Vietnam ranks among world’s top 50 economies in digital, AI competitiveness
DNO - Vietnam has secured 37th place among 70 economies in the 2026 World Digital and AI Competitiveness Ranking (WDAIR), ranking third among six Southeast Asian economies assessed in its first official participation.
The result places Vietnam among the world’s top 50 economies in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) competitiveness, reflecting its efforts to develop digital infrastructure, accelerate digital transformation, expand technology applications and modernize governance.
According to the ranking released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) on November 11, 2026, Vietnam also achieved notable results across several assessment categories.
It ranked 13th in AI Application, 15th in Digital and AI Governance, and 21st in the Performance category.
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam ranked third among the six economies assessed, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
These results highlight Vietnam’s strengths in applying digital technologies and AI, as well as advancing digital governance, compared with other participating economies.
The ranking is particularly significant in the context of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, which identifies breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation as key development priorities.
The resolution sets a target for Vietnam to rank among the top three countries in Southeast Asia and the world’s top 50 in digital competitiveness by 2030.
Against this backdrop, Vietnam’s performance in WDAIR 2026 represents an encouraging initial result in implementing the resolution, providing a further basis for continued efforts to strengthen the country’s digital competitiveness.
Vietnam’s participation in the international assessment also demonstrates its proactive approach to global integration, adoption of common standards and use of data to support policy making.
The results provide government agencies, local authorities and businesses with a clearer picture of Vietnam’s position, strengths and areas requiring improvement.
They also offer an international reference for monitoring progress, comparing development models and formulating policies to enhance digital competitiveness and AI capabilities.
The 2026 WDAIR assesses 70 countries and economies using an updated methodology designed to better reflect the growing role of digital technologies and AI in national competitiveness.
The assessment combines statistical data with survey findings to provide a comprehensive international reference.
IMD is a leading international institution specializing in research, assessment and rankings of national economic competitiveness.
It publishes several internationally recognized rankings and indices annually, including the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY), World Digital and AI Competitiveness Ranking (WDAIR), Smart City Index (SCI), World Talent Ranking (WTR) and Hinrich-IMD Sustainable Trade Index (STI) Analysis.
The World Digital Competitiveness Ranking was first introduced in 2017. In 2026, its assessment scope was expanded to include artificial intelligence, leading to its new name, the World Digital and AI Competitiveness Ranking.
The WDAIR results serve as an important international benchmark, helping economies assess their relative positions, identify strengths and weaknesses, learn from international experience and develop policies to improve digital competitiveness and advance AI development in the years ahead.