Down with the Digital Duds: A Fresh Look at Germany's Digital Strategy
By Stephan Lorz, Unleashed and Refreshed
Strategy for German digital advancement faltered, experiencing setbacks and lack of progression.
Germany's digital future flops if it doesn't nail a strategy worthy of its name, according to the Digital Policy Advisory Board of the Federal Government. They're ready to lend a helping hand with some suggestions to turn the wheels of progress and ensure that Digital Deutschland doesn't remain a lip service dream. Actions, not just words, should be the mantra, they say!
The current strategy - a jumbled mix of over 140 random measures– misses the mark. It's time to pull our socks up and make a binding commitment followed by measurable action!
Politico's digital minister, Volker Wissing (FDP), has tried, but only succeeds in digitizing transport associations via the 49-euro ticket. While it's a stepping stone, it's hardly a cause for a victory party.
Now, let's dive into the recipe for success:
A Whiff of Change: Germany's New Breath of Digital Fresh Air
Recent developments in Germany's digital landscape are nothing short of refreshing. Establishing the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation has solidified the stance that digitalization and modernization are top priorities for the government.
The German Coalition Agreement 2025 unveils an ambitious digital agenda encompassing:1. Advancing Data Sharing and Protection: Creating a culture of data-sharing while safeguarding individual rights.2. Digital Infrastructure: Bolstering broadband and fiber-optic infrastructure to ignite economic growth.3. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is a cornerstone of Germany's digital strategy.4. Digital Sovereignty: Striving to reduce dependencies on non-European technologies to empower digital autonomy.
Leaving No Pothole Unaddressed: Key Areas for Improvement
While the advisory board hasn't detailed specific criticisms and recommendations, general improvements needed in digital policy include:
Reconfiguring the Ruts: Addressing Challenges in Past Digital Policies
Previously, digital policies were divided across various ministries, which the new ministry aims to rectify.
Speeding Up the Pace: Accelerating the Digital Infrastructure Rollout
The deployment of digital infrastructure, like FTTH and 5G networks, may face obstacles in meeting the ambitious timelines set by the government.
Navigating a Smoother Road: Recommendations for Improvement
- Rethinking the Roadmap: Simplifying data protection and digital infrastructure regulations to foster innovation.
- Fortifying the Barricades: Strengthening cybersecurity measures to combat cyber threats.
- Developing a Digitally Savvy Workforce: Investing in digital education to create a workforce capable of driving the digital revolution.
Germany's digital strategy is on the verge of significant breakthroughs, with the formation of a dedicated digital ministry. However, conquering the complexity and pace of digital policy implementation will pave the road to success.
- To ensure Germany's digital strategy succeeds, the suggestions from the Digital Policy Advisory Board of the Federal Government should be implemented, as they emphasize the need for actions rather than just words.
- The new Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization, established recently, underscores the government's prioritization of digitalization and modernization, a crucial component of Germany's digital future.
- For Germany's digital strategy to be effective, improvements need to be made in several key areas, such as rethinking data protection and digital infrastructure regulations, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and investing in digital education to create a digitally savvy workforce.
