Digital Transformation in Public Administration: Why Strong CDTOs Matter and How to Scale Change in Government
On the Importance of Strong CDTOs and Educational Opportunities for Civil Servants
Digital transformation has become an integral part of everyday life for Ukrainians. With the establishment of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the launch of the Diia ecosystem, citizens gained access to digital documents, online public services without queues at administrative service centers, and transparent, user-friendly processes for interacting with the state.
To achieve further progress, these changes need to be scaled across central executive authorities, where digital transformation must become the standard for management practices. For this, Ukraine needs strong CDTOs (Chief Digital Transformation Officers) – leaders responsible for implementing innovations and digital solutions in the public sector.
On where to find more qualified professionals, the importance of education in digital transformation in the public sector, and educational opportunities for civil servants and those planning to enter public service, Ruslana Korenchuk, CEO of Diia.Education, CDTO Campus, and Manager of joint projects of the East Europe Foundation and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraineю told to Mind.
The Role of CDTOs in Scaling Digitalization
Digital transformation has fundamentally raised the standard of public administration and has become one of the most tangible reform achievements in recent years. At the same time, these changes cannot be scaled without systematic digitalisation at the level of central executive authorities and regional military administrations. It is precisely at this level that public policies are developed, managerial decisions are made, resources are allocated, and the pace of change is set.
Digital transformation must be embedded not in isolated projects but in the core management processes of institutions – from strategic planning and data management to internal procedures and interaction between institutions and citizens.
An additional factor is the growing number of cyber threats and the active use of digital attacks against Ukraine, as well as the rapid development of artificial intelligence, which is already influencing analytics, management, and decision-making worldwide. This is why the role of CDTOs in central executive authorities and regional administrations remains critical.
A CDTO is a senior leadership position responsible for digital transformation, implementing innovative technologies, and transforming institutional processes within their organization. These “digital leaders” modernize public services and make citizens’ interactions with the state more convenient and secure. This is why the state needs qualified professionals who can take on CDTO roles and implement digital transformation comprehensively at the local and institutional levels.
What Competencies a Digital Transformation Leader Must Have
The CDTO role is first and foremost a managerial position. It is not about being a technical specialist or coordinating individual digital initiatives. A digital transformation leader operates at the intersection of public policy, strategy, team management, data, and technology. Their role is to integrate digital solutions into institutional management and ensure sustainable, high-quality change.
An effective CDTO combines the following competencies:
- Strategic thinking and the ability to develop a long-term vision for digital transformation;
- Change management, team leadership, and interagency collaboration;
- Data-driven decision-making;
- Understanding of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence;
- Clear communication with political leadership, partners, and donors.
This list can be expanded, as a digital transformation leader must continuously upgrade their skills – keeping pace with innovation and exploring new solutions to implement within their institution. For example, teams that use OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or implement Lean tools in their organizations demonstrate better results. A clear example is the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, which consistently delivers high performance.
The “Digital Transformation in Public Administration” Program by CDTO Campus
Today, the state operates in an environment of rapid change: digital technologies, cyber threats, and AI developments are constantly reshaping approaches to governance and decision-making. To maintain pace and control – especially at the level of central executive authorities and regional administrations – new management approaches and systematic capacity-building for digital transformation leaders are essential.
This is why CDTO Campus developed and regularly runs a long-term, customized program titled “Digital Transformation in Public Administration”, specifically for central executive authorities and regional administrations. Its goal is to build the managerial framework, tools, and practices that CDTOs need to perform effectively in public institutions. Enrollment is currently open for the fourth cohort of digital transformation leaders.
The program covers key areas of a CDTO’s work: leadership and change management, strategic planning, data management, cybersecurity, AI, digital project management, and team building. Participants analyze institutional processes, develop transformation roadmaps, and design and implement practical managerial solutions with tangible value for public institutions.
The program lasts nearly six months and combines online modules with in-person intensive sessions in Kyiv. This format allows participants to immediately apply newly acquired tools in their daily work.
The program is open to current civil servants who wish to update their competencies, deepen their knowledge, and master modern approaches to digital transformation. Representatives from the private or civil society sectors with managerial experience who want to work in public sector digitalisation are also eligible.
The selection process includes multiple stages: an initial application review followed by interviews to assess motivation, knowledge, competencies, and experience. Only selected participants begin the program, during and after which they can implement digital reforms in their institutions. Successful completion is confirmed by a certificate, which may provide an advantage when applying for a CDTO position.
Taking Responsibility for Change
Ukraine has already secured a place among global leaders in digital transformation. The next step is to scale these achievements across central executive authorities, where digital change must become a standard management practice.
This is only possible with strong CDTOs – leaders who take responsibility for strategic vision, change management, and the integration of technology into governance. The “Digital Transformation in Public Administration” program helps such leaders deepen their knowledge, master practical tools, and build a systemic approach to digital change in central and regional authorities. It can also serve as an entry point for those planning to build a career in public service.
Applications for the program are open until February 15 via the provided link.
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