In today’s fast-paced world, digital transformation has become an integral part of effective public administration. Chief Digital Transformation Officers (CDTOs) play a key role in this process – they are the leaders responsible for implementing innovative technologies and digital solutions in the public sector. The mission of CDTOs is to modernize public services, increase transparency and efficiency in government processes, and make state services more convenient and secure for citizens. How Ukraine is preparing the “Digital Officers” and what their professional activities are, Galyna Pustova, CEO of CDTO Campus, told Mind as a columnist.
Estonia, Finland, Singapore, the UK, Denmark, and Ukraine are leaders in digital public services. Over six years, Ukraine has climbed 97 positions and, in 2024, ranked 5th globally in the E-Government Development Index.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation initiated the CDTO position in 2020. The Ministry actively promotes digital solutions across the public sector and works closely with CDTOs in central executive bodies and regional administrations. These officers are responsible for implementing e-government projects, digitizing administrative services, and integrating innovative technologies across various domains.
However, the rapid development of technology demands that even current CDTOs continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge to meet modern challenges and enhance their leadership qualities.
This is why the idea arose to create a project that would both train new CDTOs and strengthen the expertise of existing digital transformation leaders.
Ukraine’s educational initiative – CDTO Campus – aims to train digital transformation leaders for the public sector. Since its launch, CDTO Campus has graduated 734 professionals.
The programs are designed for both regional and local managers and address the challenges of digitization in both large cities and small communities. For instance, the “Digital Transformation in Public Governance for Communities” course focuses on reducing the digital divide and eliminating barriers to access digital technologies. It helps ensure equal digital opportunities for residents of any community size.
A key part of CDTO Campus is community building. Students and graduates can participate in internal events, workshops, and seminars to expand their professional knowledge and networks. Recently, a workshop on creating the perfect resume helped participants better present themselves in the job market.
According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of workers globally will need reskilling or upskilling by 2025 to stay relevant. In the public sector, this percentage is even higher, as digital transformation demands not only technical skills but also strategic thinking and leadership.
In a world of rapidly evolving technologies, continuous learning is not optional but essential for CDTOs.
It enables them to stay on top of trends, implement cutting-edge solutions, and effectively respond to challenges. Ongoing upgrades ensure:
According to Gartner, 82% of CFOs plan to increase investment in digital capabilities over the next one to two years, and 70% will invest in IT. Technology is viewed as a key driver of organizational performance, highlighting the strategic value of digital competencies for leaders at all levels.
Therefore, CDTOs must not only refine their technical expertise but also develop strong analytical thinking to effectively implement innovations in the public sector.
The CDTO’s role is critical to the successful digital transformation of government. Continuous learning and development enable them to implement innovations effectively, improve service quality, and meet modern demands. Investing in the education and advancement of CDTOs is an investment in the country’s future – its transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness.