In recent years, Điện Biên has gradually invested in synchronous digital infrastructure, laying the foundation for digital transformation across all sectors. The province currently has 1,239 mobile information stations, including 242 5G stations, while fiber optic networks cover 100 percent of commune and ward centers and 90 percent of villages. More than 60 percent of households are connected to the internet, and 72 percent of the population uses the network. This increasingly perfected infrastructure has created favorable conditions to bring digital services closer to the people, especially in remote and isolated areas.

Regarding administrative reform, by the end of May 2026, the online submission rate for the entire province reached 94.81 percent, while the rate of digitizing administrative procedure files and results reached 97.87 percent, and the utilization rate of digitized data reached 98.63 percent. Notably, 100 percent of administrative procedures related to businesses are now provided online. Many processes have been restructured, reducing processing time by at least 70 percent for key off-budget projects, thereby contributing to an improved investment environment and higher service quality for citizens and businesses. Bùi Đức Giang, Chairman of the Điện Biên Business Association, noted that while businesses previously spent significant time completing administrative procedures, many are now performed online, saving both time and costs. For files requiring direct interaction, coordination between agencies is also faster, enabling businesses to deploy production and business activities more promptly.

These achievements in administrative reform are only the beginning. Điện Biên’s current goal is to apply science, technology, and digital transformation to solve major socio-economic development challenges. Consequently, the province has announced a list of four focus areas for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in 2026. Among these, the development of the low-altitude economy is seen as a new direction suitable for the conditions of a mountainous province. Điện Biên has coordinated with units to survey 12 pilot areas and successfully organized drone transport flights for tea in Sính Phình commune, coffee fertilizer spraying in Mường Ảng commune, and used UAVs for seeding and spraying on 60 hectares of rice in Thanh Nưa commune, as well as applying remote sensing technology in forest patrolling and protection. Trần Minh Giáp, Vice Chairman of the Mường Ảng commune People’s Committee, shared that trials of fertilizer spraying by drone on approximately one hectare of crops took only about 10 minutes, demonstrating clear efficiency. Fertilizer is spread quite evenly, reducing labor, saving time, and minimizing waste compared to manual methods.

In support of this initiative, on June 23, 2026, the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee issued Decision No.1291/QĐ-UBND, licensing the controlled pilot of digital technology applications for low-altitude economic development using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the province. The plan is scheduled to run until May 31, 2027, with an expected execution of approximately 6,000 flights, aiming for a safety rate of over 99 percent. Key tasks include transporting agricultural products, materials, medicine, medical supplies, test samples, and essential goods, as well as supporting seeding, pesticide spraying, fertilization, crop monitoring, and pest detection. UAVs are also used for topographical surveying, building digital maps, and creating digital elevation models (DEM) to serve spatial data management.

Digital transformation is step-by-step changing the management and governance methods of the government and how citizens access public services. Commune-level public administrative service centers have been consolidated, and information systems operate synchronously, contributing to increased efficiency in receiving and processing administrative procedures in the digital environment, while creating conditions for citizens to use digital platforms, online public services, and cashless payments. Observations during the monitoring session of the Cultural and Social Committee of the provincial People’s Council regarding the implementation of breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in state management and public service in Mường Phăng commune on June 25, 2026, showed that the locality has actively deployed many solutions to integrate digital technology into management, governance, and public service.

Hoàng Văn Quyền, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Mường Phăng commune, shared that determining digital transformation as a key task in leadership and governance, the commune has focused on standardizing administrative procedures in the electronic environment, improving digital skills for staff, and strengthening guidance for citizens on using online public services to save time and costs, thereby improving service quality.

To deepen digital transformation, Điện Biên identifies human resource development as a key factor. In 2026, over 3,000 commune-level officials, digital transformation forces, and community digital technology teams will be trained on artificial intelligence applications, and 100 percent of communes and wards will participate in online learning. At the same time, the province continues to second IT staff to grassroots levels to support system operation and resolve difficulties during implementation. Điện Biên is also coordinating with STEAM for Vietnam - an official partner of Google - to implement an AI literacy program for teachers. The province has worked and exchanged with FPT Group on cooperation in digital transformation, digital infrastructure development, human resource training, and technology application in management and governance to promote the construction of a digital government, digital economy, and digital society in the province.

Phạm Thanh Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, stated that in the coming time, the Department will continue to advise on the synchronous implementation of tasks under Resolution No.57-NQ/TW. Efforts will focus on developing digital infrastructure, digital data, and digital human resources, and promoting the application of science, technology, and artificial intelligence in areas where the province has advantages, such as agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and public administration. The goal is to make technology a true driving force for development, better serving citizens and businesses.

Digital transformation is a long-term journey, requiring the participation of the entire political system, the business community, and the people. With the infrastructure foundation currently being invested in, increasingly perfected policies, and the determination to materialize Resolution No.57-NQ/TW with practical solutions, Điện Biên has the opportunity to create a strong shift in science, technology, and innovation, contributing to improving governance capacity and boosting economic growth and the quality of life for the people in the province.