CDTO Campus is the first national GovTech educational project dedicated to developing digital leaders and their teams who drive digital transformation in the public sector. Through specialised faculties in GovTech, cybersecurity, AI and Diia, the CDTO Campus equips public officials, as well as specialists from the private and civil sectors who are ready to transition into public service, with essential knowledge and skills to meet the dynamic demands of modern governance. 

Empowering Ukraine’s Future by Bridging Education and Digital Innovation

Ukraine recognized early the pivotal role of digital transformation in enhancing governance, improving public services, and fostering citizen engagement. This led to the pioneering introduction of the Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO) position across various government bodies. These individuals, serving as deputy heads in charge of digitalization, are tasked with driving the effective implementation of digital solutions at all levels of governance to make public services more accessible, efficient, and citizen-centric. 

However, a significant challenge emerged: a shortage of professionals equipped with the specialized knowledge, technical skills, and strategic vision necessary to lead this ambitious digital transformation agenda. Prior to the launch of CDTO Campus, digital transformation efforts often faced hurdles due to a lack of in-house expertise, hindering the efficient adoption of new technologies and the development of citizen-centric digital services. The absence of a cohesive, nationwide training program for digital leaders risked slowing down the national digitalization strategy outlined in the 2021 Resolution 'On the Concept for the Digital Competencies Development and the action plan for its implementation,' which therefore aimed to develop a strong network of digitally competent professionals. The imperative was clear: to accelerate and sustain large-scale digital transformation, a dedicated initiative to cultivate a cadre of skilled digital leaders was essential.

Solution: Strengthening Digital Government Leadership 

CDTO Campus emerged as the first national GovTech educational project dedicated to addressing this critical need. Its core mission is to develop digital leaders (nearly 1,500 CDTOs targeted) and their teams who are the driving force behind digital transformation in the Ukrainian public sector. Recognizing the multidisciplinary nature of digital governance, CDTO Campus established specialized faculties in key areas such as GovTech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the national Diia digital services platform. 

The educational program targets public sector professionals as well as specialists from the private and civil sectors seeking to transition into public service, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the dynamic demands of modern governance. The learning approach is highly practical, built on design sprints, case-based learning, and peer-to-peer formats to foster real-world problem-solving. To enhance accessibility and engagement, a dedicated mobile app provides participants with access to educational materials, assessment tools, and real-time progress tracking. 

CDTO Campus is implemented by the East Europe Foundation, funded by Visa Foundation, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany (BMZ), and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Digitality GovTech Center of Excellence, under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. Cisco serves as the key technology partner, providing vital infrastructure and expertise. Programs focused on specific administrative levels, such as the national or local level, are supported by Switzerland within the EGAP Program, highlighting the collaborative nature of this national initiative. 

Practical Benefits

The primary objective of CDTO Campus is to equip the public sector with skilled specialists capable of driving digital transformation and implementing cutting-edge technological solutions. By providing specialized training in technical expertise, leadership, and strategic vision, the project ensures that government institutions at all levels – ministries, regional administrations, city councils and local authorities have qualified digital leaders to lead reforms. The project directly supports state institutions in accelerating digital reforms, improving efficiency, reducing bureaucracy, and fostering transparency. 

By providing hands-on training and real-world applications, CDTO Campus strengthens institutional capacity for sustainable digital transformation, for instance, its results and impact:

• In one year, 5,586 applications received, with a high average number of applicants per position;
• Over 800 graduates, representing diverse gender, age groups, and regions, are actively driving digital reforms across Ukraine;
• 1,536 participants attended open educational sessions on digitalization, expanding access to knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous learning; 
• 100+ Ukrainian and international lecturers with real-world experience in implementing digital transformation projects in both the public and private sectors.

The Implementation: A Multi-faceted Approach to Building Digital Capacity

CDTO Campus adopted a strategic partnership model. While the core program management and the development of the mobile app and CRM system were handled in-house, external collaborations were crucial for financial support, technical expertise, and specialized knowledge. The selection of partners has been driven by their relevant experience and alignment with the program’s objectives. This hybrid approach has optimized costs by leveraging in-house capabilities while benefiting from external funding and specialized skills, accelerating the implementation timeline and ensuring program quality through the integration of best practices.

The program was launched using a phased deployment approach, beginning with a pilot phase to test the curriculum, gather feedback, and refine the training methodologies. This iterative approach allowed for adjustments based on the specific needs of digital leaders in the public sector. Following the successful pilot, the program expanded in subsequent phases, gradually increasing participant numbers, engaging more lecturers, enhancing the curriculum, and integrating additional digital tools. This step-by-step strategy ensured effective resource allocation and seamless adoption.

Core Technological Components

CDTO Campus integrates modern digital solutions to enhance learning, streamline operations, and support digital transformation leaders in the public sector. Key technological components include: 

• Cloud-based infrastructure – ensures scalability, secure data storage, and seamless access to learning materials.
• CRM system – custom-built for participant management, communication, and progress tracking, optimizing engagement and learning outcomes.
• Mobile application – provides flexible, on-the-go access to training resources, interactive modules, and collaboration tools.
• Website for registration and program information – dedicated online web platform that facilitates participant enrollment, program updates, and resource access, ensuring a smooth onboarding process.
• Data analytics tools – track participant progress and programme effectiveness, enabling data-driven improvements.
• Cybersecurity best practices – ensure compliance with data protection regulations, safeguarding participant and institutional information.
• Cisco technology – supports hybrid learning by providing high-tech equipment and official licenses for interactive displays, conferencing systems, and digital collaboration tools.

Security and Data Management

CDTO Campus prioritizes data privacy and cybersecurity through stringent access control measures, ensuring only authorized personnel can handle sensitive information. All systems and digital infrastructure are protected with robust encryption, multi-factor authentication protocols, and regular security audits. The official website also features dedicated sections outlining the Privacy Policy and Academic Integrity Policy, underscoring the commitment to data protection and ethical conduct. 

Lessons Learned to Scale Such Solution

The CDTO Campus model is designed for scalability and adaptability. The cloud-based infrastructure supports a growing number of participants. Furthermore, the partnership with the GGTC Berlin to integrate Ukraine’s digital transformation expertise into Germany’s digital leadership development demonstrates the potential for international replication and knowledge transfer. The modular design of the curriculum allows for customization to suit the specific needs of different government entities or even other countries. 

The CDTO Campus initiative offers a compelling model for policymakers seeking to accelerate digital transformation within their own public sectors. Its early success in Ukraine demonstrates the tangible benefits of strategically investing in digital leadership development: By equipping public sector professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, CDTO Campus directly strengthens the digital capacity of government institutions at all levels; graduates are empowered to drive the adoption of digital tools and processes, leading to greater efficiency in public administration and improved accessibility and quality of government services for citizens; the program's focus on cybersecurity best practices contributes to building more resilient and trustworthy digital ecosystems within the public sector, etc. 

By understanding the challenges, the comprehensive solution offered by CDTO Campus, and the key factors contributing to its early success, policymakers can gain valuable insights for developing and implementing similar programs to empower digital leaders and drive effective public sector transformation in their own countries.