Sustainable competition

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for approximately 90% of all businesses worldwide and contribute to over 50% of total employment (OECD, 2025). In the context of climate change, energy crises, and intense market competition, technology adoption among SMEs is no longer solely about growth but also about ensuring long-term sustainability. Current technology trends revolve around two main pillars: digital transformation and green transformation. These are not separate processes; rather, they are increasingly intertwined to optimize costs, boost revenues, and meet the international market’s demand for greener operations.

Digital Technologies: Optimizing Costs and Revenue

Digital technology has become a survival foundation for SMEs. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data are being widely applied to automate processes, optimize supply chains, and enhance production management. According to SMEscale (2025), AI can help SMEs reduce operational costs by up to 60% while doubling revenue through data-driven business optimization. Another popular application, blockchain, enhances transparency and security in financial transactions, cutting transaction and management costs by 5% to 15% (Desicrew, 2025).

Meanwhile, fintech and open banking make it easier for SMEs to access financing—particularly green finance at lower interest rates—while improving cash flow forecasting (Desicrew, 2025).

Table 1. Application of Digital Technologies in SMEs

Technology	Main Benefits	Estimated Impact
AI, IoT, Big Data	Automation and process optimization	Reduces waste by 20–30% (Nhân Dân, 2024)
Blockchain	Financial transparency	Cuts transaction costs by 5–15% (Desicrew, 2025)
Fintech & Open Banking	Cash flow management and green finance access	Lowers borrowing costs, improves forecasting (DTSVN, 2024)

 

Green Technologies: The Foundation for Sustainable Competitiveness

In parallel with digitalization, green transformation has become inevitable. Technologies such as renewable energy (solar, wind, hydropower), eco-friendly materials, and smart energy management systems are being increasingly adopted by SMEs worldwide. Deloitte (2025) forecasts that renewable energy will account for 30% of SMEs’ technology investment portfolios in the U.S. and Europe. SG Analytics (2025) emphasizes that green technologies not only reduce energy costs by 10–25% but also strengthen compliance with international export standards.

From a management perspective, many SMEs have integrated carbon emission monitoring and material circularity systems into their production processes. This not only ensures environmental compliance but also builds distinctive brand value.

Table 2. Application of Green Technologies in SMEs

Green Technology	Main Benefits	Estimated Impact
Renewable Energy	Reduces energy costs	Cuts 10–25% of energy expenses (SG Analytics, 2025)
Recycled Materials	Compliance with export standards	Enhances international reputation (Emerald VC, 2025)
Emission Management	Carbon monitoring	Meets ESG and VSS requirements (EY, 2025)

 

Practical Insights from Vietnam

In Vietnam, the combination of digital and green transformation has yielded tangible results. According to the Vietnam Financial Times (2024), adopting both digital and green technologies has helped SMEs save 4–15% in production costs while increasing revenue through expanded digital sales channels and compliance with traceability requirements—essential for exporting agricultural products to the EU and the U.S. (EPMA, 2024).

For example, many coffee and cashew enterprises have applied blockchain to enhance supply chain transparency, while using IoT to monitor cultivation areas and ensure “deforestation-free” standards (Nhân Dân, 2024). Applications like ERP, CRM, and e-commerce platforms have not only improved customer management but also expanded online markets, boosting revenue by 15–20% (ITIF, 2025).

Key Insights

According to the World Economic Forum (2025), by the end of 2025, at least 30% of SMEs worldwide will implement digital and green technologies as part of their sustainable growth strategies. The OECD (2025) also highlights that governments are increasingly issuing regulations requiring businesses to comply with green standards—particularly within global value chains.

For SMEs, the key takeaway is not to chase technology blindly. Instead, technology strategies must originate from internal needs: optimizing costs, improving productivity, enhancing governance, and meeting green standards. This is the only way SMEs can both survive and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

The growing technological demand among SMEs worldwide is moving in two main directions: digitalization and green transformation. These trends complement each other, helping SMEs optimize costs, boost revenue, and build sustainable advantages. For Vietnam, this represents an opportunity for SMEs to not only improve operational efficiency but also integrate more deeply into global value chains through technological innovation.

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