Ukraine’s Digital Ascent: How a Nation is Building an “Agentic State” Amidst Conflict
In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and the urgent need for reskilling, Ukraine is showcasing a remarkable technological achievement: the successful deployment of digital services for its citizens even under the duress of a full-scale invasion. This ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year, has not deterred the Ukrainian government from pursuing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s vision of a “state in a smartphone,” a concept that is evolving into an “agentic state” in light of advancements in artificial intelligence.
At the heart of this digital revolution is Diia, an integrated digital platform and super app that provides citizens with streamlined access to public services, essential business resources, and crucial digital literacy education. Valeriya Ionan, advisor to Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology and the driving force behind the free edutainment platform Diia.Education, articulates the overarching goal: “Our main goal is to make sure that every Ukrainian is competitive, has a high-paying job and is successful in life.”
The impact of Diia is significant. According to a government report, 60% of Ukrainians aged 18 to 70 now utilize the app for online public services, marking a substantial 24% increase since 2021. The platform hosts over 160 public services, including the innovative e-marriage service, which has garnered international recognition, notably as one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2024.
The educational component, Diia.Education, has resonated deeply, with nearly three million Ukrainians engaging with its courses. A remarkable 75% completion rate far surpasses industry averages, which can sometimes dip as low as 5%. This intense engagement has directly contributed to a notable increase in digital literacy, with a 12.5% rise recorded in 2023 and 10.5% in 2025, according to the most recent available studies. These gains are particularly significant, considering a prior dip in digital literacy attributed to the wartime exodus of skilled professionals and the relentless pace of technological advancement.
The platform caters to users of all ages, empowering them to enhance their digital proficiency, earn certificates, master online service utilization, and explore new career paths. This comprehensive approach is instrumental in maintaining economic activity for individuals navigating displacement, relocation, job loss, or career shifts necessitated by the war.
As emerging technologies continue to spark concerns about job displacement, digital literacy is emerging as a critical bridge to new opportunities. As noted by the global think tank UNU, digital literacy can “serve as a bridge to opportunities in emerging fields” and “further enhances access to remote work and the gig economy, creating employment opportunities for historically marginalized populations.”
Beyond economic enablement, basic digital literacy plays a vital role in protecting Ukrainians in what is widely regarded as the most technologically advanced conflict in history. Jeremiah Fowler, a cybersecurity researcher, highlights the human element as the “weakest link in every cybersecurity scenario.” He explains that even fundamental digital knowledge can equip individuals to discern and avoid potential threats, stating, “That basic knowledge can help people say, ‘Maybe I don’t want to download this software or click this mysterious link.’ That’s a very good first step of defense.” Fowler also points out the value of Diia’s instructors, who provide high-caliber training that would otherwise command premium fees.
The Diia ecosystem, including Diia.Education, has achieved international acclaim and recognition on global indices, demonstrating resilience and continuous evolution despite the constant challenges of missile attacks, power outages, and the broader impacts of military conscription on daily life. Fowler, who previously lived in Ukraine for 14 years, acknowledges the unique pressures faced by Ukrainians: “many Ukrainian people just do not have the luxury that people outside of a war zone have,” referring to the ability to take extended breaks or rely on outdated skills. He observes, “People are really working hard on every skill they have because of uncertainty.”
While public-private partnerships for tech education are present in countries like the United States, exemplified by initiatives like the Virginia Has Jobs program, many such efforts remain fragmented within the private sector or are solely internal corporate reskilling programs.
Ukraine’s Diia.Education, launched in 2023 with a significant $2 million grant from Google.org, is part of a broader Diia initiative that began in 2019 under the Ministry of Digital Transformation. The platform integrates with national job boards and is supported by over 5,000 offline education hubs, ensuring accessibility even for individuals with unreliable internet connectivity. In Ukraine, where 19% of adults lack fixed broadband access—a figure notably higher than in the U.S.—these offline resources are invaluable.
Recognizing the digital divide, particularly among the elderly and those with limited internet access, Ukraine has implemented a program to train librarians. These librarians then conduct workshops to foster digital literacy, ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of their starting point. Lyudmila Perkun, a senior citizen who learned to manage utility payments online, shared her experience: “The training opened up new opportunities for communicating with my grandchildren and helped me keep up with the times with confidence.”
To further encourage adoption, basic educational videos are broadcast on national television, directing viewers to Diia.Education for more in-depth learning. Additionally, new users of the main Diia app are eligible for a 1,000 hryvnia (approximately $25) sign-up bonus.
Ionan emphasizes that Diia.Education operates not as a competitor, but as a market facilitator. “Our main goal is to promote the market, not to take part in it,” she states. “We are working with almost all the edtech providers. We are using their content and doing lots of partnership projects.”
Fowler views Ukraine’s commitment to citizen education as a profound investment in its people. “Like any investment, you want that to grow, blossom and then return on that investment,” he muses. “In this case, the return on investment is an educated population that has higher incomes. Higher incomes allow for better tax contributions and more opportunities, because these educated people start businesses, hire other people. It’s a chain reaction of just doing the basics at the bottom, without trying to make it into a profit model for the shareholders.”
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