At the August 2026 press conference of the Ministry of Science and Technology held on the afternoon of August 28, the National Digital Transformation Authority introduced the Digital National Overall Architecture Framework version 1.0, issued under Decision No. 1425/QD-TTg dated July 29, 2026. The national level framework is identified as a common standard for the entire political system.
According to Ms. Mai Thuy Ngan - Director of the Technology - Digital Government Center, National Digital Transformation Department (Ministry of Science and Technology), building a digital nation cannot be based on the addition of discrete systems.
Distributed investment risks creating duplicate, difficult-to-inherit systems, platforms and databases. Non-seamless data also causes difficulties for connection and sharing, causing people and businesses to possibly have to re-provide information.
The digital national overall architecture framework is therefore defined as an "overall design", to define the structure, composition and connectivity of the digital nation; and at the same time establish common principles on shared use, data, AI, network security and standards. This is also the basis for controlling conformity throughout the investment and operation lifecycle.
A noteworthy point is that digital architecture frameworks are built according to the principle of "private framework, common structure". Each agency builds a framework according to functions and authority but together follows a unified structure of 4 layers: interaction and measurement channels; common applications and nghiệp vụ; data and core platforms; digital infrastructure and network security.
The framework also requires prioritizing inheritance, standardization, integration and upgrading of existing components. Only build new ones when there are no shared components or existing components do not meet requirements.
In addition, data is identified as a strategic asset, which needs to be standardized, connected, shared and used uniformly. AI is prioritized for analysis, forecasting and automation, while humans are responsible for final decisions. The principles API First, Security & Privacy by Design and AI Governance by Design are also included right from the design stage.
The architecture framework simultaneously shifts from a document-based approach to data-driven management. Compliance is checked throughout the project lifecycle, system; NAS system tracks architecture and KPI indicator sets measure results using operating data.
According to Decision 1425/QD-TTg, within a period of no more than 6 months from July 29, 2026, agencies and organizations must complete the new construction or review, update and promulgate their Digital Architecture Framework. This process includes reviewing the status quo, developing a roadmap for processing systems and controlling new investments, prioritizing shared components, ensuring connection, sharing and network security.
The goal set is that digital components are prioritized for common use, digital investment is controlled according to architecture and results are measured by actual data, thereby creating a framework for the digital nation to operate synchronously, safely and serve better.
