Da Nang has set an ambitious goal to become one of the world’s top 50 smart cities within the next three years, with science and technology positioned as key growth engines expected to contribute 35–40% of the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP).

This strategic objective was affirmed during a conference held on January 7 by the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, reviewing its 2025 performance and outlining priorities for 2026.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Ho Quang Buu congratulated the department for a year of impactful achievements and notable awards. He emphasized that the city’s development vision, as stated in the resolution of its first Party Congress, requires science and technology to double its economic contribution annually to reach the 35–40% GRDP target within five years.

He also stressed that central government authorities have tasked Da Nang with joining the ranks of the world’s 50 leading smart cities. “Shenzhen currently ranks 50th. Within the next three years, Da Nang must meet or surpass Shenzhen’s current level - and we must get there,” he stated.

Buu underscored the importance of innovation reaching even the most local levels. Without science and innovation in wards and communes, both citizens and grassroots administrations would struggle. To address this, the city will allocate significant resources to help local governments implement science and technology initiatives.

He added that all wards and communes in Da Nang are now connected via fiber-optic infrastructure. “If any local leader still claims poor internet connectivity, that is their own responsibility,” he said.

Da Nang's leadership has directed the Department of Science and Technology to strengthen support for farmers and the intellectual community in innovation, while launching a citywide movement to establish innovation centers in every ward and commune, extending these initiatives to local businesses and schools.

According to the department’s report, Da Nang was among the earliest localities to implement Resolution 57 of the Politburo and was the first in Vietnam to issue a digital competency framework for citizens - laying the foundation for digital citizenship and accelerating the city’s digital transformation.

Da Nang has also been recognized as a national model for smart city development and data-driven governance. The Ministry of Science and Technology recently honored Da Nang as Vietnam’s leading city in digital transformation for the 2020–2024 period.

The city received several prestigious accolades in 2025, including Vietnam Smart City of the Year, Vietnam’s Most Livable City (as voted by the public), and a top-10 ranking at Techfest Vietnam 2025 for excellence in developing an innovation and startup ecosystem.

Ho Giap