At the meeting of the D16 – the digital ministers of the German federal states – the digital policy cooperation of the federal states was newly institutionalised. With the Digital Ministers’ Conference which is now being constituted, the federal states want to jointly communicate their digital policy decisions, strategies and requirements.
On the occasion of the first Digital Ministers’ Conference on 19 April 2024 in Potsdam, eco’s Managing Director Alexander Rabe has the following to say: “The Digital Ministers’ Conference of the federal states can now make the difference when it comes to a more coherent and efficient approach to digital policy at state level. It must see itself as the speedboat for digitalisation in Germany.”
More consistency in digital policy decisions
“Our wish as the Association of the Internet Industry is that the new Digital Ministers’ Conference will help to create more consistency in digital policy decisions and, in particular, address open issues with state sovereignty in the areas of digital education, digital administration, digital identities, broadband expansion and data protection. These issues are crucial for the future viability of our digital society. It is therefore essential that digital policy cooperation at state and federal level is seen as a real opportunity to engage in dialogue with all specialist ministries in order to develop effective solutions to very specific issues.”
Transparent and participatory working methods
The Digital Ministers’ Conference must work in a transparent and participatory manner to promote dialogue between politics, industry, civil society and science.
“The Digital Ministers’ Conference and all stakeholders involved should seize the opportunity to actively and swiftly accelerate the shaping of the digital future of our society and economy. We would like the Digital Ministers’ Conference to work in an agile and solution-oriented manner from day one in order to position itself appropriately as a relevant player in the dynamic environment of digitalisation. This is the only way to avoid any dispute over competences and the inconsistencies of recent years in the area of digital policy. New and unique ways are needed to effectively utilise the momentum of the newly established body. The challenges are extensive, so we wish all those involved in the Digital Ministers’ Conference much success and good luck,” concludes Rabe.
