Title: Digital Technology, Green Economy, and Job Creation in Vietnam's Mountainous Regions: A PLS-SEM Analysis
Authors: Bui Ngoc Bao Tien , Nguyen Phuong Linh
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
Pages: 155-166
Publication Date: 2025/06/28
Abstract:
This study investigates the multifaceted role of digital technology in fostering green economic development and employment generation within Vietnam's mountainous regions. Employing a comprehensive theoretical framework integrating the Technology Acceptance Model, Sustainable Development Theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Sustainable Livelihood Framework, this research utilises Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to analyse survey data from 400 respondents comprising small and medium enterprises, workers, and local authorities across three mountainous regions. Digital technology adoption significantly enhances green economic development (? = 0.320, p < 0.001) and digital entrepreneurship (? = 0.280, p < 0.001), with both emerging as significant drivers of job creation. Multi-group analysis reveals gender-based heterogeneity, with women demonstrating superior leverage of digital technology for green economic growth. The findings underscore the imperative for integrated policy interventions addressing digital infrastructure development, capability building, and gender-inclusive strategies to maximise transformative potential for sustainable development in mountainous regions.