ENGAGING CIVIL SOCIETY RESOURCES TO COMBAT THE THREATS OF THE CORONA CRISIS IN TIMES OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATIONS

Oksana Pankova,Oleksandr Kasperovich

doi:10.35774/jee2021.03.482

Abstract

In the context of Ukraine’s European integration aspirations, the authors summarise the results of European research on challenges, trends, obstacles and opportunities for civil society organizations (CSOs) in European countries in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The considerable potential of digitalization is highlighted in terms of creating a new environment for CSO operation, where sustainability would be ensured even in the face of health threats or force majeure. This is the basis the authors use to establish the context within which they explore the problems and opportunities of engaging civil society resources in Ukraine to stabilise the socio-economic conditions in the country. Having systemised and generalised the outcomes of national and expert surveys conducted in Ukraine, the authors reveal: (1) the main trends of changes in the operation of Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs) in the current conditions and the public opinion regarding these issues; (2) the impact of the corona crisis on the operation of Ukrainian CSOs and civil engagement; (3) problems and opportunities of developing institutional support for engaging the potential of civil society (CSOs) in digital transformations in Ukraine and in CSOs using modern digital and information and communication technologies. The conducted investigation makes it possible to present a comprehensive assessment of the current conditions and prospects for engaging the resources of Ukrainian CSOs in combating the threats of the corona crisis and future post-pandemic recovery, as well as to set priorities in the development of CSOs in times of digitalization.

Highlights

Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs) in the current conditions and the public opinion regarding these issues; (2) the impact of the corona crisis on the operation of Ukrainian CSOs and civil engagement; (3) problems and opportunities of developing institutional support for engaging the potential of civil society (CSOs) in digital transformations in Ukraine and in CSOs using modern digital and information and communication technologies
The impact of the corona crisis on civil society in European countries and its consequences Given the crucial role played by civil society institutions (CSOs) in the modern world, especially in developed countries, it is no surprise that much attention has been paid by both governments and researchers to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on civil society, on the activities of CSOs and various aspects of this impact
The main issues on the agenda were: (a) how the pandemic and related lockdown affected the activities of CSOs in terms of changing priorities, forms of implementation and the overall impact of the pandemic on CSOs; (b) determination of the role of CSOs in overcoming the negative consequences of the pandemic; (c) identification of the support CSOs need from partners in order to preserve and engage their potential in overcoming the effects of the corona crisis

Summary

Introduction

Ukrainian civil society organizations (CSOs) in the current conditions and the public opinion regarding these issues; (2) the impact of the corona crisis on the operation of Ukrainian CSOs and civil engagement; (3) problems and opportunities of developing institutional support for engaging the potential of civil society (CSOs) in digital transformations in Ukraine and in CSOs using modern digital and information and communication technologies. Ukraine is one of the leaders in the postSoviet space in many key indicators of democracy and the growing role of civil society institutions This is especially noteworthy in the critical period of significant external and internal threats to social welfare. The development of Ukrainian civil society is a sign of strengthening democratic values It is a condition for the success of European integration processes and a guarantee of growing trust and strengthening social capital within the country, proof of real citizen participation in governance. Engaging civil society resources to combat the threats of the corona crisis in times of digital transformations some extent depends on the nature of interaction between the main social actors – the state, business, government, citizens; on their readiness and willingness to constructively solve urgent problems on the basis of partnership, mutual understanding, and responsibility. The COVID-19 pandemic became a powerful trigger for the processes of digital transformation (ISEEK, 2020) and significantly accelerated them, in part through social self-organization

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