Ukraine's Digital Transformation: Mykolaiv Lags Behind Odesa

Mykolaiv region is ranked almost last in terms of digital transformation. Odesa region, on the other hand, is in the lead, and Kherson region is in the middle of the list.

This is evidenced by the rating of regions by the level of digitalization in 2024 by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

Various indicators were evaluated, from Internet access and the development of ASCs to the introduction of electronic services and digital education.

The average level of digital transformation in Ukraine is 0.497. Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa regions are the leaders. They are actively developing the Internet infrastructure, introducing modern digital services, and automating services for citizens.

However, Mykolaiv region is on the edge of the ranking - it is the third from the bottom with a score of 0.18. Only Donetsk and Crimea have worse results. The region is especially weak in the area of individual digital projects, where its score is 0.000. This means that no significant digitalization initiatives have been implemented here. At the same time, Kherson region is in 10th place with a score of 0.582, between Kharkiv and Cherkasy regions.

Overall, the ranking shows that digital transformation is developing unevenly in Ukraine. While some regions are confidently moving forward, others remain far behind. Time will tell whether Mykolaiv region will manage to improve its performance in 2025.

Since the beginning of 2024, 16 digital learning centers (DLCs) have been opened in Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kherson regions, and their number has increased by another 30 since the new school year. In these spaces, children not only study but also have fun using modern technologies, from artificial intelligence and virtual reality to interactive lessons in Minecraft format.

Mykolaiv is also creating an innovative educational space aimed at creating a STEM environment for youth environmental awareness. Classrooms are being modernized, new technologies are being introduced, and spaces for practical training are being set up.

In addition, the city authorities have allocated over UAH 28 million for the economic and social development of Mykolaiv. The plans include the construction of two memorials, a columbarium, loudspeakers, an industrial park and the digitalization of the city's topography.

Анна Бальчінос