Digital transformation strategies in supply chain management for Vietnamese SMEs: A sustainable development approach using SWOT-AHP-TOWS

Huong Thi Minh Luong; Tri Cao Le; Khoa Minh Dang Ngo

doi:10.29333/ejosdr/18316

Full Text (PDF)

Huong Thi Minh Luong ¹ ^* , Tri Cao Le ¹ , Khoa Minh Dang Ngo ¹

More Detail

¹ Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM^* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study focuses on digital transformation (DT) in supply chain management among Vietnamese SMEs, an area that remains underexplored compared to large enterprises. Using a hybrid SWOT-AHP-TOWS framework and evaluations from 20 experts, the study identifies key influencing factors and prioritizes strategic responses. Twelve feasible strategies are identified, with five emerging as top priorities: leveraging government policies and international funding (WO1, weight = 0.014379), developing a skilled digital workforce (WT2, 0.009865), adopting advanced technologies such as AI and IoT (SO1, 0.006036), enhancing organizational flexibility and financial efficiency (ST2, 0.005323), and strengthening system security and operational safety (ST3, 0.005323). These findings offer actionable guidance for SMEs in planning DT while providing evidence-based insights for policymakers to support sustainable and resilient digital supply chains.

Keywords

digital transformation
SMEs
supply chain management
SWOT-AHP-TOWS
sustainable strategies

License

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES, Volume 10, Issue 3, 2026, Article No: em0394

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18316

Publication date: 01 Jul 2026

Online publication date: 05 Apr 2026

Article Views: 111

Article Downloads: 46

Open Access References How to cite this article

References

Abidin, Z., Rahmad, V. F., Hamid, S. N. A., Anandya, A., Purwanti, P., Sofiati, D., Wardani, M. P., & Supriyadi, S. (2024). Digital marketing strategy development for recovery ecotourism visit after COVID-19 pandemic: A comparison study on BJBR and Kampung Blekok Mangrove Ecotourism, Indonesia. Agris On-Line Papers in Economics and Informatics, 16(4), 3-17. https://doi.org/10.7160/aol.2024.160401
Adhikari, R., & Chanda, R. (2024). How digitalization can drive sustainable supply chains in the least developed countries. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/09/digitalization-sustainable-supply-chains-least-developed-countries/
Anh, V. T., Co, Đ. T. H., Duc, V. H., & Ngoc, T. P. (2024). Factors impacting successful digital transformation in small and medium enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City. HCMCOUJS, 19(9), 35-49.
Bošnjaković, M., & Santa, R. (2025). Strategic assessment of building-integrated photovoltaics adoption: A combined SWOT-AHP approach. Energies, 18(16), Article 4221. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164221
Costa Melo, D. I., Queiroz, G. A., Alves Junior, P. N., Sousa, T. B. de, Yushimito, W. F., & Pereira, J. (2023). Sustainable digital transformation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs): A review on performance. Heliyon, 9(3), Article e13908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13908
Dinh, L. C. (2024). Integration of SWOT and AHP-GROUP (AHPG) for building social-economic development strategies: A case study in Dak Nong Province, Vietnam. International Journal of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.13033/IJAHP.V16I3.1264
Elkington, J. (2018). 25 years ago I coined the phrase “triple bottom line.” Here’s why it’s time to rethink it. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2018/06/25-years-ago-i-coined-the-phrase-triple-bottom-line-heres-why-im-giving-up-on-it
Ernur, O., & Yüksel, H. (2022). Assessing Industry 4.0 transformation of SMEs: A SWOT analysis. İzmir Yönetim Dergisi, 3(1), 23-35. https://doi.org/10.56203/iyd.1113835
Feng, Z. (2025). Using SWOT analysis to assist Chinese enterprises in establishing green supply chain management. In Proceedings of the 4^th International Conference on Business and Policy Studies (pp. 188-200). https://doi.org/10.54254/2754-1169/161/2025.20050
González-Cancelas, N., Molina Serrano, B., Soler-Flores, F., & Camarero-Orive, A. (2020). Using the SWOT methodology to know the scope of the digitalization of the Spanish ports. Logistics, 4(3), Article 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics4030020
Government of Vietnam. (2020). National digital transformation program to 2025 with orientation to 2030: Decision no. 749/QĐ-TTg. Government of Vietnam. https://chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?pageid=27160&docid=200163
Ha Anh. (2025). The total value of e-commerce transactions in Vietnam reached USD 13.82 billion in 2024. Thoi Bao. https://thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn/tong-gia-tri-giao-dich-thuong-mai-dien-tu-viet-nam-dat-1382-ty-usd-trong-nam-2024-169352.html
Jatmiko, B., Udin, U., Raharti, R., Laras, T., & Ardhi, K. F. (2021). Strategies for MSMEs to achieve sustainable competitive advantage: The SWOT analysis method. Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business, 8(3), 505-515. https://doi.org/10.13106/jafeb.2021.vol8.no3.0505
Kalani, E., Kazem-Zadeh, R. B., & Kamrani, E. (2017). The pathology of the hindrance factors impeding the application of value engineering in the construction industry in Iran and ranking them by use of analytical hierarchy process. Journal of Human Resource and Sustainability Studies, 5(1), 57-67. https://doi.org/10.4236/jhrss.2017.51006
Khatri, J. K., & Metri, B. (2016). SWOT-AHP approach for sustainable manufacturing strategy selection: A case of Indian SME. Global Business Review, 17(5), 1211-1226. https://doi.org/10.1177/0972150916656693
King, T., Freyn, S., & Morrison, J. (2023). SWOT analysis problems and solutions: Practitioners’ feedback into the ongoing academic debate. Journal of Intelligence Studies in Business, 13(1), 30-42. https://doi.org/10.37380/jisib.v13i1.989
Knut Alicke, V. D. S. G. L. M. P. R. S. R. and R. S. (2021). Metals and mining practice succeeding in the AI supply-chain revolution. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/metals-and-mining/our-insights/succeeding-in-the-ai-supply-chain-revolution
Le, T. T., Nhu, Q. P. V, Bao, T. B. N., Thao, L. V. N., & Pereira, V. (2024). Digitalisation driving sustainable corporate performance: The mediation of green innovation and green supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 446, Article 141290. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2024.141290
Li, M., Yang, C., Zhang, L., & Fan, R. (2024). Research on sustainable development strategy of energy internet system in Xiongan New Area of China based on PEST-SWOT-ANP model. Sustainability, 16(15), Article 6395. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156395
Limaei, S. M., Saraei, S. T. M. S., Bonyad, A., & Mirzaei, M. (2024). Integrated SWOT and AHP analysis for participatory forest management–A case study in Qazvin Province, Iran. Austrian Journal of Forest Science, 4, 263-296.
Linh, T. (2024). Minister Nguyen Chi Dung: Small and medium enterprises always have a special position and play an important role in socio-economic development. Ministry of Planning and Investment. https://www.mpi.gov.vn/portal/Pages/2024-8-28/Bo-truong-Nguyen-Chi-Dung-doanh-nghiep-nho-va-vua-lyv5l6.aspx
Martínez-Peláez, R., Escobar, M. A., Félix, V. G., Ostos, R., Parra-Michel, J., García, V., Ochoa-Brust, A., Velarde-Alvarado, P., Félix, R. A., Olivares-Bautista, S., Flores, V., & Mena, L. J. (2024). Sustainable digital transformation for SMEs: A comprehensive framework for informed decision-making. Sustainability, 16(11), Article 4447. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114447
Mick, M. M. A. P., Kovaleski, J. L., & de Genaro Chiroli, D. M. (2024). Sustainable digital transformation roadmaps for SMEs: A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 16(19), Article 8551. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198551
Mihajlović, I., Perišić, M., Brkić, V. S., Milošević, I., & Milijić, N. (2024). Digitalization of strategic decision-making in manufacturing SMEs: A quantitative SWOT-TOWS analysis. Precision Mechanics & Digital Fabrication, 1(3), 176-188. https://doi.org/10.56578/pmdf010305
Ngo, V. M., Nguyen, H. H., Pham, H. C., Nguyen, H. M., & Truong, P. V. D. (2023). Digital supply chain transformation: Effect of firm’s knowledge creation capabilities under COVID-19 supply chain disruption risk. Operations Management Research, 16(2), 1003-1018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12063-022-00326-z
Nguyen, T. D., & Ngo, T. Q. (2022). The role of technological advancement, supply chain, environmental, social, and governance responsibilities on the sustainable development goals of SMEs in Vietnam. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja, 35(1), 4557-4579. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2021.2015611
Nguyen, T., Akbari, M., & Nguyen, K. (2024). Unlocking the potential of Vietnamese supply chain with digitalization: A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. Operations and Supply Chain Management, 17(1), 123-141. https://doi.org/10.31387/oscm0560418
Nguyen, V. A. T., Hoang, T. T., Mai, T. D., Lam, T. H., & Pham, H. N. (2023). The factors affecting digital transformation in small and medium enterprises in Hanoi City. Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 11(4), 1705-1718. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2023.6.019
Pesce, M., Shi, C., Critto, A., Wang, X., & Marcomini, A. (2018). SWOT analysis of the application of international standard ISO 14001 in the Chinese context. A case study of Guangdong Province. Sustainability, 10(9), Article 3196. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10093196
Quan, N. H. K., Singh, H., Khanh, T. H. T., & Rajagopal, P. A. (2023). A SWOT analysis with a digital transformation: A case study for hospitals in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Journal of Informatics and Web Engineering, 2(1), 38-48. https://doi.org/10.33093/jiwe.2023.2.1.4
Romero, I., & Mammadov, H. (2025). Digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises as an innovation process: A holistic study of its determinants. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 16(2), 8496-8523. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-02217-z
Saaty, R. W. (1987). The analytic hierarchy process–What it is and how it is used. Mathematical Modelling, 9(5), 161-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/0270-0255(87)90473-8
Saaty, T. L. (1980). The analytic hierarchy process. McGraw-Hill. https://doi.org/10.21236/ADA214804
Saaty, T. L. (2008). The analytic hierarchy and analytic network measurement processes: Applications to decisions under risk. European Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, 1(1), 122-196. https://doi.org/10.29020/nybg.ejpam.v1i1.6
Sang, T. M. (2023). Digital transformation toward sustainable development in Vietnamese small and medium enterprises. Management and Marketing, 18(s1), 459-473. https://doi.org/10.2478/mmcks-2023-0025
Seuring, S., & Müller, M. (2008). From a literature review to a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2008.04.020
Shiwakoti, S., & Regmi, S. (2022). Strategic analysis of the nepal electricity authority: A SWOT-AHP analysis based on stakeholders’ perceptions. International Journal of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, 14(1), 1-31. https://doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v14i1.944
Spanidis, P. M., Roumpos, C., & Pavloudakis, F. (2023). Evaluation of strategies for the sustainable transformation of surface coal mines using a combined SWOT-AHP methodology. Sustainability, 15(10), Article 7785. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107785
Ta, V. A., & Lin, C. Y. (2023). Exploring the determinants of digital transformation adoption for SMEs in an emerging economy. Sustainability, 15(9), Article 7093. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097093
Thanh, B. K. (2024). Unveiling the role of innovation capacity and entrepreneurial orientation in mediating the impact of digital transformation on SMES’ competitive advantages. Journal of Economics and Development, 321(2), 70-78. https://doi.org/10.33301/jed.vi.1581
Thuyen, T. T. N. (2023). AHP-SWOT analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of implementing green innovation. Thailand and The World Economy, 41(3), 66-87.
Tuan, N. H., & Canh, T. T. (2022). Integral SWOT-AHP-TOWS model for strategic agricultural development in the context of drought: A case study in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam. International Journal of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.13033/IJAHP.V14I1.890
Tuan, N. H., & Canh, T. T. (2024). Proposed solutions for grapes development in Ninh Thuan by Fuzzy-ANP-SWOT. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1349, Article 012033. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1349/1/012033
Uyen, H. T. T. (2025). Solutions to promote sustainable finance for small and medium enterprises in Vietnam. Economy & Forecast Review. https://kinhtevadubao.vn/giai-phap-thuc-day-tai-chinh-ben-vung-doi-voi-doanh-nghiep-nho-va-vua-tai-viet-nam-31857.html
Vial, G. (2019). Understanding digital transformation: A review and a research agenda. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 28(2), 118-144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2019.01.003
Vietnam Financial Times. (2025). Viet Nam’s e-commerce hits US$25 billion in 2024. Thoi Bao. https://thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn/viet-nams-e-commerce-hits-us-25-billion-in-2024-168262.html
Walsh, J., Nguyen, T. Q., & Hoang, T. (2023). Digital transformation in Vietnamese SMEs: Managerial implications. Journal of Internet and Digital Economics, 3(1/2), 18-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/jide-09-2022-0018
Wang, S., Gao, M., & Zhang, H. (2024). Strengthening SMEs competitiveness and performance via industrial internet: Technological, organizational, and environmental pathways. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11, Article 1366. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03903-8
Weihrich, H. (1982). The TOWS matrix–A tool for situational analysis. Long Range Planning, 15(2), 54-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-6301(82)90120-0

How to cite this article

APA

Luong, H. T. M., Le, T. C., & Ngo, K. M. D. (2026). Digital transformation strategies in supply chain management for Vietnamese SMEs: A sustainable development approach using SWOT-AHP-TOWS. European Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 10(3), em0394. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18316

Vancouver

Luong HTM, Le TC, Ngo KMD. Digital transformation strategies in supply chain management for Vietnamese SMEs: A sustainable development approach using SWOT-AHP-TOWS. EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES. 2026;10(3):em0394. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18316

AMA

Luong HTM, Le TC, Ngo KMD. Digital transformation strategies in supply chain management for Vietnamese SMEs: A sustainable development approach using SWOT-AHP-TOWS. EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES. 2026;10(3), em0394. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18316

Chicago

Luong, Huong Thi Minh, Tri Cao Le, and Khoa Minh Dang Ngo. "Digital transformation strategies in supply chain management for Vietnamese SMEs: A sustainable development approach using SWOT-AHP-TOWS". European Journal of Sustainable Development Research 2026 10 no. 3 (2026): em0394. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18316

Harvard

Luong, H. T. M., Le, T. C., and Ngo, K. M. D. (2026). Digital transformation strategies in supply chain management for Vietnamese SMEs: A sustainable development approach using SWOT-AHP-TOWS. European Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 10(3), em0394. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18316

MLA

Luong, Huong Thi Minh et al. "Digital transformation strategies in supply chain management for Vietnamese SMEs: A sustainable development approach using SWOT-AHP-TOWS". European Journal of Sustainable Development Research, vol. 10, no. 3, 2026, em0394. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18316