This study examines the relationship between financial education, financial literacy, and financial behavior among young Vietnamese adults. Based on survey data from over 1000 participants, this study measures financial literacy through objective and subjective knowledge and financial ability. Financial behavior is assessed in terms of short-term behaviors (emergency funds, spending, overdraft, and budgeting) and long-term behaviors (retirement planning, having a retirement account, investment, and setting financial goals). Logistic and ordered logistic regression models are employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate a significant difference in financial behavior between individuals who have received financial education and those who have not. This study also reveals that financial literacy has a negative impact on short-term financial behaviors but a positive effect on long-term financial behaviors. This novel finding highlights the importance of considering different time horizons when examining the interplay between financial literacy and behaviors. The insights from this study hold implications for policymakers, educators, and financial institutions in developing countries like Vietnam, as they can inform the design of effective financial education programs. Ultimately, this research contributes to enhancing the financial well-being of young adults and supporting the country’s overall economic growth.

This research investigates the influence of financial inclusion and digitalization on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by analyzing a sample of 38 countries from 2006 to 2020. For our analysis, we use the SGMM method and fixed-effect panel threshold models. Financial inclusion and digitalization are measured using newly constructed indices derived from principal component analysis. Despite some variations in specific details, the overall trend in the relationship among CO₂ emissions, financial inclusion, and digitalization remains consistent across high-income and low- and middle-income countries. Our findings reveal that financial inclusion has a significant and non-linear impact on CO₂ emissions. Conversely, digitalization is found to reduce CO₂ emissions significantly. Furthermore, the threshold models indicate that the impact of financial inclusion on CO₂ emissions varies depending on the levels of financial inclusion and digitalization. The influence of financial inclusion on CO₂ emissions is lower at higher levels of financial inclusion and digital technology, and vice versa. Our findings have implications for policymakers who seek to develop economic policies for sustainable development. By adopting policies that promote digital technologies, policymakers can enhance financial inclusion and economic growth and reduce CO₂ emissions.

The development of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 has far-reaching effects on all aspects of life, the economy, and society, bringing various growth opportunities for businesses. However, businesses are still hesitant to apply these new technologies. On a research sample from a survey of 396 Vietnamese enterprises, the study uses the SEM-neural network method to determine the relationship and importance of five groups of factors affecting the firms’ Industry 4.0 technologies adoption. The results suggest that five groups of factors, including Perceived characteristics, Technological competencies, CEO characteristics, Environmental characteristics, and Subjective Norms, all positively and significantly impact the Industry 4.0 technologies adoption in Vietnam. In particular, Technological competencies are the most influential factors according to the SEM method, while Subjective norms factors have the most decisive impact according to the neural-network method. Moreover, the research also found that adopting Industry 4.0 technologies depends on different company characteristics, such as age, size, status, and industry.