Developing smart cities is not merely about advancing technology but creating sustainable societies centered on people. This perspective, emphasized by RMIT Vietnam expert Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung, calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Expanding smart city initiatives across Vietnam

On December 2, the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) and Hanoi's Department of Information and Communications inaugurated the Vietnam-Asia Smart Cities Summit 2024. Themed “Smart Cities - Digital Economy - Sustainable Development,” the event attracted over 700 delegates from 28 provinces and 18 countries.

Hanoi Vice Chairman Ha Minh Hai, speaking at the opening, highlighted the summit as a platform for sharing experiences and solutions to accelerate the development of modern, green, and sustainable urban areas.

“The lessons and experiences shared here will be invaluable for cities like Hanoi as we pursue green, smart, and sustainable urban development,” Hai stated.

Hanoi is committed to leading in digital transformation with its “three pillars and one foundation” strategy: digital government, digital economy, and digital society, supported by a culture of digital citizenship and cybersecurity.

The current landscape of smart city development

According to Tran Ngoc Linh, an expert from the Urban Development Agency (Ministry of Construction), 48 of Vietnam's 63 provinces and cities are actively implementing smart city initiatives.

Efforts include:

Urban Planning: Establishing urban databases and integrating geographic information systems (GIS) for planning and smart management.

Smart Services: Focusing on smart transportation, healthcare, education, and alert systems, with 57 provinces prioritizing these services.

Some cities have begun testing localized smart city models at district or town levels before expanding them province-wide.

Despite significant progress, barriers remain:

Regulatory Frameworks: Weak legal structures for smart city planning and management.

Resource Allocation: Insufficient funding mechanisms and limited integration of private-sector resources.

Implementation Difficulties: Coordination and execution often lack clarity and consistency.

Tran Ngoc Linh underscored the need for clear policies and greater collaboration between public and private sectors to overcome these hurdles.

A broader vision for sustainable smart cities

Drawing on research by RMIT University, Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung explained that smart cities globally are entering a third phase of development. This stage prioritizes societal participation alongside technological solutions.

“Sustainable smart cities now emphasize governance frameworks that integrate advanced technologies, climate resilience, and public involvement,” Trung noted.

He highlighted successful models like Singapore, Seoul, and Sydney, which have leveraged technology for transportation management, energy optimization, public services, and economic efficiency.

“Regional cooperation and knowledge sharing between cities are crucial to maximizing resources and building sustainable foundations. Initiatives must also be inclusive, bridging the digital divide and ensuring no one is left behind,” Trung emphasized.

Vietnam's path to smart city development lies in balancing technological innovation with human-centered planning. By learning from successful global examples and fostering collaboration, the country can create cities that are not only intelligent but also sustainable and equitable.

Van Anh