In the context of global integration and the rapid advancement of science and technology, the trends of digital transformation and green transformation have become key drivers that determine the competitiveness and sustainable development of the business community, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in localities.

 

Activities introducing and guiding businesses and business establishments in using digital banking utilities at a cashless payment fair held in Long Thành Ward (Đồng Nai City). Photo: Hải Quân

 

Đồng Nai City is implementing various solutions to promote the integration of digital transformation and green transformation, placing businesses at the center while advancing circular solutions and technology applications to enhance competitiveness and achieve sustainable development.

Optimizing the Production and Supply Chain

Recently, departments, sectors, and local authorities across the city have strengthened support for businesses in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into production and business activities to automate management processes and optimize production and supply chains. At the same time, they have promoted activities that connect and assist businesses in accessing preferential credit sources for priority sectors and credit packages designed for SMEs to encourage technology adoption and business development.

According to many experts, despite positive results, the growth of the digital economy among SMEs remains uneven. Most businesses still apply digital transformation only at a basic level, such as using electronic invoices, digital signatures, and electronic tax declarations. Therefore, greater efforts are needed to help local businesses adopt advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and automated green transformation.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Thu Thủy, Vice Rector of Hong Bang International University, shared that innovation and digital transformation are no longer merely development trends but have become prerequisites for enhancing local competitiveness amid deep international integration. With its strategic geographical location, strong industrial base, logistics network, foreign direct investment enterprises, and human resources, Đồng Nai has all the conditions necessary to become a center for innovation. However, achieving this goal requires a systematic approach in which the government acts as the facilitator, businesses are the core of innovation, universities provide knowledge and technology, and the community and investors serve as key drivers of ecosystem development.

Dr. Lê Văn, Director of the Financial Technology Program at the Innovation Institute under the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, proposed establishing regulatory sandboxes for digital business models, particularly in financial technology and data services. These controlled testing environments would provide a safe space for experimenting with innovative business models, promoting innovation, and enhancing business differentiation in the market. When implemented synchronously, these solutions will provide comprehensive support for local SMEs, from reducing costs and strengthening digital capabilities and digital leadership to encouraging innovation, thereby improving competitiveness, operational efficiency, and building a sustainable foundation for deeper participation in global value chains while making stronger contributions to the local digital economy.

Strengthening Business Support Activities

To ensure that science, technology, digital transformation, and innovation truly become the primary drivers of economic growth, the city's departments, sectors, and local authorities will continue expanding programs and activities to support local businesses, especially SMEs.

According to the Đồng Nai City Department of Science and Technology, the department will continue coordinating with other agencies to improve institutions and policies supporting digital transformation, green transformation, and innovation. This includes advising on and finalizing a draft resolution for submission to the City People's Council regarding special mechanisms, policies encouraging innovation and startup ecosystems, and criteria, conditions, and support levels for specific projects. In particular, the department will study the establishment of a venture capital fund to unlock socialized investment for green technologies and AI. It will also develop online innovation and entrepreneurship courses integrated into the Digital Literacy Platform to widely disseminate knowledge throughout the business community.

At the seminar titled “AI Applications – Innovation Ecosystems Associated with Digital and Green Transformation to Promote Sustainable Business Development,” organized by the Department of Science and Technology in early July 2026, Deputy Director Nguyễn Minh Quang emphasized that the department will continue working closely with relevant agencies to advise the City People's Committee on promptly issuing policies and mechanisms to support SMEs and foster innovation and startup ecosystems in line with the city's strategic orientation and development plans.

Deputy Director Nguyễn Minh Quang also noted that local businesses, especially SMEs, should proactively embrace new ways of thinking, confidently apply internal capability assessment frameworks before making investments to avoid waste, and maximize available resources and support solutions to enhance their competitiveness in the digital era while accelerating green transformation.

 

Hải Quân

Source: Báo Đồng Nai