Vietnam Ranks 37th Globally in Digital and AI Competitiveness
Vietnam ranked 37th among 70 economies in its first appearance in the 2026 World Digital and AI Competitiveness Ranking, and third among six Southeast Asian economies assessed. IMD research highlights its performance in AI adoption and regulation, while identifying research investment, costs and a shortage of skilled workers as constraints.
The 2026 World Digital and AI Competitiveness Ranking was released on November 11. Participating for the first time, Vietnam ranked 37th among 70 economies and third among the six Southeast Asian economies assessed. In individual measures, Vietnam ranked 13th in AI adoption, 15th in digital and AI governance, and 21st in efficiency.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology held an event to announce the country’s results in the 2026 World Digital and AI Competitiveness Ranking.（VietVance）
Vietnam’s Resolution No. 57 sets a goal of placing the country among Southeast Asia’s top three and the world’s top 50 in digital competitiveness by 2030. At the event announcing the ranking results, Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Quốc Dũng said ranking third in the region did not mean Vietnam had met its goals for e-government development and AI research and development. The ranking performance still needed to translate into higher productivity, stronger businesses and better public services.
Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, said Vietnam had developed AI policies and promoted adoption relatively early. IMD research shows that the Netherlands, Norway and Vietnam are among the top 20 economies in both AI regulation and adoption. However, Vietnam ranked only 62nd among 70 economies for investment in science and technology research and development. An IMD survey of business executives in Vietnam also found that costs, cybersecurity risks and a shortage of skilled workers were the main barriers to AI adoption.
Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, discusses Vietnam’s performance in AI adoption and regulation.（VietVance）
Bris recommended that Vietnam put AI rules into practice, have government agencies lead in AI adoption, increase investment in research and development, digital infrastructure and data centers, and strengthen talent development and safeguards. The ranking has assessed digital competitiveness since 2017 and expanded its scope to include AI in 2026.
Source: VietVance
