The challenges in Vietnam’s e-government development

The challenges in Vietnam’s e-government development

While digitalisation is generally known for elevating productivity, efficiency and transparency in public administration systems, government sectors in Vietnam are being faced with unique challenges that may inhibit progress, according to RMIT University researchers.

According to RMIT University researchers, the main challenge for Vietnam’s e-government development is a human capital shortage. According to RMIT University researchers, the main challenge for Vietnam’s e-government development is a human capital shortage.

E-government (electronic government) is the implementation of information and communication technologies within public systems that help improve efficiency and user experience for public services by shifting from traditional paperwork to digitally based platforms.

Despite the efforts of authorities to adopt e-government initiatives as a core pillar in the smart city development plan for the past two decades, sustaining the system remains a challenge in Vietnam.

According to RMIT researchers, one of the main causes of the project’s failure is human capital. Critical issues such as skilled labour shortage and knowledge, conflicts of interest, employee resistance to change, and stakeholder commitment to the organisational goal and vision post negative impacts on the development plan and the actual outcome.

“E-government development and sustaining the process involves relevant internal and external stakeholders including political leadership, public managers, the ICT workforce, operational staff, citizens and enterprise,” said RMIT International Business Discipline Lead from the School of Business & Management Dr Nguyen Quang Trung.

RMIT Vietnam International Business Discipline Lead Dr Nguyen Quang Trung shared his insights about e-government in Vietnam with international industry and research experts at the 6th International Conference on Government Performance Management and Leadership 2019. RMIT Vietnam International Business Discipline Lead Dr Nguyen Quang Trung shared his insights about e-government in Vietnam with international industry and research experts at the 6th International Conference on Government Performance Management and Leadership 2019.

“The above common problems in e-government development could easily happen in Vietnam. If effective measures are not in place, e-government in Vietnam may not go far.”

The research, by RMIT academics Dr Nguyen Quang Trung, Associate Professor Robert McClelland, Professor Mathews Nkhoma, Dr Abbott Haron, and Monash University academic Dr Stephen Perryman was presented and discussed with industry experts and representatives from leading universities at the International Conference on Government Performance Management and Leadership 2019.

(From right to left) Dr Nguyen Quang Trung (RMIT International Business Discipline Lead), Dr Abbott Haron (RMIT MBA Program Manager), Dr Bui Ngoc Hien (Lecturer of Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy) and Dr Nguyen Quynh Huy (University of Economics HCMC Vice Head of Department of Government) at the 6th International Conference on Government Performance Management and Leadership 2019. (From right to left) Dr Nguyen Quang Trung (RMIT International Business Discipline Lead), Dr Abbott Haron (RMIT MBA Program Manager), Dr Bui Ngoc Hien (Lecturer of Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy) and Dr Nguyen Quynh Huy (University of Economics HCMC Vice Head of Department of Government) at the 6th International Conference on Government Performance Management and Leadership 2019.

Story: Cindy Tran

07 February 2020

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