Assessment of factors influencing digital transformation in Vietnamese Pharmaceutical Enterprises

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the degree of influence of key factors on influencing the digital transformation (DT) maturity level among Vietnamese pharmaceutical enterprises. Subject and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 pharmaceutical enterprises. Data was collected using a validated survey instrument administered to key informants (e.g., C-level executives, department heads). The survey measured eight factor groups (C1–C8) on a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis employed Cronbach’s alpha, descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA by enterprise size, and multivariate regression. Result: The measurement scales demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.87). A notable finding was that large enterprises (≥ 200 employees) achieved the highest DT maturity, whereas medium-sized enterprises (100-199 employees) reported the lowest. Regression analysis identified three primary drivers of DT maturity: C1 - Strategic focus on business model innovation (β = 0.246), C2 - Corporate digital strategy (β = 0.178), and C5 - Technological infrastructure (β = 0.168). Interestingly, C4 - The perceived impact of DT on current business performance was not a statistically significant predictor, suggesting that transformation is driven more by strategic foresight than by realized short-term gains. Conclusion: Business model innovation, a clear digital strategy, and robust technological infrastructure are the three foundational pillars for advancing DT maturity in Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry. The findings suggest that current DT initiatives are largely vision-led rather than performance-driven. Policymakers should prioritize support for medium-sized enterprises in finance, policy, and workforce training to help them overcome unique barriers and bridge the maturity gap.