The Vietnam National Data Association has initiated the Vietnam Data Expert Network (VDEN) with the aim of mobilizing Vietnamese scientists, experts, and entrepreneurs worldwide to co-create an autonomous, innovative, and sustainable data infrastructure for Vietnam.

Uniting Vietnamese intellect globally in the data era

Globally, many countries have already established large-scale data expert networks such as the Big Data Value Association (BDVA) and European Health Data Space (EU), Data.gov and Research Data Alliance (USA), K-Data Network (South Korea), and AI Singapore and Data Science Consortium (Singapore). These models foster collaboration among governments, businesses, research institutions, and independent experts.

Vietnam is entering a critical phase of digital transformation and innovation, presenting the opportunity to develop nationally and internationally recognized data cooperation models. The launch of VDEN is considered a strategic move to elevate Vietnam’s position in the global digital economy.

The global data expert network is founded on five core principles:

Voluntary, cooperative, and co-development: Members join voluntarily to share knowledge and jointly promote innovation and the data economy.

Transparency, accountability, and integrity: All data, activities, and contributions are transparent. Members are held accountable for their professional inputs and must adhere to ethical standards.

Science, quality, and continuous innovation: VDEN prioritizes scientific approaches, technical quality, and the adoption of new technologies and data trends.

Security, privacy, and legal compliance: All data use and sharing activities comply with national laws, international regulations, and protect stakeholders’ legitimate rights.

Global connection, Vietnamese identity: VDEN seeks to expand international partnerships while highlighting the strengths and values of the Vietnamese global community.

Harnessing the power of the “four stakeholders” in the data ecosystem

According to the National Data Association, VDEN’s primary objective is to connect Vietnamese intellectual resources both domestically and internationally, enabling the exchange of ideas, experience, and expertise to drive an autonomous, creative, and globally integrated data economy.

VDEN will establish strong collaboration among the four key players: government, businesses, academia, and independent experts. This model aims to optimize tech talent, boost research capacity, and accelerate the practical application of data.

The network will also serve as a policy think tank, advising on national data standards and frameworks, contributing to policy formulation, proposing legal and technical standards, and promoting new data-based projects and products.

Additionally, VDEN will support the training and development of high-quality data professionals through workshops, training programs, and mentoring activities for the next generation of data experts.

The official launch of VDEN is scheduled for October 16 in Hue City, marking a significant milestone in building a national data ecosystem that connects global Vietnamese intelligence for a data-sovereign Vietnam in the digital age.

Thai Khang