Over the past 5 years, VNU scientists have published 3,115 scientific articles in Scopus/ISI indexed journals, accounting for about 20% of the total number of Scopus/ISI papers nationwide. Notably, among VNU’s 2020 Scopus/ISI articles, 1 Social Sciences paper was published in Nature, a world-leading journal. In 2019 alone, there were 874 articles, an increase by 87 times compared to 1993 (the period of newly-established VNU). VNU's citation index per article has exceeded the average threshold, 5.1 times against Asia’s average of 4.5 times; many articles had high citations (from 50 to 500 times).

VNU has issued an Action Plan on key missions and solutions towards the development of a digital university, using information technology, data processing, and digital application store in university organization and operation and in the application of artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things to develop the Digital university -  the Smart University, VNU (VNU 4.0).

To develop the Digital University - Smart University, VNU (a Unified Digital Ecosystem, One VNU), it requires a rapid synchronous implementation of digital transformation based on Technology 4.0 by all VNU’s affiliates and their subordinate units, just like the "Cells: Units" in the "Body: VNU". VNU digital data - digital information - digital knowledge system will be operated on the basis of a unified and synchronous technology to help VNU to quickly, accurately and efficiently steer, manage, monitor all the member units’ real time training, research and study activities; and also to help these units steer, manage and supervise all the activities of their subordinates in accordance with the direction of VNU. Relationships, connections and linkages within VNU will be multidimensional, diverse, yet unified and developed in a digital ecosystem to promote digital research and training most effectively, innovatively and rapidly with highest quality anytime, anywhere.