The role of government in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMES) in digital transformation: A study in Vietnam

Abstract

This study explores the role of Vietnamese government agencies in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during their digital transformation process. SMEs play a crucial role in Vietnam’s economy; however, they face numerous challenges in adopting digital technologies due to barriers such as high costs, limited access to technology, and a lack of skilled labor. The Vietnamese government has implemented various support initiatives, including the SMEdx Program, to help SMEs access and utilize digital platforms. Despite these efforts, the participation rate of SMEs in government online services remains low, reaching only about 8.4% in 2022. This study evaluates the effectiveness of government support, identifies gaps, and provides recommendations for improvement.