Traditional methods and digitalization

The determination to pursue digital transformation is not merely a political will, but has been institutionalized into a draft law, replacing the 2006 Information Technology Law, regulating new social relationships arising during the digital transformation process, including digital government, digital economy, and digital society. This law is expected to be considered and enacted by the National Assembly at its October session.

In particular, the public sector, often seen as lagging behind the demands of change, has occupied a significant position in the draft. The Law on Digital Transformation has outlined a specific roadmap for creating a truly service-oriented digital government .

Identifying digital transformation as a top strategic breakthrough, with citizens and businesses at the center, as the subjects and driving force of this process, the draft clearly states that state agencies are responsible for developing public services in the digital environment based on the needs and experiences of citizens and businesses; prioritizing electronic transactions, easy access, multi-channel and multi-device support, minimizing the number of steps and operations to complete transactions. Policies, programs, projects, and digital public services must involve end-user participation (through public consultation, online surveys, testing, and independent evaluation). State agencies are responsible for operating a real-time user feedback system and integrating data on the quality of public services for continuous improvement.

Article 13 of the draft also stipulates that all activities of state agencies shall be prioritized to be carried out in the digital environment, according to the principle "digital is the default, paper is the exception"; ensuring that services are designed and implemented with a completely digital mindset from the outset, reducing administrative burdens and increasing processing speed. Furthermore, state agencies must organize the construction, maintenance, and development of digital data to ensure safety and security, creating a solid foundation for the management and operation of public services in the digital environment.

This enables evidence-based decision-making, improves operational efficiency, and provides better public services. Government agencies are also responsible for publicly disclosing data to support digital transformation in accordance with data laws. This principle promotes transparency and data accessibility, enabling citizens and businesses to use information to make informed decisions and participate in the development process…

A comprehensive and progressive legal framework is about to open, but the biggest question remains: Will the civil service, citizens, and businesses be able to adapt quickly enough to meet and realize the expectations of the law? Will civil servants be ready to abandon their old ways of working, accustomed to paperwork and manual processes, to move to a more transparent and efficient digital working environment?

Conversely, the law grants citizens new powers in the digital environment, such as the right to know and intervene in the automated decisions of AI algorithms that affect them. But do citizens have the digital capacity to understand and exercise these rights, or do they only use them passively? From the business perspective, controlled testing is a great "gateway" for innovation. However, do businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, have the boldness to step through that door, or will they remain stuck in old, haphazard business practices?

A law, however perfect, will remain merely on paper if it lacks the necessary and sufficient conditions for implementation. To achieve the goals of the Digital Transformation Law, focus should be placed on three main pillars: investing in people; building and strengthening digital trust; and strongly promoting a culture of daring to experiment and innovate. A controlled testing mechanism needs to be concretized with clear guidelines and streamlined processes to encourage a culture of daring to act and increase the chances of success for new models.

ANH THU

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/le-loi-cu-va-so-hoa-post810705.html