Vietnam and Northern Europe share experiences in innovation and digital transformation in public administration

On the afternoon of March 18, in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in collaboration with the Embassies of four Nordic countries including Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway organized the 8th annual seminar to share development experiences with the theme "Effective leadership and public administration, promoting innovation and digital transformation: Experiences of Northern Europe and Vietnam".

Co-chairing the discussion were Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics; Ambassadors of the four Nordic countries in Vietnam, including Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi, Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz, Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Solbakken and Finnish Ambassador Keijo Norvanto, along with many experts from these countries and the Academy.

Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, delivered the opening speech. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics)

The event was held on the occasion of Nordic Day on March 23, thereby opening up opportunities to exchange and share practical experiences from countries in this region on transparent and effective governance systems that meet the needs of businesses and people, while promoting rapid and sustainable economic growth and social development.

In his opening speech, Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, stated that in the context of the world changing dramatically thanks to science, technology and digital transformation, innovation has become a key factor for the sustainable development of countries.

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Nordic countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland stand out for their transparent and effective public governance, and are regularly ranked among the happiest countries in the world. Their success comes from excellent policies, strategic leadership and the application of digital technology, inspiring Vietnam in sustainable development and social security.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Trung Y, the seminar is a bridge to promote the traditional relationship between Vietnam and the Nordic countries, and at the same time a forum to share development experiences and improve teaching and research capacity at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, especially when the country is implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo to promote Vietnam's breakthrough development in the new era, the era of national development.

Overview of the discussion. (Photo: Phuong Thao)

Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Keijo Norvanto emphasized that this year's event is an opportunity to honor the power of innovation, digital transformation and effective governance in shaping the future of public administration. The discussion is even more special as it takes place at a time when Vietnam is on the threshold of a new era of economic growth, ready to achieve the goals of Vision 2045.

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Ambassador Norvanto said that each Nordic country has built governance systems that are adaptive, transparent and based on public trust. It is the strong legal framework and clear regulations that create a favorable environment, attracting entrepreneurs to invest in new ideas.

Finland has developed a flexible, adaptable system that delivers tangible benefits to its citizens. Sharing these experiences can inspire future approaches to leadership and governance.

Acknowledging that governance reform is not an easy task, the Ambassador affirmed that this process requires wise leadership, clear vision and always embracing change, but more importantly, cooperation between governments, businesses and people.

The seminar “Effective leadership and public administration, promoting innovation and digital transformation: Experiences from Northern Europe and Vietnam” includes three sessions. Session 1 discusses digital transformation in public administration; session 2: decentralization and local management: Tools and practices; session 3: Regional connectivity, decentralization and governance.

During the three sessions, delegates and scientists focused on discussing the requirements of world practice for leaders in building an effective public administration in the face of regional and contemporary challenges. Thereby, clarifying the role of leadership and public administration in promoting innovation in the public sector.

In addition, experts also analyzed and pointed out opportunities and challenges for applying digital technology to leadership and public administration in Vietnam and the Nordic countries; clarified challenges, opportunities, current situations and breakthrough solutions to promote innovation, effective public sector governance and rapid, sustainable socio-economic development, from the Nordic experience and policy implications for Vietnam.

Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Keijo Norvanto speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Yen Chi)

In his closing speech, Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi affirmed that Vietnam is facing an important turning point as it moves towards the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045. Public administration reform is a necessary factor to ensure effective management in the future, as General Secretary To Lam called for in simplifying management, eliminating cumbersome procedures and taking advantage of digital transformation.

“Our decentralized model, combined with a strong commitment to digital transformation, gender equality and work-life balance, has demonstrated that collaborative and adaptive leadership can create far-reaching changes. Sharing these experiences will help us all go further in improving the quality of public administration globally,” Ambassador Johan Ndisi said.

Mr. Ndisi also reviewed 6 main points of the discussion:

First , digital transformation plays an essential role in improving governance, increasing efficiency, transparency and citizen engagement, as seen from the experience of the Nordic countries.

Second , digital transformation is not only about applying technology but also about innovating the way of working to maximize the potential of digital technology.

Third , decentralization can improve governance by bringing decisions closer to citizens. Experience from Northern Europe shows that local governments, when given sufficient authority and responsibility, can deliver public services more quickly and more closely to community needs.

Fourth , a culture of innovation is key to improving public administration; encouraging creativity and adaptability will help build a sustainable public administration.

Fifth, transparency and trust are the foundations of good governance. Vietnam’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability will play an important role in strengthening public trust and creating a more cohesive society.

Finally , the Ambassador affirmed that comprehensive cooperation between the Government, businesses and research organizations is the driving force for innovation and effective reform, which has been demonstrated through the model of the Nordic countries.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the seminar. (Photo: Phuong Thao)