Smart Governance in the Digital Era: International Experiences and Policy Implications for Vietnam
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Pham Hong Nhung*
In the context of rapid digital transformation and accelerating urbanization, smart governance has increasingly been recognized as a critical pillar for enhancing public governance effectiveness, service quality, and citizen participation. This paper examines the concept and core components of smart governance in the digital era, while synthesizing and comparing implementation experiences from selected countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Austria, and Sweden. Employing a research methodology that combines literature review, policy analysis, and comparative case studies, the study highlights the pivotal roles of flexible legal frameworks, interoperable data governance, user-centered service design, and controlled experimental mechanisms in advancing smart governance. The findings suggest that smart governance extends beyond the mere application of digital technologies, representing a comprehensive process of institutional, procedural, and relational transformation among the state, businesses, and citizens. Based on these insights, the paper derives key lessons learned and policy implications for Vietnam in refining its smart governance model, thereby contributing to sustainable development and enhancing national competitiveness in the digital era.
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