17.04.2024
Digital databases instead of paper files: Ukraine as a digitalisation role model
Ukraine is using a digital platform to record stocks of essential goods and distribute them to citizens in a targeted manner.
Be it to distribute blood donations more efficiently or retrieve data on grain silo inventories nationwide – digitised databases are helping to manage important goods in a targeted manner. This is particularly important in times of war and crisis, which is why the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Affairs is developing a new platform to digitise databases that have previously only been stored decentrally in Excel files or paper folders. This will make it easier for authorities to exchange information across the country and prevents data loss. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is providing support to develop the platform on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
At present, 50 new databases are in development, including databases for blood donations and grain silos. The grain database provides farmers with digital certificates on the quantity and quality of their products, allowing them to offer and sell their goods on digital markets. At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture keeps an eye on stock levels. The platform also collects data on blood donations, which means that hospitals and blood donation centres know where and how much blood is available.
A digitalisation role model
Ukraine is already a pioneer for digital services: citizens can conveniently apply for driving licences, obtain building permits or set up their business using an application: The app called Diia provides a large number of government services via smartphone. The new platform for databases – Diia.Engine – is the next step in the app’s development.
Deputy Prime Minister Mychajlo Fedorow explains the advantages of the app: ‘A service can be used via the Diia app in just a few clicks. And yet there are extensive databases with a wealth of information in the background. The enhancement of Diia through Diia.Engine means that new databases for specific objectives can be created and managed quickly.’
Ukraine also wants to share the technology with other countries, as the platform can be customised with minimal programming effort. GIZ is providing support to adapt the platform to international standards and is preparing it for export.
