Smart manufacturing readiness in Vietnam: An assessment survey and policy implications

Abstract

To maintain a sustainable high growth rate and narrow the gap with developed countries, Vietnam must make efforts to gain new momentum to build a “Strong Vietnam”. One fundamental solution is to implement a digital transformation that promotes smart manufacturing (SM), which will help Vietnam take the lead in the region in the Industry 4.0. This article provided an overview study of specific policies and implementation actions on SM in Vietnam. SM is an important trend in the world, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). However, for a developing country like Vietnam, the right policy can help small and medium enterprises by providing a roadmap to transformation on a digital stage and according to their resources. Therefore, we conducted a survey that assesses the needs and current status of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam and proposes specific policies for the Government of Vietnam to develop and promote SM in our country at micro and national levels. In this research, we work to understand how economies that are similar to Vietnam, namely Indonesia and Thailand, adapt to the era of SM. This work will serve as lessons learned for developing countries implementing digital transformation in the Industry 4.0.