Promoting sustainable business development in digital era

Against the backdrop of deeper global integration and rapid advances in science and technology, digital and green transformation have become key drivers of competitiveness and sustainable growth for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

An activity to introduce and guide enterprises and business establishments on utilizing digital banking utilities at a cashless payment fair held in Long Thanh Ward, Dong Nai City. Photo: Hai Quan

Authorities in Dong Nai City are introducing a wide range of initiatives to accelerate the integration of digital transformation and green transition, placing businesses at the center of development while promoting circular economy solutions and technology adoption to enhance competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability.

Optimizing production and supply chains

In recent times, municipal departments, agencies and local authorities have stepped up efforts to help businesses integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into production and business operations, enabling greater automation of management processes and optimization of production and supply chains. At the same time, authorities have expanded programs that connect businesses with preferential credit sources and financing packages designed for priority sectors, particularly SMEs seeking to adopt new technologies and expand production and business activities.

Despite encouraging results, experts note that digital economy growth among SMEs remains uneven. Most businesses are still at the basic stage of digital transformation, primarily using electronic invoices, digital signatures and online tax filing systems. As a result, stronger support is needed to help local enterprises adopt more advanced technologies such as AI, big data and automated green transition solutions.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Rector of Hong Bang International University, said innovation and digital transformation have evolved beyond development trends to become prerequisites for enhancing local competitiveness in the context of deepening international integration. With its strategic location, strong industrial and logistics base, extensive foreign direct investment (FDI) network and skilled workforce, Dong Nai possesses favorable conditions to become a regional innovation hub, she noted. Achieving this goal, however, requires a comprehensive approach in which government serves as an enabler, businesses are at the center of innovation, universities provide knowledge and technology, while communities and investors drive ecosystem development.

Dr. Le Van, Director of the Financial Technology Program at the Innovation Institute of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, proposed establishing regulatory sandboxes for digital business models, such as financial technology and data services, to provide a safe environment for testing innovative business models, fostering innovation and enabling businesses to differentiate themselves in the market. He added that comprehensive implementation of these solutions would help local SMEs reduce costs, strengthen digital capabilities and leadership, and adopt innovation, thereby increasing their competitiveness, improving operational efficiency, and building sustainable foundations for deeper integration into global value chains, while making greater contributions to the local digital economy.

Expanding business support programs

To ensure that science, technology, digital transformation and innovation become primary drivers of economic growth, municipal departments, agencies and local authorities will continue expanding programs designed to support local businesses, especially SMEs.

According to the Dong Nai City Department of Science and Technology, the department will continue coordinating with other departments and agencies to improve policies and institutional frameworks that support businesses in digital transformation, green transition and innovation. Among its priorities is advising and finalizing a draft resolution for submission to the City People's Council that would establish special mechanisms and incentive policies supporting the local innovation and startup ecosystem, while defining criteria, conditions and specific financial assistance levels for eligible projects. The department is also studying the plan to establish the Venture Capital Fund to mobilize private investment for green technology and AI development. Additionally, it plans to launch online innovation and entrepreneurship training courses through the city's “Digital Literacy for All”  platform to expand access to knowledge across the business community.

Speaking at a thematic seminar on "AI Applications and Innovation Ecosystem Linked with Digital and Green Transformation for Sustainable Business Development," held in early July 2026, Nguyen Minh Quang, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized that the department would continue working closely with relevant agencies to advise the City People's Committee on fine-tuning and issuing policies and mechanisms supporting SMEs and developing the city's startup and innovation ecosystem in line with the development strategy and plan of the City People's Committee.

Quang also encouraged local enterprises, particularly SMEs, to proactively embrace a new mindset, confidently apply criteria sets on internal capability assessment before making investment decisions to avoid waste, and make the most of available resources and support measures to enhance competitiveness in the digital era while accelerating their green transition.

By Hai Quan - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha