Building a foundation for shared data

In the digital economy, data is playing an increasingly important role in governance, forecasting and innovation. Yet data can hardly generate value when it remains fragmented across separate systems, lacks standardisation and is not supported by appropriate mechanisms for connectivity and sharing. The gap between “having data” and “turning data into value” therefore remains considerable.

The National Digital Architecture Framework Version 1.0, recently issued by the Prime Minister, provides the basis for developing digital infrastructure, digital platforms, databases and digital services. The framework seeks to ensure consistency, connectivity, interoperability and shared use, while building on existing components and minimising fragmented, overlapping and wasteful investment.

A core principle of the National Digital Architecture Framework is data-driven leadership, direction and administration in real time. Data is to be governed uniformly under the requirements of being “accurate, complete, clean, live, consistent and shared”, while being standardised, connected, shared and utilised in accordance with regulations. This also represents a concrete step towards implementing the National Data Strategy for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2045, aimed at creating a unified, modern, secure and reliable data ecosystem.

Alongside the architecture framework, a list of 79 national shared digital platforms has been established. Core platforms such as the National Public Service Portal, VNeID, the National Data Integration and Sharing Platform and the National Data Portal are being deployed uniformly nationwide.

Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the National Digital Transformation Authority, said the institutional framework and common architecture have gradually been put in place, but outcomes still depend heavily on implementation. In practice, where leaders are directly involved and closely oversee implementation, tangible products emerge sooner. Where implementation is slow and lacks determination, progress remains limited, affecting the pace and disbursement of investment in digital projects, platforms and databases.

According to the National Data Centre, 73 national and sectoral databases have so far been connected, comprising approximately 450 million records and 7,300 data attributes. On this foundation, dossier components for 350 administrative procedures have been reduced or replaced with data, while 82 end-to-end, data-driven public services are being deployed. This marks a shift from simple digitisation towards redesigning administrative procedures and gradually implementing the principles of “data replacing paperwork” and “declare once, use many times”.

At the local level, Da Nang was among the first localities to operate an Open Data Portal and a shared data platform. According to figures released by the municipal Department of Science and Technology in early 2026, the portal had provided more than 1,500 datasets, attracted over 1,800 registered accounts and recorded nearly 5.8 million visits, providing a source of data for businesses and start-ups to develop applications in tourism, transport and urban management.

In July 2026, the city introduced a digital transformation support policy aimed at helping more than 80% of small- and medium-sized enterprises access digital solutions by 2030, while targeting the digital economy to contribute around 35–40% of GRDP.

However, experts note that technical connectivity is only the first step. Efforts to build a database on the innovative start-up ecosystem show that information on investment flows, the number of deals and business activities remains fragmented and inconsistent.

According to Hoang Ngoc Nhan, Director of the Authority for Start-ups and Technology Enterprises under the Ministry of Science and Technology, accurately assessing the state of the ecosystem in each locality requires data that is “accurate, complete, clean and live”, regularly updated, connected and effectively utilised. This requires consistent data collection criteria and clearly defined responsibilities for updating information.

One specific example is location data — a layer of data linked to people, businesses, land, assets and a wide range of socio-economic activities. Major General Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, Director of the National Data Centre and Vice Chairman of the National Data Association, stressed that for data to be widely shared, connected, analysed and applied, a synchronised, reliable and interoperable data infrastructure is essential. Every location can become a data connection point.

When locations are identified according to standardised and consistent criteria and developed into a shared reference layer, location data provides a basis for systems to connect, cross-check and utilise information. It can also support land administration, urban planning, public service delivery, emergency response, e-commerce, logistics, digital mapping and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

The value of data lies not in collecting and storing it in isolation, but in the ability to standardise, update, interconnect and apply it to specific challenges in governance, production and business.

Bringing data into safe circulation

Connectivity infrastructure makes data sharing possible, but for data to become an economic resource, it must reach the right users and be utilised within a transparent framework. Decree No. 314/2026/ND-CP on the operation of data exchanges, effective from September 25, 2026, establishes an environment in which data, data products and services can be listed, offered for purchase or sale, valued, auctioned and licensed for exploitation in accordance with regulations.

At the heart of a data exchange is the controlled circulation of data. A standardised dataset with clearly defined exploitation rights can become an input for research, AI training, market analysis, supply-chain optimisation, digital service development and new business models. The ability to trade data also gives organisations and businesses greater incentives to improve its accuracy, completeness, timeliness and interoperability.

For example, at Vinamilk, data is connected across the entire chain, from markets and distribution systems to factories, encompassing sales, inventories, equipment capacity, raw-material requirements, energy use and labour. According to a company representative, integrating and analysing these data sources improves the accuracy of production and supply planning, optimises inventories, enables more efficient use of capacity across factories, facilitates proactive equipment maintenance and strengthens cost control. As a result, the supply chain can operate more flexibly and respond more quickly to market fluctuations.

However, not all data can be traded on an exchange. Under Decree No. 314/2026/ND-CP, data generated from national and sectoral databases may only be provided within the permitted scope of sharing and exploitation and must be authorised by the competent entity, except for data already published as open data.

Data transactions must not expose state secrets, personal data, restricted-access data or information that the law prohibits from being shared. The right to exploit data therefore does not amount to an unrestricted right to commercialise it. Data provenance, rights of provision, scope of use, quality and associated restrictions must be clearly defined so that parties can select, value and trade data transparently.

Data quality and security are becoming even more critical amid the rapid development of AI. Lieutenant Colonel Dao Dinh Nam, Deputy Head of the General Advisory Division at the National Data Centre, stressed: “Without data, AI cannot be trained. Without high-quality data, there can be no accurate and reliable AI.”

Data security must therefore be built into the entire AI lifecycle to prevent training data from being manipulated or poisoned and to guard against leaks of personal information and business secrets. Data transactions must ensure identification, authentication and traceability, protect the legitimate rights and interests of participating parties, and build trust in the market.

The common architecture, shared platforms and framework for the data market are gradually taking shape. The value of data will become increasingly evident as it is applied to specific needs in governance, production and everyday life. Standardised, connected and securely utilised data will open up new development opportunities for people, businesses and the economy.