Designing SMART Indicators for Monitoring Provincial Circular Economy Transition and Resilience in Viet Nam

This paper develops a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) indicator framework for assessing provincial circular economy transition and resilience in Viet Nam. Although national strategies identify the circular economy as a strategic pillar of the country’s 2045 development vision, implementation largely depends on provincial governments. However, the absence of an operational sub-national monitoring framework has limited systematic performance assessment, policy alignment, and evidence-based decision-making.

First, the paper reviews international circular economy monitoring frameworks and sub-national indicator systems to identify methodological principles relevant to the Vietnamese context. Second, it proposes a structured indicator architecture organised around six pillars: resource efficiency and material flows; waste management and prevention; industrial symbiosis and eco-industrial parks; sustainable consumption and production; circular business models and innovation; and social and economic co-benefits. Third, it develops a consolidated set of indicators specifying definitions, data sources, monitoring frequency, and implementation considerations to support application across provinces with varying institutional capacities.

The proposed framework emphasises outcome-oriented indicators, alignment with national statistical systems, and phased implementation. By linking provincial monitoring with national development, climate, and sustainability objectives, the framework provides a practical foundation for strengthening multilevel circular economy governance and enhancing policy coherence in Viet Nam.