Indispensable role of digital technology in effective public administration

At the 8th annual Nordic seminar “Advancing Leadership in Public Administration, Effective Governance, Innovation and Digital Transformation: Nordic countries and Vietnamese Experience,” Associate Professor, Dr. Dương Trung Ý, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, emphasized that Vietnam is at an important stage of development, aiming to become a high-income country by 2045. To achieve this goal, General Secretary To Lam has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive administrative reform, enhancing leadership capacity, and accelerating digital transformation in the public sector. These reforms will help Vietnam’s public administration better meet the needs and expectations of the people, thereby strengthening public trust and accountability in state governance.

“We are living in a world full of revolutionary changes; the development of science, technology, and digital transformation is creating profound changes in all aspects of economic and social life. Innovation and digital transformation in leadership and public administration are key drivers of fast, efficient, and sustainable development of each nation,” Y said.

At the seminar “Advancing Leadership in Public Administration, Effective Governance, Innovation and Digital Transformation: Nordic countries and Vietnamese Experience”

He also shared that Nordic countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, are highly-developed market economies, with high per capita income, guaranteed social equality and welfare, and are always ranked among the top 10 happiest countries in the world. They have become models of transparent, efficient, and sustainable public administration.

The success of these countries comes not only from their superior public policy system but also from strategic leadership, long-term vision, and the capability to apply digital technology in state management. The Nordic development model has similarities with the model that Vietnam is pursuing, which promotes the state’s role in regulating the market economy, focusing on social security, welfare, equality, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“The experience in national leadership and governance that emphasizes innovation, digital transformation, and efficiency for sustainable development in the Nordic model is highly beneficial for Vietnam in the current context, especially in implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo, contributing to accelerating Vietnam’s breakthrough development in the new era - the era of the nation’s rise,” Dr. Duong Trung Y added.

At the seminar, Finnish Ambassador Keijo Norvanto also shared that Nordic countries have long been recognized globally for their efficient and adaptivity-based governance systems, offering valuable lessons in innovation, transparency, and building public trust.

Among them, Sweden, with its decentralized governance system, is a model of inclusivity and innovation, especially in digital transformation and inter-sectorial cooperation. “Governance is most effective when it is inclusive, innovative, and people-centered,” stated Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi.

For many years, Denmark has held the leading position in e-Government globally. Meanwhile, Finland’s success lies in being a pioneer in decentralization and fostering innovation, thereby creating a sustainable governance system that places people at the center. “Public administration is the foundation of society,” emphasized Finnish Ambassador Keijo Norvanto.

Ambassador Keijo Norvanto highlighted how decentralized management and the culture of innovation have enabled his country to build a resilient, adaptable governance system generating tangible benefits for the people. He hopes that these lessons will inspire future leadership and governance approaches in Vietnam.

Norway focuses on balancing the central government and local governments, while encouraging public participation to build a more inclusive and flexible governance system.