Digital technology and data-based governance are the keys to deliver timely instructions or monitor implementation in the context of the nationwide administrative reform, said General Secretary To Lam on July 2.

He made the remarks at an online national conference reviewing the first six months of 2025 and setting out key tasks for the rest of the year, held by the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation.

According to the General Secretary, without digital transformation, the new two-tier government structure cannot function effectively.

Under the two-tier local government model, provincial leaders must directly manage hundreds of commune-level units, he said.

He said that digital transformation must serve as the central nervous system – the essential link between the provincial and commune levels – functioning as the data brain that enables timely analysis, early warnings, and effective decision-making.

Without this foundation, information bottlenecks would emerge, hindering service to citizens and businesses.

General Secretary To Lam praised the achievements of the Government, National Assembly, ministries, and localities in promoting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the first half of the year.

However, he noted that significant challenges remain. The issues identified are not limited to slow progress or missed deadlines, but include deeper problems in leadership thinking, coordination mechanisms, resource allocation, and political commitment at all levels.

He outlined eight key tasks for the coming period. First, leaders of Party bodies, ministries, and localities must uphold their responsibilities with strong political determination, persistence, and resolve to build public trust.

In particular, the Central Propaganda Department and the Central Mass Mobilization Commission must work with media agencies to launch public information campaigns explaining the breakthrough elements of the new Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation, especially its risk-tolerance mechanisms aimed at encouraging scientists, businesses, and citizens.

Second, on institutional reform, ministries must promptly issue sub-law documents guiding the implementation of newly adopted laws, ensuring everything is in place once the laws take effect.

Policies for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation must be introduced swiftly, and legal bottlenecks must be cleared within the year in line with the Politburo's directive.

Third, on the development of science and technology, ministries and localities must effectively implement the Strategic Action Plan for Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.

The Steering Committee's standing body must issue detailed guidelines and propose organizational models, submitting a report to the Committee by July 15, 2025.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is tasked with establishing criteria and regulations for managing and recruiting chief engineers and chief architects who will lead national strategic technology systems.

Relevant ministries should nominate outstanding candidates with the capacity and credibility to take on such roles.

The Ministries of Science and Technology, and Education and Training must propose mechanisms to encourage university-based startups and help commercialize research.

They are also asked to study models for next-generation technology universities.

In addition, the government aims to restructure scientific organizations and invest in building strong research institutions, to be completed by August 2025.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will also lead a nationwide review of laboratories and propose a plan for policy development, investment coordination, and effective use of shared research infrastructure to avoid redundancy and waste.

Interdisciplinary teams will be established to help Vietnamese enterprises seek out, negotiate, and acquire foreign technology firms with intellectual property and key know-how, with proposals due by August 2025.

Relevant ministries must also advance the application of strategic technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, big data, robotics, biomedical technologies, and cybersecurity. Progress reports must be submitted monthly to the Steering Committee.

All members of the Central Steering Committee are expected to strengthen oversight and guide the implementation of the strategic action plan across their assigned sectors, ensuring progress and impact.

Fourth, on national digital transformation, ministries and localities must strictly adhere to the approved timelines.

A new approach to data governance focused on performance and value creation is required.

The Ministry of Public Security will lead the effort to develop and propose breakthrough mechanisms for managing national data, based on the principles of accurate, complete, clean, and live data.

This includes ensuring seamless connectivity across systems to create measurable benefits.

The ministry must also complete and launch the national data center and related databases on schedule.

Ministries, central agencies, and local authorities must connect and share data, streamline administrative procedures, and reuse information to deliver better online public services, support economic development, and strengthen national defense and security.

Monthly progress reports must be submitted to the Standing Committee.

The Ministry of Science and Technology must accelerate the rollout of nationwide 5G infrastructure and internet coverage, prioritizing underserved rural, border, and island areas to eliminate digital black spots.

Fifth, on human resources, the General Secretary tasked the Ministries of Home Affairs, Science and Technology, Education and Training, and Finance with drafting policies to attract and develop scientific and technological talent, both domestically and abroad, particularly in strategic industries.

The deadline for completion is August 2025.

The Ministry of Science and Technology must also prepare a proposal to identify and promote top experts who can drive national efforts in science, innovation, and digital transformation.

Sixth, on funding, the Ministries of Finance and Science and Technology must propose budget allocations aligned with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and issue guidance to ministries and provinces on submitting funding requests.

Resources must be prioritized for high-impact, breakthrough projects, including key labs and strategic technologies, while eliminating scattered or superficial programs.

Local governments are urged to prioritize digital transformation investments that support the two-tier government model.

Seventh, on security and safety, the General Secretary emphasized the importance of protecting national and personal data, intellectual property, and legal compliance.

He called on all citizens and businesses to be aware of their responsibilities and for professional agencies to provide effective support.

Eighth, all relevant ministries and agencies must ensure the effective operation of three digital platforms that support the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW: the Communist Party of Vietnam's information portal, the resolution monitoring and evaluation system, and the platform for submitting feedback and policy proposals in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

General Secretary To Lam concluded by urging all Steering Committee members, ministers, and provincial Party secretaries to uphold their responsibilities, monitor progress, and ensure tasks are implemented on time and with real results.

He called on the nation to turn challenges into opportunities and transform determination into concrete action to foster rapid, sustainable development rooted in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.