Ukraine’s capital city is now home to the world’s second Global Government Technology Centre, solidifying its position as a leader in digital innovation.
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a move that underscores Ukraine’s commitment to digital transformation and its growing influence on the global GovTech stage, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has officially opened the Global Government Technology Centre (GGTC Kyiv). This marks the second such center in the world, following Berlin, and the 21st Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in the WEF network.
“In 2019, we started building a digital state with the main idea – to create the most convenient country for citizens,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology – Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. “The launch of the Diia application radically changed the idea of how interaction with the state should take place. Diia has already become a lovemark brand for Ukrainians and is recognized as one of the best world practices in the field of govtech. It is no coincidence that Ukraine became the second country in the world where the Global Government Technology Centre (GGTC) was launched. I am proud that our progress is recognized internationally, and I am confident that GGTC Kyiv will become a center of collaboration, innovation and transformational solutions in the field of digital governance.”
GGTC Kyiv will serve as a hub for collaboration between governments, businesses, academics, tech companies, and startups. The center will promote the implementation of innovative solutions, the exchange of best GovTech practices, and the implementation of joint projects. Through collaboration with international partners, Ukrainian startups will be able to share experiences and accelerate digital reforms in the public sector worldwide.
“The Centre in Ukraine will support our global efforts aimed at unlocking the vast potential of digital technologies to improve public services and create new opportunities,” said Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. “It will become a catalyst for cooperation between the public and private sectors, promoting the development of digital technologies and innovation at such a critical time for Ukraine and Europe.”
In partnership with the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and GGTC Berlin, GGTC Kyiv will create a platform for communication and exchange of experience to develop GovTech solutions around the world. By applying AI, IoT and blockchain technologies and focusing on cybersecurity, the center will contribute to the development of an innovative ecosystem with impact at the local and global levels.
“It is an honor for Switzerland to stand alongside Ukraine, which is shaping the future of global GovTech,” said Felix Baumann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. “We consider it equally important to both develop digitalization and share the experience and lessons learned in this area. Therefore, with the support of the EGAP Program, we are pleased to contribute to the creation of GGTC Kyiv.”
Key areas of focus for GGTC Kyiv:
- GovTech Observatory: A platform for monitoring global and national trends in GovTech. Through cutting-edge research, user-friendly tools, and partnerships with global experts, the Observatory will become a place for knowledge sharing and data-driven policy development.
- Innovation Gateway: A platform for finding partners, piloting and scaling technologies in Ukraine with the attraction of global investment. By uniting key Centers in the fields of AI, EdTech, Defense Tech, Semiconductors, BioTech, Green Tech, AUV and others, GGTC Kyiv will demonstrate the innovative potential of Ukraine.
- FutureGov Education: A training ground for public sector leaders to adapt to the latest technologies, such as digital twins and artificial intelligence. In partnership with the CDTO Campus, the center will create a space for experimentation where leaders from around the world can test and implement promising digital solutions.
“GGTC Kyiv is a global platform for collaboration and innovation where we will share Ukraine’s successes in digital transformation and collaborate with partners around the world to achieve effective change,” said Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration. “By bringing together digital leaders, promoting cutting-edge research and developing transformative technologies, we aim to strengthen networks and improve public services.”
GGTC Kyiv is led by Zoya Lytvyn, a social entrepreneur and innovation leader who is actively implementing digital transformation in education. She is a member of the Young Global Leaders Community initiated by the World Economic Forum, and is also one of the hundred most influential women in Ukraine.
“Our mission at GGTC Kyiv is to position Ukraine as a global leader in GovTech innovation and inclusive digital transformation,” said Zoya Lytvyn. “Through our connection to the World Economic Forum network and deepening cross-sectoral collaboration, we strive to create solutions that strengthen governance, empower people, and set new standards for transparency and accountability in the digital age. We invite partners from all over the world to join us in developing the future of governance.”
The establishment of GGTC Kyiv is a testament to Ukraine’s unwavering spirit and its dedication to building a brighter future through technology and innovation.