The 14th National Party Congress emphasised that science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are central drivers of the growth model. In this context, Dak Lak has been turning this vision into reality, identifying these areas not merely as supporting tools but as key drivers of growth and sustainable development.

The Resolution of the first Dak Lak provincial Party Congress for the 2025 - 2030 tenure identifies the development of science and technology (S&T), innovation, and digital transformation as the province’s main driver of development and one of its three strategic breakthroughs.

To achieve its breakthrough goals, the province is focusing on three key pillars: digital government, with people and enterprises at the centre of public service delivery; the digital economy, promoting technology application in key sectors such as high-quality agriculture, tourism, and processing industries; as well as digital society, narrowing the digital divide so that people in remote areas can access public services and global knowledge on equal terms.

Provincial leaders together with leaders of the Department of Science and Technology inspecting operations at the provincial smart urban monitoring and operations centre.

Simultaneously, the province is accelerating administrative reform, focusing on improving the investment and business environment. Reducing procedural barriers through digital platforms not only lowers costs but also creates favourable conditions for innovative start-ups to grow.

Turning vision into reality

The year 2025 has been identified as a pivotal year for implementing the breakthrough programme on S&T, innovation, and digital transformation. In line with central guidance, Dak Lak province has prioritised reviewing, restructuring, standardising, and integrating shared information systems; strengthening data connectivity and interoperability among administrative levels and sectors; and shifting from traditional management methods to data-driven and platform-based governance. Systems supporting direction, administration, administrative procedure processing, as well as online public services continue to be upgraded to ensure continuous and synchronised operation.

Notably, Dak Lak is among the first localities nationwide to achieve “GREEN” status in all 102 communes and wards under Plan 02-KH/BCDTW. The “Digital literacy for all” movement has been widely implemented, creating a strong positive ripple effect. Currently, 100% of documents issued by Party and State agencies from the provincial level to all 102 communes and wards are processed entirely in the electronic environment, while most administrative procedures are handled regardless of administrative boundaries. The province has publicly listed 2,191 administrative procedures on the National Public Service Portal. Dak Lak has also signed numerous memoranda of understanding to strengthen cooperation, transfer technology, promote technology application, and support innovative enterprises.

With its advantage as Vietnam’s coffee capital, Dak Lak has also focused on applying S&T across the agricultural value chain. Numerous enterprises have adopted blockchain technology to enhance transparency in production processes, enabling Dak Lak’s agricultural products to reach global markets and meet the standards of demanding markets such as the EU, the United States, and Japan. Sensor systems are also used to monitor soil moisture alongside nutrient levels, helping save water and fertiliser.

The province’s innovation start-up ecosystem is gradually taking shape through cooperation among the State, scientists, enterprises, and farmers to apply new technologies and increase the value of key products such as coffee, durian, and pepper. Start-up competitions together with business incubators are organised regularly, leading to the emergence of many technology-based business models, from smart community tourism to digital logistics applications for agricultural products.

With strong determination from Party resolutions and practical actions by the government, along with a clear roadmap set out in the Resolution of the provincial Party Congress for the 2025 - 2030 tenure, Dak Lak is positioning itself as an important growth pole contributing to national development in the digital era.

Translated by KHUONG THAO