Administrative procedures aren't naturally digital in nature, according to the Minister. - Administrative processes not being digitized as emphasized by Minister.
Administrative Digitization: Minister Urges Focus on Process Improvement
Thuringia's Digital Minister, Steffen Schuetz, has emphasized that not every administrative process necessitates digitization. A mediocre process, digitized, will remain mediocre, he argued. Instead, the focus should be on overhauling problematic work processes in the public sector.
Schuetz stressed the importance of scrutinizing current regulations and reporting obligations during the digitization process. The minister believes it's crucial to identify which requirements are genuinely necessary and what the state ought to provide.
Recent evaluations have shown that Thuringia lags behind other federal states in terms of digitization. For instance, the Bitkom State Index 2024 ranks Thuringia last with 49.6 points, while Hamburg scores 73.5 points. Thuringia also fares poorly in the Germany Index of Digitalization 2023 by the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems.
For a more efficient digital transformation, potential areas of improvement and reform can be identified. These include revamping education and research infrastructure, data management and security, digital literacy and skills training, establishing better digital governance, and incorporating sustainability considerations. By focusing on these aspects, Thuringia can accelerate its digitization process while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
[With reporting from various sources]
A revised community policy could focus on incorporating vocational training in digital governance, ensuring the public sector provides adequate vocational training opportunities as part of their digital transformation. To finance these initiatives, it might be prudent for Thuringia to explore partnerships with businesses or technological companies, seeking investment or grants to support this endeavor.
