ENHANCING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE ICT-ENABLED GOVERNANCE DURING THE TIMES OF WAR
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, TKACHENKO Igor 
Published: November 2024

Background . The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has become increasingly pervasive in governance processes, offering new opportunities and challenges for governments around the world. ICTs contribute to enhancing the institutional capacity of governments to fulfill their responsibilities and improve the delivery of public services. During times of conflict, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the utilization of ICTs in governance becomes even more critical and complex. This research aims to investigate the digitalization challenges and strategies associated with the use of ICTs in governance during the war in Ukraine. The study seeks to shed light on the unique digitalization landscape in this challenging environment by examining the vulnerabilities and threats faced by government systems and communication networks in the context of an armed conflict. Furthermore, the study delves into the identification of best practices and policy gaps providing recommendations to strengthen the digitalization of ICT-enabled governance settings during times of war and aftermath. By drawing attention to successful approaches and lessons learned, this research article aims to contribute to the development of robust digitalization strategies that can withstand the unique challenges presented by armed conflicts. The subject of this study is the digitalization strategies and ICT-enabled governance measures adopted by the Ukrainian government during the ongoing war. Methods . To investigate the digitalization challenges and strategies in ICT-enabled governance during the war in Ukraine, a diverse and multi-faceted methodology was used. The following research approach included a literature review, a case study based on the open sources from Ukrainian state authorities and donors' reports on digitalization and e-governance, data, and cross-case analysis. However, the comprehensiveness of the methodology remains a subject of debate, highlighting the need for ongoing discussion and refinement in future research. Results . The research findings indicate that the Ukrainian government has undertaken proactive measures to ensure the sustainability of public e-services, digital security, and the integrity of governmental ICT infrastructure, and to safeguard personal data throughout the conflict. The analysis is based on empirical evidence gathered from literature reviews, case studies using open sources from Ukrainian state authorities, and cross-case analysis, which allows for a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of these digitalization measures. Key findings include the identification of best practices and policy gaps, providing recommendations to strengthen the digitalization of ICT-enabled governance settings during times of war and aftermath. This structured approach ensures that the results are clearly derived from the described methodologies. Conclusions . The research utilized a variety of methods, including a literature review, case studies based on open sources from Ukrainian state authorities, and cross-case analysis. This approach allowed for a thorough assessment of the digitalization challenges and strategies associated with ICT-enabled governance during the war in Ukraine, providing a solid foundation for the analysis of the effectiveness of digitalization measures. The study revealed that while the E-government 3.0 concept represents the most current and mature form of e-governance internationally, Ukraine has yet to develop a comprehensive e-governance strategy for both pre-war and post-war periods to achieve the same level of progress. The lack of detailed evidence-based policy justification for implementing digital transformation is still a significant barrier. Additionally, the outdated legislative framework and institutional governance model are the key obstacles, with piecemeal legislative updates failing to address the fundamental issues. This disconnect between strategic goals and current technological trends underscores the need for a thorough legislative overhaul to align with up-to-date requirements. The instability and underfunding within the Ukraine's National Informatization Program, which suffers from numerous normative and institutional deficiencies is the best illustration of such disorder. This program's effectiveness is further hampered by its excessive dependence on the current political and economic situation. The study recommends a comprehensive review or replacement of the National Informatization Program with more practical documents. A crucial objective of the updated program should be to ensure the proper functioning of the National System of Indicators for Information Society Development and the National Register of Electronic Information Resources. The reinstatement of annual reports on the state of information society development is also suggested to provide valuable insights for adjusting strategic ICT development documents. Furthermore, the ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted critical needs for an updated and comprehensive e-governance strategy to support the country's recovery and reconstruction efforts. The study suggests that conceptualizing the Government 3.0 concept in public strategic documents, coupled with the allocation of international donor funds with appropriate oversight, can enhance government service efficiency and accessibility. Leveraging advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Block chain, and data analytics can improve decision-making processes and enable evidence-based policy formulation. The study also emphasizes the importance of training programs for civil servants to enhance their digital literacy and skills, as well as establishing dedicated units or agencies to oversee e-governance initiatives and coordinate cross-sectoral collaboration. The conclusions provide a clear and structured summary of the findings, ensuring that the results are directly linked to the described methodologies and the overall aim of the research