Improving the legal framework to promote digital transformation and the circular economy in Vietnam

This study analyzes the relationship between digital transformation and the circular economy from a legal perspective and assesses Vietnam’s current legal framework for promoting this dual transition. Using legal analysis, comparative methods, policy synthesis, and legal impact assessment, the study identifies several regulatory gaps. Particular concerns include reconciling personal data protection and cybersecurity requirements with material-data transparency and traceability, as well as the lack of effective mechanisms for enforcing extended producer responsibility in e-commerce and protecting consumer rights throughout the lifecycle of digital devices. The study argues that digital technologies can support resource tracking, circular supply chains, and sustainable production, but require an enabling and risk-sensitive legal framework. It therefore proposes legal reforms to better integrate digital transformation with circular-economy development in Vietnam.