Setting the course quickly and with agility.

We’re happy to see that the coalition agreement has clear guidelines here: “We want to better tap into the opportunities of digitalisation for the cities and the region. The coalition is setting the preconditions that will mean the Online Access Act (Onlinezugangsgesetz, OZG) can be successfully and practicably implemented in municipalities. The Smart Cities nationwide programme is being extended to Smart Regions, in an effort to make it more agile and linked with questions of urban planning. This crossover of agility, technology, and sustainability in a digital ecology and healthy environment all make digitalisation an important factor of societal cohesion.

Smart city concepts for more efficiency.

Under the Smart City banner, many cities are driving forward digitalisation in public administration and urban development. Smart City concepts have particularly high potential to boost efficiency and lower costs through digitalised services. With targeted, connected data, decisions can be better made, and highly complex processes better managed. With enhanced service and service provision offerings, local authorities can optimise not just their administrative processes, but also enhance their communication with the public.

Political context and digital mindset.

In order to actively shape digitalisation, many cities and local authorities have developed strategies and established specialist teams and agencies. The potential here lies especially in collaboration between privately financed companies and the public sector. Because wherever smart technologies are, a digital mindset is needed too. Cities and municipalities need to be rethought from the ground up, requiring resources, determination, commitment, and speed. The current coalition agreement addresses the right measures in this field and sets out key framework conditions to considerably accelerate digitalisation.

Digital ecology for all.

An holistic approach that puts the people of Germany in the centre requires an intensive exchange from all parties. It also requires willingness to learn. Good examples are successful digital companies and innovative start-ups. Against this backdrop, the term Smart City has a further meaning—that of digital ecology. In other words, a sustainable digital policy sets the goal of promoting and protecting digital supremacy, designing cities and communities that people want to live in, as well as uniting the interdependent modern technology and the requirements for the common good. The new coalition government is also setting similar priorities. “We need to use the potential of digitalisation to tap into the potential of people, well-being, freedom, social participation, and sustainability.”

Innovations for a smart life.

The decision skill of the future will be ability to innovate. The abilities to understand and classify correlations, flexibly think and develop ideas. As technology and innovation partner, we at Bechtle are in close contact with those in charge of the topic of digital ecology. As advisors of public administration and as the largest IT systems house in Germany, we are involved in developing innovative and sustainable solutions that aren’t just in line with cutting edge technology but also serve the people and society. This includes open source projects on digital serenity and concepts for a secure, networked, and European data infrastructure for GAIA-X. Our clear vision as a future-proof IT partner is to support public organisations on their way to the ideal of smart cities, smart countries, or even smart life for the long term.

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