Application of science, technology, and digital transformation in the field of cultural heritage.

The government has recently issued Decree 308/2025/ND-CP, which details and guides the implementation of the Law on Cultural Heritage. This decree emphasizes the need to accelerate digital transformation and apply science and technology in the management, preservation, and promotion of heritage values. The decree aims to modernize state management activities while expanding access to heritage for citizens and tourists through digital platforms.

According to the Decree, digital transformation activities in the field of cultural heritage include building and operating a national information system and database on heritage; standardizing digital data; and creating datasets to serve the communication and promotion of heritage in the electronic environment. These activities must ensure the integrity and originality of the heritage and comply with the rights of the owner or managing unit. The technical infrastructure used for digitization must meet requirements for safety, security, interoperability, and stable operation on digital platforms.

The decree requires that digital data accurately reflect the characteristics, values, and important elements of heritage according to standards in data collection and digitization. The digitization, storage, and exploitation of data must be carried out synchronously from the central to local levels, prioritizing open-source technology solutions and domestic software. Ministries, sectors, and localities must ensure resources for building, updating, and maintaining databases to serve the management, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage values.

A key aspect emphasized in the Decree is the establishment of a national database on cultural heritage. This database aims to store, manage, and utilize information about heritage in an electronic environment, ensuring compliance with regulations on data, electronic transactions, and technical standards. The information in the database must be accurate, secure, easy to use, and interconnected with other data systems to effectively manage and improve access to heritage.

The decree also clearly stipulates the research and development of technical standards related to the application of science , technology, and innovation in the interpretation, display, preservation, restoration, and practice of cultural heritage. Projects involving the conversion between paper documents and digital data must be approved by specialized agencies, especially for UNESCO heritage sites, special national monuments, national treasures, and provincial-level heritage lists.

One notable aspect is the encouragement of developing innovative technological products to enhance heritage values, such as interactive games, films, music , and smart applications. Exploration and monitoring of heritage sites using technology, as well as environmental monitoring of storage facilities and exhibition spaces, are also encouraged to improve conservation quality.

The decree clearly outlines the enhancement of applications serving visitors, including automated audio guides, online guides, digital exhibitions, and interactive applications to improve the visitor experience. These solutions are expected to expand access to heritage sites, particularly supporting people with disabilities and international tourists through a multilingual system.

Heritage education activities have also been innovated to combine in-person visits with online learning platforms, helping students access knowledge about heritage in a more engaging, friendly, and flexible way.

Decree 308/2025/ND-CP will take effect from January 15, 2026, ushering in a new phase in the digital transformation of the cultural heritage sector, contributing to sustainable preservation and bringing heritage values ​​closer to the community.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/ung-dung-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-va-chuyen-doi-so-trong-linh-vuc-di-san-van-hoa-197251211135411017.htm