Digital transformation is a vital driver of change that reshapes governance processes, economies, and public institutions by leveraging information and communication technologies (ICT) for enhanced service delivery. Recognising the importance of this shift, the UN–Portugal Digital Fellowship aims to support developing countries in advancing their digital governance capabilities. This Capacity Building Programme on Digital Innovation and Transformation aligns with Portugal's “2030 Development Cooperation Strategy”, which prioritises digital transformation as a pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Delivered by UNU-EGOV, this programme provides targeted training to public officials to foster inclusive and citizen-centred digital governance. The programme’s design is tailored to address specific challenges faced by developing countries, equipping participants with strategies to enhance their countries' digital governance frameworks.
Beneficiaries
The programme targets high-level government officials from developing countries, with an emphasis on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The primary participants include government officials engaged in digital transformation initiatives, complemented by virtual access for additional capital-based officials to extend the programme’s reach.
The first edition of the Capacity Building Programme on Digital Innovation and Transformation brought together participants from Cambodia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nauru, Panama, Paraguay, Sao Tome and Principe, South Sudan, and Tonga.
Objectives
The Capacity Building Programme on Digital Innovation and Transformation aims to:
- Develop participants' skills in creating, evaluating, and monitoring digital governance frameworks, public digital infrastructures, and policies to maximise the impact of digital solutions on public service delivery.
- Equip participants with the knowledge to conceptualise and implement digital transformation initiatives that are inclusive and centred on citizen needs, promoting open data and participatory governance.
- Enhance understanding of best practices in managing change and building secure, resilient digital government services, addressing the legal and regulatory aspects essential for effective digital governance.
Activities
The Capacity Building Programme on Digital Innovation and Transformation is organised into five key parts, with a total of 13 modules that combine theoretical foundations with practical applications. Each module employs an active learning approach, featuring discussions, case studies, and problem-based exercises to connect theory with real-world scenarios. Key activities include:
- Case Studies and Examples: Global, regional, and local case studies on digital governance and transformation are presented to illustrate best practices and challenges.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning and Group Discussions: Participants engage in collaborative learning through structured discussions and peer-to-peer exchanges to explore diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Feedback Mechanisms: A feedback survey at the end of the programme gathers participants' insights and suggestions to enhance future iterations of the training.
Outputs
Part 1: Digital Transformation and Digital Governance: Rationale and Foundations
- Module 1: Digital Transformation and Digital Governance as a holistic tool to support the Sustainable Development Goals
- Module 2: Digital Governance Foundations
Part 2: Digital Innovation and Transformation for Better Government
- Module 3: Design and Development of Inclusive and Citizen-Centred Digital Public Services
- Module 4: Harnessing Emerging Technologies in Public Services Delivery
- Module 5: Open Data and Data Governance for Better Government
Part 3: Digital Innovation and Transformation for Better Governance
- Module 6: e-Participation: Developing an Engagement Culture in Government
- Module 7: CivicTech Trends and Use Cases
- Module 8: Inclusion, Human-rights, and Participation
Part 4: The Governance of Digital Innovation and Transformation
- Module 9: Digital Governance Assessment
- Module 10: Change Management in Digital Governance
- Module 11: Governance Models and the GCIO Function
Part 5: Towards Safer and Trustful Digital Innovation and Transformation
- Module 12: Secure and Resilient Digital Government Services
- Module 13: Legal and Regulatory Issues on Security and Privacy
