Digital state: Demands on a new federal government

The past legislative period shows: There is still room for improvement when it comes to digitalisation in Germany. According to Bitkom's latest Digital Policy Monitor, only 115 of 334 digital policy projects were completed in the current legislative period - around 34 per cent. A further 184 projects are still being implemented and 35 have not yet been started. This also applies to the digital transformation in administration and local authorities.

The new federal government must focus on greater speed and consistent implementation to ensure the comprehensive digitalisation of the public sector. There are plenty of demands and ideas for a digital turnaround. In our latest news blog, we provide an overview of the most important measures for the public sector.

Governance & digital democracy

Decisive measures are needed for a sustainable digital policy: A digital ministry that is independent for the first time should bundle central digital projects, ensure transparency with its own digital budget and examine the suitability of new laws by means of a digital check. In addition, a digital agency could strengthen operational implementation and take on supervisory tasks. A centralised digital legislative portal is needed to ensure transparency and citizen participation. Digital cooperation between the federal government, federal states and local authorities must become more efficient. The Bundestag should also modernise its working methods and introduce electronic voting.

Digital administration & resilient state

The following demands are essential for a future-proof digital administration: The once-only principle must be enshrined in law so that citizens and companies do not have to re-enter data that has already been collected. A centralised access gateway for companies would efficiently bundle business-related administrative services. In addition, a second pillar for digital applications must be created to enable third-party software solutions. The technology-neutral use of eIDAS instruments ensures a user-friendly identification process. Finally, the digital sovereignty of the administration must be sustainably strengthened through cloud and AI solutions.

Modern procurement

Reforms in procurement are essential for more efficient public procurement: a harmonised procurement framework with a central pre-qualification platform could reduce bureaucracy and make tenders more attractive. IT procurement must be strategically reorganised and coordinated via a central digital marketplace in order to speed up processes. An experimentation clause can make it easier for start-ups and GovTechs to access contracts. In addition, the legal framework for modern cooperation models with the private sector must be simplified in order to facilitate innovation and efficiency gains.

Smart city & smart region

In the coming legislative period, the federal government must succeed in creating a successful smart city strategy. To this end, the Smart City step-by-step plan must be swiftly implemented and financed - with a digital marketplace for technologies and an independent competence centre for municipalities. Instead of promoting new developments, the use of proven, interoperable solutions should be prioritised. Framework agreements at state and federal level can facilitate lengthy procurement processes. It is necessary to fund smart city technologies on a permanent basis, not just through project funding. In addition, the use of open, standardised data platforms is essential to ensure independence and the ability to innovate.

Digitisation of the justice system

An expanded digitalisation initiative is needed for a future-proof justice system that drives investment in IT infrastructure, data centres and the nationwide introduction of e-files. A centralised justice portal could make it easier for citizens to access our legal system - with online procedures, electronic legal transactions and chatbots for initial consultations. In addition, a digitalisation unit with a CIO for the justice system is needed to manage innovations across the federal states. The federal government should assume greater responsibility in order to lead the justice system into the digital age in an efficient and citizen-friendly manner.

Cybersecurity

Harmonised and practical laws that do not burden with additional bureaucracy but instead strengthen protection must serve as the foundation for more cyber security in municipalities and authorities. The administration in particular must act as a role model in future, with high security standards and state-of-the-art technology such as confidential computing. Digital education and lifelong learning are essential factors in enabling people to use digital technologies. A sustainable investment offensive in cybersecurity technologies is also essential in the public sector in order to actively shape the technological race at European level.

The measures and demands described above demonstrate this: In order to ensure a functioning state in the long term, a decisive course must be set for a sustainable public sector in the coming legislative period. There are many ways to do this and they should be interlinked in a targeted manner. It is important to keep an eye on outstanding projects of the current federal government even after the general election and to put them into practice.

At #SCCON25, we look forward to presenting the latest political developments and best practices for municipalities and authorities and to providing new impetus for the future.