Comparing Vietnam’s Impressive Efforts in the Digital Economic Race with Other Potent Southeast Asian Nations

Purpose: (1) This research uses the digital platform economy index (DPE) 2020 data to provide an in-depth analysis of Vietnam’s DPE context in the digital economy. To close the digital economy gap with other countries in the region, Vietnam must identify the key concepts and pillars promoted to achieve breakthroughs; therefore, (2) policy suggestions popped up on how to improve the DPE score by 10% as the vital outcomes of the analysis of DPE index. Methodology: The Digital Platform economy index (DPE) is the newly developed measure based on the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI). Its focus is to examine the real situation of digitalization and entrepreneurship. The outstanding value of this approach is that it assists countries in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for digital economy development by conducting specific analyses of the four subindices and twelve pillars of DPE. Findings: DPE data indicates that Vietnam’s strengths in the early stages of digital economy integration and development are networking, matchmaking, technology absorption, and digital literacy. To increase DPE by 10%, Vietnam needs to focus strategy and action on two main subindices: DTI and DUC, with 70 and 30% effort, respectively. Originality: This research will be the first to fill a research gap in the digital economy while also laying the groundwork for future research. Policymakers can reference these research outcomes to perfect long-term digital economy development plans in breakthrough and sustainable paths. Practical implications :The report offers analytical information and a foundation for strategies to advance the digital economy in Vietnam in the future.