Development of a government strategic communications model
The first successful attempt to introduce a systemic approach to government-level communications
Concept for a strategic communications centre at a military school
Development of the first educational program for future military communications specialists
Development of a government strategic communications model
The Ukrainian government today faces an unprecedented communications challenge – the country has undertaken systemic reforms while fighting a war and repelling attacks of Russian propaganda. On the background of these threats, only a systematic approach can ensure reliable and effective government communications: building capacity and creating close cooperation between government institutions. A weak and uncoordinated position among state authorities on this issue is equivalent to defeat.
In 2016, the NSDC Apparatus, Ministry of Information Policy of Ukraine, NATO Information and Documentation Centre, and StratcomUA:
- Developed a model for building the system of government strategic communications
- Developed an architecture for a strategic communications system identifying responsibilities on the strategic, operational, and tactical levels
- Proposed projects to: reform government communications, develop public diplomacy, build a crisis communications system and a system of professional training for government communicators
The model for government strategic communications strategy building was given the status of a conceptual document, a kind of “white paper” for all actors involved in building the system of government strategic communications.
On February 25, 2017, the President of Ukraine approved an Information Security Doctrine, which was based on this model.
Concept for a strategic communications centre at a military school
Starting in mid-2015, the Ukrainian government began working on building its strategic communications capacity. The Ministry of Defence developed the most systematic and detailed strategic communications plan in the security and defence sector.
One of the components of his plan is to introduce a professional training program on communications for defence forces, and by the end of 2017:
- Develop and launch pilot courses on communications that are integrated with the national system of communications training;
- Develop and introduce a mandatory course on strategic communications for senior and command staff.
A working group, which included experts from StratcomUA, Ukrainian and foreign communications specialists, and faculty from the Defence University, in three months developed a concept on phasing in strategic communications instruction at the Defence University. The project team analysed existing communications courses, the need for teaching communications studies, assessed available resources, and designed a pilot course for command staff.
- The draft concept was well received by international partners from the NATO Information and Documentation Centre and advisors from the United Kingdom.
- The concept is currently under internal review.