This document discusses cultural dimensions that are important to consider for being successful with R&D in Ukraine. It notes that the Ukrainian IT industry tends to have experts that are relatively young, with multiple projects in their portfolio at a young age. It also notes that the gender balance in the Ukrainian IT industry is currently around 81% male and 19% female. Additionally, it discusses characteristics of Ukrainian IT experts, including their creativity, work ethic as hard workers who are flexible with hours, troubleshooting skills, and critical thinking abilities. The document emphasizes finding the right partner and integrating teams to enable creativity and commitment for success.

1. Being successful with your R&D in Ukraine:
Cultural dimension
Alexander Radchenko
CEO, Radenia AG
© Radenia AG, 2016-2019. All rights reserved. Authorized use only
No part of this document may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or disseminated in any form or by any means without prior written permission from Radenia AG, Switzerland

2. 1 | Cultural dimension
Bond: “Seasoned software architect at 28? Seriously?”
Q: "Age is no guarantee of efficiency."

3. Surprise #1
2 | Cultural dimension
Age of experts
Relatively young industry
Quick (and often continuous) learners
Multiple projects in portfolio at young age
Titles inflation
Expectation of endless and fast growth
Early career start
Motivated by fast-growing compensation

4. Surprise #1 continues
3 | Cultural dimension
28Median
age: 33No position with
average age higher than:
Average age for typical IT positions
Distribution of Ukraine IT industry
experts by age
Source of charts hereinafter: DOU.ua, December 2018
https://dou.ua/lenta/articles/salary-report-dec-2018/

5. Surprise #2
4 | Cultural dimension
Gender balance
81%
Male
19%
Female
Continuous improvement: nearly tripled
within 7 years, still far from optimal

6. 5 | Cultural dimension
Which of characters of iconic series would represent a
”typical” Ukrainian IT guy?

7. 6 | Cultural dimension
Vyacheslav

8. Surprise #3
7 | Cultural dimension
First impression
Distant, no emotions, restrained, introvert
Sometimes formal in communications

9. Feature #1
8 | Cultural dimension
Creativity
Extra value for money
Involvement
Risk of overengineering
Sometimes only technical rather than business focus
Potential advantages and efficiency gains

10. Feature #1 in depth
9 | Cultural dimension
Critical thinking “No” is a favorite answer
“No” is a favorite answer
Voice their opinion
Propose alternative

11. Feature #2
10 | Cultural dimension
Hard workers “Keep calm and carry on” approach
Mostly flexible with working hours and overtimes
No work-life balance sometimes
May burn out fast if not guided properly
High sense of ownership and commitment

12. Feature #3
11 | Cultural dimension
Troubleshooters
Troublemakers
Good at project remediation
Crisis management
High adaptability

13. 12 | Cultural dimension
Ukrainian IT scene
is full of fantastic
people
1) Find a right partner
2) Constantly integrate your teams
3) Enable creativity and commitment

14. 13
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