Digital Transformation in Local Authorities in Ukraine: Challenges and Opportunities

Main Article Content

Iryna Fyshchuk
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7645-3490

Abstract

Digital transformation in Ukrainian local authorities aims to enhance public services, strengthen citizen engagement, and improve transparency and efficiency. The United Nations E-Government Survey (2022) classified Ukraine within the ‘very high’ category of the Local Online Service Index, highlighting strong digital governance performance. However, this study reveals challenges related to uneven implementation in newly established communities (hromadas) due to lack of financial resources, cybersecurity issues, lack of personnel, mindset, lack of internet quality, digital skills gap, which hinder digital transformation in Ukraine’s local authorities. At the same time, platforms such as Diia application, a state-developed platform in Ukraine illustrate how digital tools can transform state - citizen interactions, making governance more inclusive and responsive. This study identifies potential opportunities for advancing digital transformation, including national educational programs for digital leaders (CDTO Campus), inter-municipal and international collaboration, veteran engagement, and incentives, such as utility discounts, tax stimulus, to attract digital specialists.

Article Details

Section

Articles (refereed)

Author Biography

Iryna Fyshchuk, University of Stavanger, Norway

Associate Professor in the Scholar at Risk program at the Department of Media and Social Sciences at the University of Stavanger, Norway. Her research interests are focused on digital transformation, cybersecurity, public administration, municipality development, and international relations, particularly in the context of Ukraine.