Sustainable development has become a strategic priority for emerging economies seeking to balance economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. This study examines the policy determinants of sustainable development in Vietnam using a mixed-methods research design. Qualitative insights were obtained through in-depth discussions with 45 economic experts in Ho Chi Minh City. At the same time, quantitative data were collected via an online survey of 750 economic managers across five major Vietnamese cities, yielding 681 valid responses, which were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that community and business awareness are the most influential direct drivers of sustainable development, followed by science and technology, economic policy, and social and environmental policies. Notably, the study identifies a moderating role of law policy in the relationship between science and technology and sustainable development. This finding suggests that technological advancement contributes more effectively to sustainable development outcomes when supported by strong and enforceable legal frameworks. Economic policy also plays a significant role by providing macroeconomic stability, while social and environmental policies serve as essential long-term foundations for inclusive and environmentally responsible development. This study contributes to the sustainable development literature by providing empirical evidence from an emerging economy context and by highlighting the interactive effects between technological and institutional factors. The findings offer valuable policy insights for Vietnam and other emerging economies seeking to design coherent, practical strategies for sustainable development aligned with global sustainability agendas.
Hiep et al. (2025) studied this question.