benefits. In the early stages, we may only see very small changes, but in the long run, the benefits and efficiency will grow bigger and bigger."

In addition, the problem of the shortage of personnel with technical expertise to operate and find suitable technology solutions is also a big challenge. Businesses always have to balance benefits and costs. When labor costs are still cheap and competitive pressure in the market is not strong enough, businesses do not have a strong motivation to join the digital economy . Obstacles in initial investment costs and operating costs, while profit margins are low, also make many small businesses and businesses hesitate.

Finally, the risk of cybersecurity and business data leakage when moving all activities to the digital environment is also a big concern.

Solutions and directions for the future

Currently, in Vietnam, there are many types of businesses, most of which are small, micro-enterprises and business households. Many of these units, such as a noodle shop, a coffee shop, etc., are also considered the "blood vessels" of the economy, but it is difficult to talk about "digital transformation" immediately due to the specific consumer culture of Vietnamese people who still prefer real-life experiences.

According to Mr. Nguyen Kim Hung - Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the delay in digital transformation will cause businesses to face many risks in the current competitive context. Because the law of competition does not wait for anyone.

"Digital transformation is inevitable and natural, and it is the number one competitive advantage in a business's development strategy," Mr. Hung affirmed.

Experts also believe that the problem does not lie in asking businesses what to do, because they are the ones who invest money in business. Instead, the core is to create an environment, an institution that leads to equality, transparency and competition. The most fundamental solution is to change the mindset of business owners and the entire human resources system.

At the same time, it is necessary to encourage and promote businesses to want transparency and a fair competitive environment. Then, digital transformation will take place naturally in every corner and breath of business activities of the enterprise...

Along with that, to overcome current barriers, businesses need to build a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap, focusing on both technology and people. Investing in training for employees to master digital tools and reduce fear of change will help increase implementation efficiency. At the same time, choosing integrated technology solutions that can connect between departments is the key to limiting fragmentation and ensuring consistency in management.

In addition to internal efforts, businesses should also take advantage of support policies from the Government , industry associations and innovation funds to reduce the burden of initial costs. Building a solid cybersecurity strategy, along with a transparent corporate culture and fair competition, will create trust for customers and encourage the entire collective to join.

The digital transformation journey is therefore no longer a choice, but has become a mandatory requirement, in which success depends most on the innovative thinking and pioneering role of the leader.

According to Economic and Urban Newspaper

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/chuyen-doi-so-o-doanh-nghiep-viet-khoang-cach-lon-giua-ky-vong-va-thuc-tien-197251019185414655.htm


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