Innovation is a driving force of transformation in the public sector. That’s why the GovTech Alliance of Ukraine has supported the launch of GovTech Lab UA programme from day one — the first open innovation program for the public sector in Ukraine, implemented by the Global Government Technology Centre Kyiv, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the World Economic Forum, and East Europe Foundation (EEF).

One of the program’s key milestones is now complete — an independent Advisory Board has selected three priority challenges submitted by public authorities. These challenges will now advance to the next phase: the development and testing of pilot solutions. 

• Automatic provision of legal advice for the most common citizen requests, submitted by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.
• Tech for transparent, efficient decisions in urban development, submitted by the State Inspection of Architecture and Urban Planning.
• Digital tech to build a transparent data-driven tourism management system, submitted by the State Agency for Tourism Development.

The selected challenges were evaluated based on their policy relevance, potential for impact, scalability, and feasibility within the programme. The selection was conducted by an independent Advisory Board, which included representatives of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, East Europe Foundation (EEF), WINWIN Project Office, GovTech Alliance of Ukraine, PUBLIC London, GGTC Kyiv, and international GovTech experts.

Among the board members was Kateryna Stavniichuk, CEO of GTA UA, who represented the unified voice of the Ukrainian GovTech business. Her participation helped ensure that the selected challenges reflect areas where technology can bring the greatest impact for citizens and the state.

The next step: an open call for startups whose solutions will be implemented in partnership with public authorities in the near future.

Picture: GGTC Kyiv.‍