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| A seminar discussing the nurturing of talents in the era of AI and blockchain at Da Nang Architecture University__Photo: Quoc Dung/VNA |
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is changing the mankind’s socio-economic activities. Many countries around the world have been adopting and implementing different policies to take the initiative in utilizing benefits brought about by such emerging technologies as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, cloud computing technology, big data technology, etc., in order to promote their economic development, raise their competitiveness and tackle existing problems caused by the development process.
In this context, the Party and Government of Vietnam have set out orientations for formulation of policies to proactively take part in Industry 4.0. For instance, the 13th National Party Congress expressed in its Documents that it is needed to apply and develop new technologies, giving priority to digital technologies, 5G and post-5G connection, AI, blockchain, 3D printing, Internet of Things (IoT), cyber security, clean energy and environmental technologies, in order to transform and improve productivity and efficiency of the national economy. The Party Central Committee’s Resolution 29-NQ/TW dated November 17, 2022, on continued acceleration of national industrialization and modernization through 2030, with a vision toward 2045, put forth the viewpoint that digital transformation is a breakthrough approach to shorten the industrialization and modernization process. Later, Government Resolution 01/NQ-CP dated January 6, 2023, set forth the task of formulating and promulgating the National Strategy for application and development of blockchain technology.
In light of this, on October 22, 2024, the Prime Minister issued Decision 1236/QD-TTg, promulgating the National Strategy for application and development of blockchain technology through 2025, with orientations toward 2030 (the Strategy). The Strategy’s objectives are to formulate the Government’s general policy framework to direct the development and application of blockchain technology through 2030, emphasizing the importance of blockchain technology in the development of digital technology industry and digital economy and the process of national digital transformation, and setting forth targets as well as solutions and tasks of government agencies and related agencies.
Blockchain technology development goals
The Strategy’s specific targets through 2025 include laying a foundation for development of blockchain technology; and forming Vietnam’s blockchain infrastructure in compliance with relevant regulations on cyberinformation security, cyber security and personal data protection to serve the development, operation and maintenance of blockchain applications. These are expected to facilitate the interaction, integration and sharing among blockchains; and support the state management of blockchain technology development and application.
It is planned to promote blockchain technology research, development and application at three national innovation centers; build and upgrade 10 research and training institutions in order to formulate a strategy for development of human resources for blockchain technology. At the same time, blockchain technology knowledge will be incorporated in training curricula of universities, colleges, vocation schools and research institutions.
In order to intensify the application of blockchain technology, it is necessary to select and form at least one center/special zone/location for blockchain testing in order to form the national blockchain network, giving priority to units experienced in organizing blockchain networks in localities.
Moreover, it is expected to form a “blockchain+” ecosystem through applying blockchain technology in such sectors as finance-banking, transport, health, education and training, commerce, logistics, post services, industrial production, energy, tourism, agriculture, and public service provision, among others.
By 2030, as stated in the Strategy, Vietnam will be among the leading countries in the region and gain an international ranking in blockchain technology research, application and utilization. The country will also become capable of mastering and applying blockchain technology in all socio-economic activities so as to turn itself into a stable and prosperous digital nation.
The Strategy says that national blockchain infrastructure will be consolidated and expanded to provide services both domestically and overseas, and standards on blockchain application and development in Vietnam will be set out.
Vietnam will be ranked among top countries in the region and the world in blockchain research, application and development. It will strive for building 20 regionally prestigious blockchain brands in terms of blockchain technology-based platforms, products and services.
The country will be capable of maintaining the operation of at least three centers/special zones for blockchain technology testing in major cities in order to form the national blockchain network. It also expects to have its representative(s) ranked among the top 10 blockchain training and research institutions in Asia.
Tasks and solutions for facilitating blockchain technology application and development
Improving legal framework
In order to realize the above-mentioned objectives, one of the tasks and solutions set forth by the Strategy is to build and improve a legal framework aimed at creating a favorable environment for blockchain technology application and development. This covers reviewing and evaluating impacts of the current legal framework on blockchain solutions and applications; and studying and formulating policies and standards on blockchain platforms, products, applications and services, so as to ensure interconnectivity and openness of parties to blockchain technology-based transactions.
The Strategy proposes setting out more blockchain technology guidelines and adjustments thereof, while heightening the effect of regulations on management of blockchain technology in order to promote the safe and reliable development of blockchain technology.
Forming blockchain industry ecosystems
As outlined in the Strategy, Vietnam’s blockchain infrastructure will be built and developed for multiple purposes in compliance with relevant regulations on cyberinformation security, cyber security and personal data protection, thereby achieving multiple objectives and intensifying blockchain application and development in Vietnam.
The Strategy points to the need to formulate a mechanism for management, use and development of platforms for administration and operation of blockchain infrastructure systems in Vietnam and develop “Make in Vietnam” blockchain platforms. At the same time, authorities should establish mechanisms for operation of, and interaction and interconnection among, different types of blockchain networks operating on the basis of Vietnam’s blockchain infrastructure.
Blockchain industry will be developed in association with policies on development of digital technology industry and digital transformation, with a view to creating a driving force for acceleration of national industrialization and modernization.
Moreover, it is necessary to accelerate the integration of blockchain technology applications and advanced technologies brought about by Industry 4.0, such as AI, big data, IoT, etc., simultaneously with the intensified development and application of products and services imbued with applied blockchain technology.
Information technology parks will be developed in order to create spaces for formation of ecosystems for blockchain industry and digital technology industry development. Additionally, it is proposed to boost the building of centers for incubation and attraction of investment for development of digital technology enterprises in the field of blockchain. Meanwhile, it is required to roll out solutions to mobilize domestic and overseas investment capital for development of blockchain enterprises and brands in Vietnam.
Furthermore, Vietnamese digital technology enterprises will be rallied to build blockchain platforms, aiming to promote the sharing of information and building of their internal strength for competition with foreign rivals.
Developing human resources for blockchain industry
Higher education institutions should review their training programs for including the content on blockchain technology in appropriate training disciplines. Priority will be given to overseas training of doctoral-degree lecturers specialized in blockchain technology. Meanwhile, education and training institutions will be encouraged to provide more massive open online courses on blockchain technology.
At the same time, the Strategy proposes organizing training programs for talented people who will act as senior leaders, particularly in the sectors where potential and advantages of blockchain technology can be applied, such as finance and financial technology (fintech). In addition, training institutions should organize various forms of training courses on blockchain platforms and blockchain platform-based services for officials, entrepreneurs and people.
Other solutions include promoting blockchain technology application and market development and boosting research, innovation and international cooperation concerning blockchain technology.-
