Promoting technology application in collective economy

The application of technology in production is proving to be a pivotal factor for cooperatives in enhancing productivity, product value, and services that better meet the evolving demands and preferences of consumers.

In Dong Nai, over the past period, the provincial Cooperative Alliance has consistently organized training sessions, workshops, and support programs to help local cooperatives and people's credit funds access emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Representatives of cooperatives and people's credit funds attended thematic conference on "AI Application Skills Training for Cooperatives and People's Credit Funds" held in Dong Nai in June 2025.

Proactive efforts to apply AI in production

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution gains strong momentum, AI has emerged as a foundational technology with the potential to transform how organizations produce, manage, and deliver services across sectors. Notably, AI is being increasingly refined and adopted to boost productivity, support effective management and decision-making, particularly in finance, agriculture, and enterprise operations. This aligns closely with the practical needs of the collective economic sector and cooperatives.

Director Pham Van Tho of Tri Duc Thang cooperative in Phuoc Tan ward shared that his unit specializes in manufacturing shoe sole molds using CNC machines. For this reason, applying technology in production has long been a key priority to meet the rising demands of customers. The cooperative is now exploring 3D printing technology and aims to integrate AI into its operations to enhance both productivity and product quality.

While cooperatives and credit funds play an important role in generating employment and driving local economic development, they still face numerous challenges, from accessing information and managing data, to improving service quality and expanding market reach. In reality, many cooperatives and people’s credit funds are still struggling to effectively leverage new technologies, including AI, mainly due to limited resources, lack of information, insufficient skills, and the absence of specific tools for implementation.

Consequently, there is growing demand among cooperatives and people's credit funds in the province for more training programs to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in applying technology in general, and AI in particular, into their production and business activities.

Director Tran Quy of Vietnam Institute for Digital Economic Development (VIDE) emphasized that using AI to support cooperative activities is not only appropriate but necessary in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape. However, to utilize AI effectively, cooperatives must first understand what AI actually is, which tools are suitable, and which approaches align with their business strategies. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the real value lies in innovation and scientific application, allowing businesses and cooperatives to tailor their products and services in line with market trends.

According to experts, AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a practical tool that can empower businesses and cooperatives to accelerate growth. When properly deployed, aligned with available resources, goals, and operational context, AI can become a strategic asset to enhance competitiveness, streamline operations, and deliver real benefits to enterprises and cooperatives.

Scaling up training to meet real needs

Digital technology, including AI applications, offers cooperatives and credit funds highly practical tools, not only for managing production but also for overseeing human resources, analyzing customer behavior, and managing risks.

In late June, the Dong Nai Cooperative Alliance organized a specialized training conference focused on enhancing AI application skills for cooperatives and credit funds across the province. The session aimed to supplement participants' knowledge and equip them with tools to leverage AI, thereby improving competitiveness and optimizing operations. The long-term goal is to foster concrete steps toward integrating advanced technologies, especially AI, into production, business, finance, and organizational management.

According to Mr. Do Phuoc Dung, a representative of the Dong Nai Cooperative Alliance, artificial intelligence, when combined with broader digital transformation solutions, will be a vital key not only for survival, but for sustainable growth among cooperatives and credit funds in the future.

Deploying AI is not solely a technological task. It requires a shift in mindset, a willingness to learn, and the capacity to adapt. The Dong Nai Cooperative Alliance will coordinate with local departments, agencies, and related units to help cooperatives and credit funds truly understand the value of AI. Only then they overcome initial barriers and move toward meaningful integration of technology into their daily operations.

“We will continue to assess actual needs and design more tailored support programs, covering digital transformation, AI application, in-depth training, and technology partnerships, so that cooperatives and credit funds across the province can move forward with confidence,” Mr. Dung affirmed.

Reported by H.Q