Lam Dong launches a “green race” toward a digital future

The “underground stream” powering growth

In recent years, “digital transformation” has become a familiar phrase in local development strategies across Vietnam. But for Lam Dong, this vision goes beyond a typical technology adoption program.

Under a newly issued provincial plan, innovation, science and technology, digital transformation, and green transition are positioned as the core drivers of a new growth model. Instead of continuing to expand through traditional means, the province aims to build an economy powered by knowledge, technology, and green efficiency.

This marks a notable shift for a province long known for its strengths in agriculture, tourism, and forest resources. While its competitive advantages once came mainly from climate, fertile land, and natural resources, the next stage of development will see those advantages enhanced by digital data, smart technologies, and innovation capacity.

Fields are no longer viewed simply as places for agricultural production; they are expected to evolve into “digital farms.” Government administration is also moving away from paper-based management toward data-driven operations. Beyond simply using technology, residents are encouraged to become active digital citizens.

That vision is reflected in the province’s goal of building a modern, synchronized, secure, and efficient digital infrastructure. Lam Dong is also promoting the growth of the digital economy, digital society, and digital government alongside the “Digital Literacy for All” movement.

From farmers selling products on online platforms and cooperatives managing production through data systems to local officials handling administrative procedures digitally, digital transformation is expected to become part of everyday life rather than remain a technological slogan.

Notably, the province has introduced the “3S principle” — security, safety, and social well-being, as part of its digital transformation process. This reflects the view that technology should not only drive modernization, but also protect public confidence and citizens’ interests.

Alongside the public sector, businesses are seen as the driving force behind the transformation process. Lam Dong encourages companies to invest in new technologies, automation, artificial intelligence, and smart management systems, while also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing resources for digital transformation and innovation.

Green economic ambitions

If digital transformation creates new momentum for growth, green transition serves as the “compass” guiding Lam Dong’s future development.

Under the province’s new plan, green transition is seen as a long-term development strategy rather than just an environmental slogan.

This approach is particularly suited to a province known for its strengths in high-tech agriculture, vast forest areas, and an ecotourism sector that is gradually becoming part of its identity.

The province aims to build a modern agricultural sector closely linked with the processing industry, focusing on increasing added value rather than simply expanding output. Under this new approach, land, water, and forest resources are not only meant to be exploited but managed sustainably to create long-term value.

Energy-efficient production models, low-emission practices, resource recycling, and environmentally friendly technologies will be prioritized for wider adoption. These may include farms powered by renewable energy, water-saving greenhouse systems, and circular production chains designed to minimize agricultural waste.

Not only businesses and government agencies, but local residents are also encouraged to take part in this “innovation ecosystem” through initiatives related to energy conservation, green production, and community-based technology applications.

The program will be implemented in two phases until 2030, accompanied by regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Criteria related to innovation, digital transformation, and green transition will become part of the province’s annual performance assessment system.

Behind these goals lies Lam Dong’s ambition to move beyond a growth model largely dependent on natural resources and transition toward an economy driven by knowledge, technology, and sustainable green development.