Transforming Public Policy Science and Policy Implementation in Vietnam in the Context of Digital Governance and International Integration

Since the implementation of the Đổi Mới reforms in 1986, Vietnam has undergone significant transformations in governance, public administration, and policy development within the broader context of globalization, digital transformation, and international integration. This article examines the evolution of public policy science and policy implementation in Vietnam, focusing on the interaction between institutional modernization, digital governance, and developmental-state orientations. The study employs a qualitative interdisciplinary approach combining document analysis, historical analysis, comparative analysis, and interpretive policy analysis to evaluate governance transformation and policy implementation challenges in contemporary Vietnam. The findings indicate that Vietnam has achieved substantial progress in legal reform, administrative modernization, e-government development, and international integration. Public policy science has gradually become more institutionalized through the expansion of policy education, governance research, and administrative reform initiatives. However, major challenges remain, including institutional fragmentation, overlapping regulations, implementation gaps, uneven local governance capacity, limited transparency, and emerging risks associated with digital governance and artificial intelligence. Comparative experiences from Singapore and South Korea further demonstrate the importance of evidence-based policymaking, integrated digital governance, and professional administrative training. The article argues that Vietnam’s long-term governance effectiveness will depend on strengthening institutional coordination, improving policy implementation capacity, enhancing public accountability, and expanding evidence-based and digitally integrated governance systems in the context of rapid socio-economic transformation and global technological change.