Digitalisation is becoming more than just a buzzword; it is a real tool for developing Ukrainian communities. At the Bucha Forum ‘Reforms. Decentralisation. European Integration’ in the panel ‘Successful practices of international projects for sustainable development of communities and regions’, Serhii Hunko, Coordinator for Regional Digitalisation of the ‘E-Governance for Accountability and Participation’ (EGAP) Programme, spoke about practical support for communities.

EGAP: technologies for community development

EGAP operates at all levels, from national to local, and covers nine target regions and 86 pilot communities. The Programme aims to improve the efficiency of authorities, make services more accessible, and encourage citizens to get involved in decision-making by introducing new technologies.

Serhii Hunko emphasised that the main challenge for communities, especially small ones, is the lack of qualified specialists. EGAP addresses this issue practically by demonstrating how digital solutions can enhance community work and benefit residents.

Specific tools and examples

The programme implements 10 tools and 2 platforms that are available to all communities in Ukraine, regardless of whether they are pilot projects. These include:

• eDEM Platform
• SVOI Platform

EGAP also creates template projects and methodologies which communities can adapt:

• legal and regulatory acts, tender documentation, information campaign templates;
• methodologies for implementing digital solutions and improving the efficiency of administrations.

A striking example is the Smart Call Centre project, which automates responses for rural administrative service centres. Initially implemented in three communities, it has been shown to deliver economic benefits and significantly ease the workload of administrators.

Digital Transformation Index and Digital Competence Centre

EGAP is developing a Community Digital Transformation Index to help communities assess their level of digitalisation and identify areas for development.

The Programme also plans to establish a digital competence centre to provide institutional support to communities in the future and share the expertise gained in Ukraine and other countries.

 

 

‘We show communities examples of how technology really works. Digitalisation is always beneficial, and our goal is to make it accessible to every community,’ claimed Serhii Hunko.

All EGAP projects are documented, analysed and scaled up. The Programme implements technologies and creates viable models that can be used in any Ukrainian community.

 

The Bucha Forum ‘Reforms. Decentralisation. European integration’ was organised by the Committee on State Administration, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning.

The event was held with the assistance and support of the U-LEAD with Europe, the Swiss-Ukrainian ‘Decentralisation for Improved Democratic Education’ (DECIDE) Project, implemented with the support of Switzerland, the ‘E-Governance for Accountability and Participation’ (EGAP) Programme, implemented by the East Europe Foundation, the Swiss-Ukrainian ‘Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development’ (UCORD) Project, the Swedish-Ukrainian ‘Support for Multilevel Governance in Ukraine’ (Polaris) Programme, the RELEVE Project, implemented by Expertise France, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, and the DESPRO public organisation.