Vietnam: Embracing ICT for Economic Catch-up Case

Abstract

Since the launch of economic reforms known as “Doi Moi” (renovation) in December 1986, Vietnam’s vigorous embrace of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has enabled the country to transform itself from a closed, impoverished country into a highly open and fast-growing economy. Today, Vietnam has become a hub of global ICT hardware production and IT outsourcing (ITO) in the region. This case explores how Vietnam transformed into an ICT hub over a short period of time, as well as the key policy challenges it faces going forward, which include expanding the country’s IT infrastructure, addressing the shortage of skilled labour, and strengthening the cyber-security environment.

This is part of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy – Microsoft Case Study Series on IT, Public Policy and Society.