For several years now, Ukraine has been positioning itself as one of the fastest digital states in the world. Online services, electronic documents, the Diya app — all of this has become the norm. But today, the state is no longer talking just about digitalization, but about the next stage — the agentic state.
This is not just a new technological initiative. It is an attempt to change the very principle of interaction between the state and its citizens — to make the system proactive, one that does not wait for requests but offers solutions itself.
The idea is being actively discussed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) and presented as a strategic direction for the country’s development until 2030. Ukraine plans to become one of the global leaders in the implementation of artificial intelligence in public administration.
What is an “agentive state” and how does it differ from a digital one?
In short, a digital state is when a service works online and is more convenient. An agentive state is when the system itself understands what a citizen needs and proactively offers solutions, often using artificial intelligence (hereinafter referred to as AI).
The Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine announced that this concept is not just a technological trend, but a new level of interaction between the state and people. The main idea is this: AI not only simplifies procedures, but also helps the state understand the needs of citizens and act in their interests — instead of waiting for requests from citizens.
This is similar to how, in psychology, the concept of “agentic state” means that a person becomes an “agent” or executor of the will of another person or body—in situations where they cease to act independently and perceive their role as part of a larger system. Such a “state of agency” in the state context transforms the role of public services—they become not only accessible but also proactive, or aimed at preventing problems, activating solutions, and supporting people.
“We are currently at the stage of transforming the concept from a digital state to an agentic state. We are already the first country to launch agentic services. And this is only the beginning,” said former Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov from the stage of the WINWIN Summit.
Specific plans and ambitions of the Ministry of Digital Transformation
The Ministry of Digital Transformation, together with international partners, has developed a roadmap for implementing an agentic approach. According to this plan:
- By 2030, 90% of Ukrainians should regularly use AI in their lives and work.
- all government services in the Diya app should work through agentive “AI assistants”;
- each ministry should have specialists in integrating AI into their work;
- Ukraine should become one of the leaders in AI implementation among other countries in the world.
The first steps are already visible: the Diya.AI app is testing an AI assistant that helps citizens obtain information and answers to questions without the involvement of officials. But so far, this tool gives the correct result in less than a third of cases — and this shows how much work still lies ahead.
Why it is important (and at the same time difficult)
The concept of an agentive state is not just a technology, it is a new approach to interaction between the state and people. In essence, the state tries not to wait until a citizen asks for something, but to anticipate their needs. This has the potential to make services faster, more accessible, and less bureaucratic.
But there are many questions and risks:
- How to ensure that AI solutions are fair and do not discriminate against certain groups of the population?
- Who will be responsible for algorithmic errors?
- How to protect citizens’ personal data?
- Will this lead to people having less control over what happens to their affairs?
As lawyers, we deal with issues of digital rights, personal data, and technological risks on a daily basis. And in implementing the ideas of an agentive state, there are several important legal aspects to keep in mind:
- Legal liability — if AI offers a solution, who will be responsible if it is wrong?
- Data protection — without clear rules for the processing of personal data, the risks of leakage or misuse increase significantly.
- Transparency of algorithms—every citizen should know how and on what basis the system makes decisions.
- Access to justice—technology should not replace the ability to appeal decisions in independent courts or bodies.
These issues are already being actively discussed in the legal field, and the first regulatory standards for AI ethics and responsibility are emerging worldwide.
An agentive state is a logical step after digital transformation. An agentive state offers not just digital services, but the use of AI as an “agent” to improve public services, anticipate citizens’ needs, and respond quickly to the challenges of the times. But the success of this idea depends not only on technology, but also on the legal, ethical, and social foundation that we can create for it.
If you want to better understand the legal aspects of implementing AI in government and corporate processes, correctly draft contracts, protect personal data, or create internal policies for working with new technologies, contact us at the law firm Copyright Law Firm. We will help you not only adapt to changes, but also use them to your advantage.
