DIGITALIZATION AS A TOOL TO PREVENT CORRUPTION: INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCE OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, KORCHAK Nataliia , MORDAS Iryna ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2025

Background . The intensification of democratization processes in public administration and the practice of improving the provision of administrative services necessitate the implementation and application of modern innovations in the development of digital technologies. Amid martial law, Ukraine is persistently working on enhancing the digital anti-corruption infrastructure built over recent years, with the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) serving as a successful case of building the institutional capacity of a public administration entity in the direction of digital transformation.

Methods . A combination of general scientific and special research methods was used: systemic-analytical, exploratory, predictive, and generalization.

Results . The innovative experience of Ukraine in the processes of digital transformations in the field of combating corruption has been analysed. It has been established that the reduction of corruption levels in the country depends on the extent of the implementation of innovative digital IT technologies. It is noted that the digital transformation of the work of state and local government bodies is one of the principles of state anti-corruption policy up to 2025, and digitization is one of the most effective tools for preventing corruption, particularly in identifying signs of it in the work of public administration bodies and their officials. It is argued that the state anti-corruption program provides for the implementation of 63 IT products that will contribute to reducing corruption risks and enhancing public control over the use of budget funds, strengthen the interaction of citizens and businesses in the state, and ensure transparent mechanisms and public oversight. It is emphasized that the digitization of NACP is carried out in the areas of automating internal management processes and implementing modern information and communication technologies to improve algorithms for monitoring transparency and integrity in the activities of public administration entities and improving mechanisms of their democratic accountability and responsibility. It is highlighted that the implementation of innovative anti-corruption digital solutions is a sign of the professionalism, maturity, and honesty of the government. It is noted and substantiated that the application of the latest IT technologies has a productive impact on the quality of data collection and processing for identifying corruption risks and/or practices.

Conclusions . The presence of innovative digital tools determines the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. The application of digital tools is the most cost-effective way to prevent and combat manifestations of corruption. The implementation of digital tools envisaged in the Anti-Corruption Strategy and the State Anti-Corruption Program will strengthen preventive anti-corruption mechanisms and contribute to reducing opportunities for corrupt practices