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In the pursuit of establishing robust Make in Vietnam platforms, the journey towards digitisation faces multifaceted hurdles that demand strategic solutions and concerted efforts from various stakeholders. From economic considerations to technological intricacies and regulatory frameworks, these challenges underscore the complexities inherent in the digital transformation landscape.
One prominent obstacle lies in the dichotomy between foreign platforms and indigenous solutions. Enterprises often grapple with the choice between globally established platforms, which, while robust, come at higher costs. Customising these foreign products to align with Vietnamese requirements incurs additional expenses in terms of both human resources and elevated cost prices, rendering them less feasible for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with limited budgets.
In contrast, the promotion and utilisation of low-cost, tailor-made Vietnam-based platforms emerge as a more viable option for SMEs seeking digital solutions tailored to their specific business needs. These homegrown platforms not only offer cost-effective alternatives but also present opportunities for domestic businesses to actively participate in the digital transformation narrative of Vietnam.
However, attracting users stands out as a critical challenge for Make in Vietnam platforms. Nguyen Thien Nghia, Deputy Head of the Authority of ICT Industry, underscores this issue, highlighting the substantial costs incurred by foreign platforms to acquire users – a cost ranging between US$ 0.5 to US$3 per user. The pivotal challenge, therefore, lies in securing the financial resources necessary to maintain and expand the user base, emphasising the need for sustained efforts by developers and investors to attract and retain users.
Nguyen Thien Nghia further emphasises that the primary hurdle for Vietnamese platforms isn’t the technology itself but rather the acquisition of clients. The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has intervened by supporting domestic firms through media campaigns, aiming to amplify user engagement and outreach.
Additionally, various specific challenges plague different Make in Vietnam platforms. For instance, base.vn faces the uphill task of low SaaS adoption rates among Vietnamese businesses. The limited uptake of high-tech solutions in operational frameworks presents a significant impediment to their deployment.
Similarly, a smart home and IoT platform grapples with exorbitant investment and deployment costs alongside a shortage of skilled workers. These challenges are symptomatic of the hurdles that impede the full-scale implementation of innovative technologies within the Vietnamese market.
Moreover, issues of uneven access to technology between rural and urban areas compound the difficulties. A platform aiding in digital transformation highlights the stark disparity in technological awareness and access across different regions. Bridging this digital divide necessitates heightened efforts from platform developers to disseminate technology across diverse demographics, requiring patience and sustained educational endeavours.
The cybersecurity landscape poses yet another formidable challenge. As cybercriminals employ increasingly sophisticated tactics to pilfer sensitive information, technology firms face the dual challenge of safeguarding users while ensuring product usability – a delicate balance that demands continual innovation and vigilance.
Legal frameworks constitute a fundamental stumbling block in the path of digital platforms. The absence of regulatory structures to validate the legitimacy of documents or authenticate certain technological solutions hampers the seamless integration and operation of platforms within the legal ambit.
Recognising these challenges, industry leaders such as Viettel and VNPT advocate for comprehensive legal regulations that underpin the functioning of digital platforms. According to Nguyen Chi Thanh of Viettel Solutions, the creation of a national digital platform necessitates not only technological infrastructure but also a robust legal framework to facilitate inter-platform connectivity and operations.
In essence, the journey of digital transformation in Vietnam represents a multifaceted process requiring a holistic approach encompassing policy formulation, resource allocation, capacity building, and effective communication strategies.
Collaboration between regulatory bodies and businesses is pivotal in navigating these challenges and charting a course towards a digitally empowered future for Vietnam. As the landscape evolves, concerted efforts are indispensable to overcome these hurdles and drive sustainable growth through indigenous digital innovation.
