Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 316 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 4.0 1 State University "Uzhhorod National University", Ukraine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3869-3274 2 National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine, Ukraine (corresponding author) E-mail: vodarti01@gmail.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9872-5609 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2025-11-4-316-326 DIGITALISATION DEVELOPMENT AS AN ANTI-CORRUPTION TOOL FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Oleksiy Hetmanenko1, Bohdan Tyvodar2 Abstract. Modern society is increasingly faced with the need to improve the transparency and accountability of public authorities in order to combat corruption. In many countries, including Ukraine, corruption remains one of the biggest challenges in public administration, negatively affecting economic development, social justice and citizens' trust in the state. Traditional forms of interaction between citizens and public administration, which involve paper-based procedures and direct contact with officials, often create fertile ground for abuse and bribery. In the context of digitalisation and the growing role of information and communication technologies in all spheres of public life, electronic services (e-services) offer an alternative way for citizens, businesses and public authorities to interact. The use of e-services simplifies administrative procedures, reduces the subjective influence of the human factor and speeds up access to necessary information. All this, in turn, contributes to reducing corruption risks and increasing the effectiveness of management decisions. In Ukraine, the fight against corruption is one of the priorities of state policy, enshrined in strategic documents such as the Sustainable Development Strategy "Ukraine 2021-2025". The implementation of digital initiatives, such as the National Agency for Corruption Prevention's electronic declaration system or the ProZorro public procurement platform, demonstrates the potential of technology to reduce corruption risks. However, the digitisation process is accompanied by challenges, including limited technical infrastructure, low levels of digital literacy, and the need to adapt legislation to new realities. Research on this topic allows us not only to assess the current state of digitisation, but also to offer recommendations for its further development in the law enforcement sphere. The aim of the work is to summarise the main scientifically based approaches to defining digitalisation processes and their characteristics as an anti-corruption tool for public administration in modern conditions. The methodology of the article is structured in such a way as to allow for the study of the development of digitalisation as an anti-corruption tool in public administration, the identification of the essential features of digitalisation in the field of public administration, the limitations of digitalisation processes in public administration, digital tools in the fight against corruption, and the identification of directions for anti-corruption strategy in the promising conditions of European integration. The study was conducted based on the principles of dialectical logic. The multifaceted and multifactorial nature of the development of digitalisation as an anti-corruption tool and public administration necessitates the use of a systematic and situational approach to its study. The work also applied methods of systemic, logical, institutional analysis, and forecasting. The development of provisions and conclusions used the possibilities of comparative studies, rational choice theory, and neo-institutionalism. The study demonstrates that digital technologies, most notably electronic registries, big data analytics systems, blockchain solutions, video surveillance, and whistleblowing platforms, possess considerable potential in the prevention and combatting of corruption in law enforcement. The effectiveness of these reforms is clearly demonstrated by Ukrainian examples, such as the NACP electronic declaration system and the ProZorro public procurement platform. These tools help ensure transparency, automate management processes and minimise the human factor, which is particularly important in an area where significant discretionary powers create opportunities for abuse of authority. At the same time, the process of implementing digital solutions is accompanied by a number of challenges, including technical limitations, insufficient digital literacy among employees, gaps in legislation, and growing cyber threats. In the context of martial law and limited resources, these challenges are becoming even more relevant in Ukraine, necessitating a gradual, adaptive approach to the digitalisation of law enforcement. Further development prospects are linked to the following key areas: integration of interdepartmental digital platforms, strengthening cybersecurity, Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 317 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 systematic training of specialists, and deepening international co-operation. The adaptation of best international practices, in particular the recommendations of the OECD and the European Commission, as well as the updating of national legislation to take into account innovative technologies, in particular artificial intelligence, play a special role in this process. Digitalisation, provided it is accompanied by appropriate regulatory, organisational and technical support, can become the basis for a systemic transformation of anti-corruption policy, strengthening trust in law enforcement agencies and establishing the principle of the rule of law. Achieving these goals requires coordinated efforts by the state, civil society and international partners, which will enable the full potential of digital tools in the field of law enforcement to be realised. Keywords: global economic security, innovation and investment development, sustainable development, Industry 4.0. JEL Classification: D73, О17, E61, H79, K42, K49, L86, М19 Introduction Recently, considerable attention has been paid in Ukraine at various levels to issues of digitalisation, in particular the use of digital technologies to organise and improve the functioning of state administration and local self-government bodies. Issues of e-governance and the disclosure of areas of use of information and communication technologies in public administration have recently been developed at the legislative level and reflected in scientific works and regulatory documents. However, some issues related to digitalisation require clarification and further elaboration (Syrotin, 2023). The current stage of society's development is characterised by increased attention to the problem of corruption, which poses a serious threat to the effective functioning of state institutions, in particular law enforcement agencies. It should be noted that corruption in this area not only undermines citizens' trust in the rule of law, but also reduces the effectiveness of law enforcement, in particular by creating obstacles to the implementation of the principle of the rule of law. At the same time, corruption in law enforcement agencies, such as bribery, abuse of power or conflicts of interest, has a particularly negative impact, as these structures are responsible for protecting society and ensuring justice (Dumchikov, 2025). It should be emphasised that, in this context, digitalisation, which encompasses the introduction of information and communication technologies, opens up new opportunities for combating corruption by ensuring transparency, automating processes and reducing the human factor (Cinta Audia, 2025). Tools such as electronic registries, big data analytics systems, and blockchain technologies enable the creation of effective control and monitoring mechanisms, making research on this topic extremely relevant. In Ukraine, the fight against corruption is one of the priorities of state policy, enshrined in strategic documents such as the Sustainable Development Strategy "Ukraine 2021-2025" (Anti-corruption strategy for 2021–2025, 2021). The implementation of digital initiatives, such as the National Agency for Corruption Prevention's electronic declaration system or the ProZorro public procurement platform, demonstrates the potential of technology to reduce corruption risks (Corruption in Ukraine, 2023). However, the digitisation process is accompanied by challenges, including limited technical infrastructure, low levels of digital literacy, and the need to adapt legislation to new realities (Pashchenko, 2022). Research into this topic makes it possible not only to assess the current state of digitalisation, but also to offer recommendations for its further development in the law enforcement sphere (Bag Akash, 2024). The aim of the work is to summarise the main scientifically based approaches to defining digitalisation processes and their characteristics as an anti-corruption tool for public administration in modern conditions. 1. Methodology of Research The issue of digitization is becoming increasingly relevant in scientific works every year. The issues of digitisation and digital transformation are discussed by N. Negroponte (1995) in the context of the essence and spread of digital technologies, and by K. Schwab (2016) in substantiating the characteristics of Industry 4.0, which is based on the rapid spread of digital technologies. At the level of conceptual features, the essence of digitalisation is revealed in the works of Bernaziuk O. O. (2017), Kuibida V. S., Karpenko O. V., Namestnik V. V. (2018). Many scholars have also conducted research on the basic definitions of the conceptual and categorical apparatus of digital governance in Ukraine, its main aspects and challenges. In this work, the authors relied on Namestnik V. V., Pavlov M. M. (2020). When exploring the essence and correlation of terms in the field of electronic, digital and smart governance in the course of systematising scientific approaches to the basic concepts of digitalisation in public administration, the works of Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 318 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Syrotin V. (2023), Dumchikov M. (2025), Novosad R. V. (2025) and many other authors were examined. The works of these scholars reveal the peculiarities of the emergence and spread of information and communication technologies in the sphere of public administration, and to a certain extent highlight the essence of basic concepts and the peculiarities of their application in public administration practice. Digitalisation is also reflected in a number of regulatory and legal acts due to the objective emergence and spread of digital technologies in all spheres of society. However, despite the significant number of developments, there is a need to generalise the current subject area of research into digitalisation in public administration. Undoubtedly, considerable attention in contemporary scientific literature is devoted to the issues of digitisation of public administration and the use of electronic services as a tool for combating corruption. Researchers view e-government as an important means of ensuring the transparency of administrative procedures, minimising corruption risks and improving the efficiency of public service delivery. The works of authors such as Novosad R. V. (2025), Nynyuk I. I., Nynyuk M. A. (2024) explore the digital transformation of public administration in Ukraine: challenges and prospects. Sorokina N., Filatov V. (2025), Atamanova N., Lunyachenko I. (2024) examine the mechanisms for implementing electronic platforms in public administration, analyse international approaches to the digitisation of public processes, and assess their impact on the fight against corruption. Digital change in the public sector as a structural instrument of regulation has been studied (Haug, Dan, Mergel, 2024). Risks and rewards of cloud computing in the UK public sector: reflections on three organisational case studies, conducted by Jones S., Irani Z., Sivarajah U., Love P. (2019). Some studies focus on the legal aspects of digitalisation, in particular on improving the regulatory framework necessary for the effective functioning of electronic services. Researchers emphasise that the introduction of electronic identification, digital signatures and open registers contributes to reducing corruption in public administration. Considerable attention is paid to cybersecurity and personal data protection issues, as successful digital transformation of the public sector is only possible if a secure legal environment is created. 2. Theoretical Research 2.1. Essential Features of Digitalisation in Public Administration The origin of digitalisation is widely recognised. It is believed that the term "digitalisation" was first used in 1995 by Nicholas Negroponte, an American researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who in his work "Being Digital" compared atoms and bits as the smallest particles of the material and digital worlds, respectively. In his opinion, what is made up of atoms will sooner or later be made up of bits (Negroponte, 1995). The recognition of digitalisation as a new paradigm of social development was a consequence of changing global management goals in the context of the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 (Schwab, 2016). Digitalisation poses numerous challenges for government regulation, as these new technologies and digital processes intersect with many areas of society. Therefore, regulating the digital sphere requires flexibility and adaptability, as technological progress is rapidly changing society. Effective regulatory strategies should aim to promote innovation and development, ensure security and protect the rights of citizens, consumers and businesses ( Jones, Irani, Sivarajah, Love, 2019). Digitalisation is being implemented in countries through the large-scale introduction of digital technologies and infrastructure in various areas of society. This process involves the introduction of digital solutions, platforms, programmes, systems, and other innovative technologies that replace traditional analogue processes, increasing efficiency and convenience. Digitalisation affects various areas of life and contributes to the emergence of new directions in the functioning and development of society. In particular, as a result of the digitalisation process, the following have been created and are actively functioning (Syrotin, 2023): – E-Government. The digitisation of public services has led to the creation of electronic platforms for citizen requests, electronic documents, online document completion, electronic voting and other public processes. – E-Commerce. Thanks to digitalisation, e-shops, online payment systems and electronic trading platforms have emerged, contributing to the growth of e-commerce. – Digital banking services. The development of digital technologies has led to the creation of internet banking, mobile applications for banking operations, virtual wallets and other digital financial solutions. – E-Learning. Digital technologies provide access to online learning, webinars, virtual classrooms, and other digital educational resources, including those available on the Diia portal. – Telemedicine. Digital solutions in medicine enable remote consultations, patient monitoring, exchange of medical information, etc. – Internet of Things, IoT. The development of IoT is leading to the creation of smart devices that are capable Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 319 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 of exchanging data and interacting with each other, improving efficiency and convenience. – Artificial Intelligence, AI. The use of AI enables the automation of processes, analysis of large amounts of data, recognition of patterns, forecasting, and decision- making. Thus, despite their high level of development, most countries, including developed ones, have certain limitations. The emergence of such limitations depends not on the level of development of the country itself, but rather on the flexibility of public administration and the level of openness to change at all stages of government decision-making. The most common constraints on the digitisation of public administration are presented in Table 1. Despite these limitations, most countries are actively working to implement the digitalisation of public administration, improving technologies, refining processes and developing infrastructure with the aim of improving efficiency, ensuring the accessibility of services for citizens and increasing the transparency of government processes. This is because digitalisation is gradually becoming an objective condition for the development of society and is transforming from processes of active use and dissemination of information technologies to the formation of a new development paradigm. 2.2. Digital Tools in the Fight Against Corruption: Challenges and Threats The theoretical understanding of combating corruption in law enforcement agencies is based on the understanding of corruption as a complex socio- legal phenomenon covering a wide range of illegal activities. According to the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption" of October 14, 2014, corruption is defined as the use by a person of their official powers or related opportunities to obtain unlawful benefits (The Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption", 2014). Corruption is particularly destructive in the law enforcement sector, as these bodies are responsible for ensuring law and order and protecting citizens' rights. Corrupt practices such as bribery, abuse of power and conflicts of interest undermine public trust in state institutions and pose a threat to national security (Dumchikov, 2025). The theoretical approaches to combating corruption should be divided into several key areas. In particular, the institutional approach involves the creation of specialised anti-corruption bodies, such as the NACP or the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, which are responsible for monitoring and investigating corruption offences. In turn, the legal approach focuses on improving legislation, in particular by strengthening accountability for corrupt practices and introducing transparent procedures (The Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption", 2014). The social approach aims to foster an anti-corruption culture through education, public oversight and support for whistleblowers (Dumchikov, 2025). These approaches are particularly relevant in law enforcement agencies due to the high level of discretionary powers, which creates favourable conditions for abuse. For example, bribery may occur during criminal investigations, and conflicts of interest Table 1 Limitations of digitalisation processes in public administration Scope of restriction Description of manifestation processes Administrative restrictions Bureaucratisation of processes The public sector can be extremely bureaucratic, which complicates the rapid implementation of new digital technologies and processes. Complex procedures and document flow can slow down digitalisation. Personnel issues Successful digitalisation of public administration requires skilled IT specialists and employees with digital competencies. Ensuring the availability of such personnel can be a challenge in some countries. Technological restrictions Outdated infrastructure The existence of old and outdated information systems that do not provide an adequate level of interoperability and security. Updating and modernising infrastructure can be a challenging task due to high costs and existing procurement procedures. Cybersecurity and data protection The introduction of digital technologies into public administration requires enhanced cybersecurity and protection of citizens' data. The more information moves into the digital space, the more attention needs to be paid to protection against cyber threats and hacking. Sociocultural constraints Sociocultural restrictions The introduction of new digital technologies into public administration may require changes in organisational culture, work processes and attitudes towards change. Fear of new technologies or resistance to change can slow down the digitalisation process. Financial constraints Financial restrictions The implementation of digital technologies may require significant investment, and individual countries may be limited in their financial resources for such projects. Source: compiled on the basis of (Syrotin, 2023; Dumchikov, 2025; Nynyuk, 2024). Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 320 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 may arise in personnel appointments or the allocation of budget funds (Transparency International, 2023). Traditional countermeasures, such as internal control, disciplinary measures or financial audits, often prove ineffective due to a lack of transparency and consistency. In this context, theoretical studies emphasise the need to integrate innovative tools, particularly digital ones, that can automate processes, reduce the influence of the human factor and increase accountability (Bag Akash, 2024). Today, digitalisation is a defining trend in modern public administration, transforming the principles of public institutions, including law enforcement agencies. It encompasses the introduction of information and communication technologies, the automation of administrative processes, and the use of big data and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability (Anti-corruption strategy for 2021–2025, 2021). In a global context, digitalisation contributes to the modernisation of public services, the reduction of bureaucratic barriers and the strengthening of interaction between the state and citizens. In law enforcement, digitalisation opens up new opportunities to combat corruption. For example, electronic databases allow for quick verification of information about income, property, or transactions, reducing opportunities for manipulation. At the same time, blockchain technologies ensure the immutability of records in processes such as public procurement or resource allocation, which is critically important for law enforcement agencies (Ukraine and the OECD, 2024). For example, blockchain can record every stage of the procurement of equipment for the police, making fraud impossible. It is worth noting that global experience points to the need for a comprehensive approach to digitalisation. For example, in the United Kingdom, big data analysis systems are used to detect corruption schemes in police activities, which increases the effectiveness of internal control (Cinta Audia, 2024). However, the successful implementation of digital technologies requires not only innovation, but also legal regulation, staff training and protection against cyber threats (Nynyuk, 2024). The authors are convinced that digital tools play a key role in combating corruption in law enforcement agencies by ensuring automation, transparency and reducing the influence of the human factor. According to the authors, one of the most common tools are electronic registers and databases, which allow for the centralised storage and verification of information. In Ukraine, the electronic declaration system introduced by the NACP allows for the tracking of officials' income, assets, and financial obligations, including law enforcement officers, which helps to identify potential conflicts of interest or illegal enrichment (The Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption", 2014). For example, automated verification of declarations allows discrepancies between declared income and expenditure to be identified, which is the first step towards investigation. Such systems make it more difficult to conceal illegal assets and increase transparency. Another powerful digital tool that can help fight corruption is big data analytics and artificial intelligence. Today, such technologies make it possible to detect anomalies in the behaviour or financial transactions of law enforcement officials, predict corruption risks, and automate audits. It should be noted that such systems require clear ethical standards to avoid privacy violations or discrimination (Dumchikov, 2025). For instance, AI may mistakenly flag legitimate transactions as suspicious if algorithms do not take contextual features into account. It is important to note the role of video surveillance and monitoring systems, such as body cameras for police officers, which increase employee accountability and reduce opportunities for bribery or abuse while performing official duties. For example, in the United States, the use of body cameras by the police has reduced the number of complaints of misconduct by 30%, according to a 2020 study (World Bank, 2021). In Ukraine, similar systems are being implemented by the National Police, but their scale is limited due to a lack of funding. Mobile platforms for whistleblowers are also gaining popularity, allowing anonymous reporting of corruption. The NACP portal, created in accordance with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption", provides protection for whistleblowers and simplifies the submission of reports (The Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption", 2014). Together, these tools create a comprehensive system that strengthens anti-corruption measures in law enforcement (Dumchikov, 2025). The authors are convinced that the practical application of digital tools in combating corruption demonstrates their significant potential. For example, in Ukraine, the electronic declaration system introduced by the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP) in 2016 has become one of the most successful examples. This platform allows for the verification of the financial status of officials, including law enforcement officers, and the detection of discrepancies between income and expenditure. According to the NACP, in 2023, 127 audits were launched based on the analysis of declarations, which led to the detection of violations amounting to over 1.2 billion UAH (Ukraine and the OECD, 2025). This tool not only increased transparency but also helped bring senior officials, including police and prosecutors, to justice. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 321 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 Another successful Ukrainian case is the ProZorro system, which is used for public procurement, in particular for the needs of law enforcement agencies. Thanks to an open platform, where all stages of procurement are recorded electronically, it has been possible to significantly reduce the corruption risks associated with the non-transparent distribution of budget funds. In 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine conducted purchases worth 8.4 billion UAH through ProZorro, avoiding traditional kickback schemes (Ukraine and the OECD, 2025). Between April and September 2025, Ukraine saw several large-scale anti-corruption investigations covering the areas of medical examinations, military service and public procurement (https://ligazakon.net/ topics/679bd338577d6b112c23d9d9/2025-08-19). Schemes involving document falsification, abuse of power by officials and organised groups have been uncovered, causing millions in losses to the state. Court rulings and suspicions regarding high-ranking officials indicate an intensification of the fight against corruption at the state level. In addition, the legislation introduces new mechanisms for protecting whistleblowers and digitising processes in the military sphere, which will help reduce potential risks and increase transparency. An important area is reform in the defence industry, which should ensure the independence and competitiveness of Ukraine's military-industrial complex and strengthen the country's defence capabilities. Several large-scale schemes have been uncovered, including the falsification of medical documents at the Medical and Social Expert Commission, abuse in military structures, and corruption offences in the field of public procurement. This indicates an intensification of the fight against corruption and tighter control over officials. During this period, laws were passed to strengthen the protection of whistleblowers, digitise military and government processes, and reform the defence sector to increase transparency and reduce potential risks (https://ligazakon.net/ topics/679bd338577d6b112c23d9d9/2025-08-19). The introduction of digital services, process automation and the creation of transparent control mechanisms in the military sphere reduce opportunities for abuse and increase trust in the system. Schemes involving the falsification of documents in Medical and Social Expert Commissions, which allowed individuals to evade military service and receive unlawful benefits, were also uncovered. Investigations and court proceedings are underway against the officials responsible. Despite the significant potential of digital tools, their implementation in law enforcement agencies faces a number of challenges. In particular, technical limitations are one of the main barriers, especially in Ukraine, where many law enforcement agencies use outdated equipment and do not have access to modern information systems. For example, regional police departments often face power outages or slow internet connections, which complicates the use of electronic registries or monitoring systems (Dumchikov, 2025). Modernising infrastructure requires significant investment, which is problematic in conditions of martial law and limited budgetary resources. Another key challenge is the low level of digital literacy among law enforcement officers, which also reduces the effectiveness of the technologies they use. OECD research shows that a lack of specialised training is a common problem for countries undergoing digital transformation (Ukraine and the OECD, 2025). In Ukraine, many law enforcement officers do not have sufficient skills to work with analytical systems or whistleblower platforms, which leads to errors or inefficient use of tools (Cinta Audia, 2024). Although professional development programmes are being introduced, they currently cover only a portion of the staff. The authors posit that legal lacunae engender supplementary risks, particularly in the context of the utilisation of technologies such as artificial intelligence. It is asserted that the absence of clear ethical standards can result in privacy violations or discrimination (Bag Akash, 2024). For example, AI systems that analyse the behaviour of law enforcement officers may misinterpret data if the algorithms do not take socio-cultural characteristics into account. Unfortunately, legislation on the use of AI, particularly in law enforcement, is still in its infancy in Ukraine, which creates legal uncertainty (Dumchikov, 2025). Another serious challenge is the level of cyber threats. In 2022, a cyberattack on Ukraine's state registries disrupted access to critical data, including information on law enforcement procurement (Ukraine and the OECD, 2024). Finally, resistance to change from employees who are accustomed to traditional working methods complicates the integration of technology. It is worth noting that this factor is particularly noticeable in law enforcement agencies, where bureaucratic culture often prevails over innovation. At the same time, the development of digital tools in law enforcement opens up broad prospects for strengthening the fight against corruption. One of the key areas, according to the authors, is the integration of interagency digital platforms that enable real-time data exchange between law enforcement agencies, anti- corruption institutions and other government bodies (Sorokina, Filatov, 2025). In particular, the creation of a unified information system combining the databases of the NACP, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Fiscal Service and other agencies could significantly accelerate the detection of corruption schemes such as illegal enrichment or money laundering. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 322 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 According to the authors, strengthening cybersecurity is critical to protecting digital systems from attacks, including those targeting the law enforcement sector. In this regard, it is worth noting that the introduction of advanced technologies, such as quantum encryption, can minimise the risks of data leaks or manipulation. The protection of electronic registries using quantum algorithms can ensure their resistance to cyberattacks, which is particularly relevant for Ukraine in the context of hybrid warfare. In addition, the development of national cybersecurity standards specifically for anti-corruption platforms could form the basis for the secure implementation of technologies (Dumchikov, 2025). 3. Research Results 3.1. Determination of Anti-Corruption Strategy in the Context of European Integration Anti-corruption reform has become one of the key areas of public policy in many countries around the world, including Ukraine, where the fight against corruption has taken on particular importance in the context of profound socio-economic and political transformations. The implementation of anti-corruption measures has a significant impact on improving the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public administration system, especially in the context of the functioning of public institutions. In Ukraine, anti-corruption reform is the focus of attention for both national and international partners. Its implementation has become one of the key conditions for the introduction of a visa-free regime with the European Union and the further implementation and full integration of Ukraine into the European community. Every country in the world has problems with corruption and develops its own anti-corruption mechanisms to combat this phenomenon, finding tools to counteract corruption offences. These processes are facilitated by the Anti-Corruption Strategy, a globally recognised tool that consolidates government agencies and helps them work together to achieve effective results. Such strategies exist in the United Kingdom, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, the United States, Thailand, Switzerland and many other countries around the world (Vashchenko, Yaroshchuk, Bobrovnik, 2025). However, it is important to acknowledge that each country possesses its own unique characteristics and challenges. For instance, anti-corruption systems within OECD countries are undergoing perpetual enhancement; nevertheless, a considerable discrepancy persists between registered and implemented solutions, thereby rendering countries perpetually susceptible to corruption risks. It is noteworthy that OECD countries meet an average of 76% of OECD criteria for regulating conflicts of interest, but only 40% for practices. Similarly, countries meet 67% of criteria for managing corruption risks and auditing, but only 33% for practices. Global anti-corruption agreements and common practices are gradually being formed in the international community. In this regard, the following components can be identified as the basis of the European Union's anti-corruption policy: 1) political will; 2) compliance with international conventions; 3) expansion of the Figure 1. The effectiveness of regulations and their application in practice Source: OECD Anti-Corruption and Integrity Outlook. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/anti-corruption-and-integrity-outlook- 2024_968587cd-en.html 45% 67% 38% 76% 73% 67% 36% 33% 35% 40% 58% 62% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Anti-corruption strategy Corruption risk management and audit Lobbying Conflict of interest Political finance Transparency of public information Regulation Practice Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 323 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 scope of application; 4) anti-corruption legislation; 5) implementation mechanism; 6) effective operation of all institutions responsible for compliance with anti-corruption standards; 7) improved system of recruitment to public service; 8) adequate salaries; 9) transparency and accountability of government activities; 10) tolerance; 11) clear rules for financial control; 12) a register of corrupt officials; 13) confiscation of property (Viktorchuk, Poliukhovych, 2023). The typology of corruption offences is standard for all countries: illegal appropriation of property as a result of abuse of power or official position; bias in tenders (public procurement); corrupt employment schemes; pressure from those in power (influence peddling); illegal party financing; fraud involving public funds (using them for commercial activities); seizure of land plots; receiving bribes (Akhtyrska, 2023). Recently, efforts to prevent corruption have been marked by the approval of the State Anti-Corruption Programme for 2023–2025, the reinstatement of public officials' declarations and full checks of declarations, and the return of public procurement to the ProZorro platform. In addition, key anti-corruption bodies – the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SACPO), the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP), and the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) have appointed leaders selected through transparent competitions. Despite the fact that in 2023 Ukraine rose 12 positions in the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and became one of 17 countries in the CPI (URL: https://cpi.ti-ukraine.org) that demonstrated their best performance, the issue of corruption remains quite sensitive, and the fight against corruption offences continues. Society is waiting for the logical continuation of investigations into corruption in the defence sector. In 2024, a competition for positions as judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court is to take place, and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, having gained the desired autonomy, must confirm its ability to act independently of the Prosecutor General's Office (https://pravo.org.ua/analytical-materials/ shhotyzhnevyj-analiz-24-30-sichnya-2023-roku/). The state must become as transparent as possible in order to earn the trust of its partners, accumulate resources to fight the enemy, and rebuild Ukraine after the war. State anti-corruption policy is part of the overall system of public administration, which aims to develop effective mechanisms for preventing, detecting and overcoming corruption. The main elements of this policy are as follows: – Regulatory framework, including anti-corruption legislation, international standards and national strategies; – institutional structure represented by bodies responsible for combating corruption (NABU, NACP, SACPO, SBI, etc.); – control and public oversight mechanisms, including transparency of government processes, open registries, anti-corruption programmes and civil society participation (Vashchenko, Yaroshchuk, Bobrovnik, 2025). An important step was the adoption of the Law of Ukraine "On Principles of State Anti-Corruption Policy for 2021-2025". The programme aims to achieve tangible progress in preventing and combating corruption, as well as ensuring the coordination and consistency of anti-corruption activities of all state authorities and local self-government bodies (The Law of Ukraine "On Principles of State Anti-Corruption Policy for 2021-2025", 2022). The document proposes to consider corruption as one of the main obstacles to stable economic development and the formation of effective and inclusive democratic institutions. The programme is being implemented in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2021–2025, which provides for the introduction of measures in 15 key areas (defence, law enforcement, state regulation of the economy, customs and taxation, urban planning and land management, corporate governance of state-owned enterprises, education, healthcare, social protection, the judiciary, etc.) with the aim of reducing corruption and establishing integrity provisions (The Law of Ukraine "On Principles of State Anti-Corruption Policy for 2021-2025", 2022). Approval of the Resolution of the State Anti- Corruption Programme for 2023–2025 (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Approval of the State Anti-Corruption Programme for 2023-2025") establishes the State Anti-Corruption Programme for 2023–2025. It was developed in accordance with Article 18 of the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption" and is part of the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2021-2025. The programme was developed by the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP) in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption". The main goal is to optimise the functions of the state, in particular by eliminating duplication of powers, introducing digitalisation to reduce corruption risks, and ensuring the openness of data and the activities of public authorities. An important direction for the development of anti- corruption policy in Ukraine is the introduction of strategic management, which ensures the long-term effectiveness of reforms (Vashchenko, Bobrovnik, 2025). The main methods of anti-corruption mechanisms include the following: – "Introduction of comprehensive state strategies to combat corruption, taking into account international recommendations; Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 324 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 – application of analytical tools to assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures; – professional development of civil servants through specialised training and education programmes" (Vashchenko, Yaroshchuk, 2025). One of the main prospects in the field of anti- corruption policy is further approximation to European Union standards. Ukraine, which has been granted EU candidate status, must fulfil a number of requirements to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption bodies, improve the efficiency of the judicial system and ensure transparency in public administration. To this end, it is necessary to harmonise national legislation with the EU Anti-Corruption Directive; implement the recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); and strengthen international oversight of the implementation of anti-corruption reforms. Ukraine already has powerful digital tools to fight corruption, such as the ProZorro electronic procurement system, the Diia public services portal, and the Unified State Register of Declarations. In the post-war period, it is important to expand the digitisation of public services to minimise the influence of officials on decision-making, automate the processes of providing state aid and distributing international funds by introducing public registers of funding recipients, and strengthen mechanisms for monitoring and controlling electronic declarations, in particular through the introduction of artificial intelligence to identify discrepancies in the assets of officials. After the war, the question of reforming law enforcement agencies and ensuring their independence will arise. To this end, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity of the NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine), NACP (National Agency for Corruption Prevention), SACPO (Specialised Anti- Corruption Prosecutor's Office) and SBI (State Bureau of Investigations) in investigating corruption crimes, create mechanisms to protect against political interference in the activities of these bodies, and increase the accountability of law enforcement agencies through independent public councils and supervisory commissions (Moseichuk, 2025). Conclusions Recently, considerable attention has been paid in Ukraine at various levels to the use of digital technologies for organising and improving the functioning of state administration and local self- government bodies. Issues of e-government and the disclosure of areas of use of information and communication technologies in the field of public administration have recently been developed at the legislative level and are reflected in scientific works and regulatory documents. At the same time, there is no single approach to defining the essence of digitalisation. It has been established that the processes of social transformation have led to the formation of two main directions for revealing the essence of digitalisation: a technical approach to the spread of digital technologies and a new paradigm of development. The study demonstrates that digital technologies, most notably electronic registries, big data analytics systems, blockchain solutions, video surveillance, and whistleblowing platforms, possess considerable potential to impede and counteract corruption within law enforcement agencies. The effectiveness of these reforms is clearly demonstrated by Ukrainian examples, such as the NACP electronic declaration system and the ProZorro public procurement platform. These tools help ensure transparency, automate management processes and minimise the human factor, which is particularly important in an area where significant discretionary powers create opportunities for abuse of authority. At the same time, the process of implementing digital solutions is accompanied by a number of challenges, including technical limitations, insufficient digital literacy among employees, gaps in legislation, and growing cyber threats. In the context of martial law and limited resources, these challenges are becoming even more relevant in Ukraine, necessitating a gradual, adaptive approach to the digitalisation of law enforcement. Further development prospects are linked to the following key areas: integration of interdepartmental digital platforms, strengthening cybersecurity, systematic training of specialists, and deepening international co-operation. The adaptation of best international practices, in particular the recommendations of the OECD and the European Commission, as well as the updating of national legislation to take into account innovative technologies, in particular artificial intelligence, play a special role in this process. Digitalisation, provided it is accompanied by appropriate regulatory, organisational and technical support, can become the basis for a systemic transformation of anti-corruption policy, strengthening trust in law enforcement agencies and establishing the principle of the rule of law. Achieving these goals requires coordinated efforts by the state, civil society and international partners, which will enable the full potential of digital tools in the field of law enforcement to be realised. Effective anti-corruption policies and strategic management remain key factors for the successful transformation of the public sector in Ukraine. The integration of modern digital solutions, increased transparency and accountability of public institutions, and active support from international partners create favourable conditions for the formation of an effective Baltic Journal of Economic Studies 325 Vol. 11 No. 4, 2025 public administration system that meets European standards. European integration plays a leading role in modernising the public administration system, in particular anti-corruption policy, reforming it in line with EU standards. 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