The Government of Ukraine has officially expanded the responsibilities of Chief Digital Transformation Officers (CDTOs), assigning them a new strategic function — the development and coordination of innovation policy.
This move is part of a broader effort to modernize public governance and strengthen Ukraine’s capacity for innovation-led recovery.
Back in 2020, Ukraine became one of the first countries in the world to institutionalize the CDTO role at the national level. These leaders were appointed as deputy heads of ministries and government agencies, responsible for accelerating digital transformation and scaling citizen-focused e-government services.
CDTOs helped Ukrainians trust digital reform — from digital documents to public services. Now, they will help drive innovation across all levels of government. This is strategic leadership. Innovation is our way forward — for resilience, economic growth, and post-war recovery
As of April 2025, Ukraine has 61 active CDTOs:
- 17 in national ministries
- 29 in central executive bodies
- 15 in regional military administrations
To meet the growing need for skilled digital leaders, the Ministry of Digital Transformation launched CDTO Campus, a national leadership training program developed with international partners. Over 400 graduates have completed the program, and this year, enrollment is expected to double.
The expansion of CDTO responsibilities aligns with Ukraine’s Global Innovation Strategy until 2030 (WINWIN), adopted in December 2024. The strategy sets out a bold vision: to make Ukraine a regional innovation hub, bridging government, science, business, and startups.
From now on, CDTOs will be responsible not only for digital governance but also for shaping and implementing innovation policy in their respective institutions.
Key functions under the new mandate:
- Developing and implementing innovation initiatives
- Coordinating innovation projects at national and regional levels
- Supporting the national innovation ecosystem
- Improving government tools for innovation support
- Facilitating collaboration across government, academia, business, and civil society
Innovation focus areas:
- Defense and dual-use technologies
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- AI, robotics, and advanced IT
- Transport, aviation, and shipbuilding
- Digital healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- Nanotechnology and advanced materials
- Agritech and food security
- Environmental technologies and green innovation
Ukraine is already working to create favorable conditions for investors, scientists, innovators, and international partners. Innovation is now seen not just as a business opportunity, but as a strategic tool for national resilience, sovereignty, and long-term economic renewal.
This new approach brings innovation and digital transformation together under one leadership model. It will help us implement reforms faster, scale solutions more effectively, and build a smarter public sector
