Successful discussions and new impetus at “Digital State 2025”
From 18 to 19 March 2025, more than 3,000 experts from administration, business and science came together in Berlin to discuss innovative solutions for the digitalization of administration under the motto “Digital administration goes on air”. Well-known TV programs served as a creative framework: Interactive forums on digital identities, low code and digital sovereignty were based on cult shows such as “Wetten, dass...?” or “Dalli Dalli”.
In his keynote speech “Go all out! - From project to product” about the need to switch from project-based to product-oriented solutions in order to advance the digitalization of administration in Germany. His approach: solutions that can be easily implemented on existing platforms and provided as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). This means moving away from large platform solutions, which are intended to cover all use cases in the long term, towards an application-based approach. This is complemented by the concept of a rental model that allows administrations to easily switch between solutions.
“Imagine if your authority or municipality had the opportunity to purchase digital solutions just as easily as we do in everyday life - for example, when visiting a department store. In our case, it's a digital marketplace where you can select various products that are precisely tailored to your needs and rent them for the desired use.” -Helmut Lämmermeier, Business Unit Manager, msg Public Sector
Helmut Lämmermeier, Division Manager, msg Public Sector
In addition to the keynote speech, there was a lot of professional exchange in numerous forums at the Digital State. Three of these interactive forums were prepared and moderated by msg public sector:
- WISO Special: One for all
At the WISO Special Forum, the discussion focused on the EfA principle (one for all). It became clear that sustainable administrative digitization can only succeed with solutions that are specifically designed for broad reuse.
- Digital administration - now or never
Time is of the essence - in view of staff shortages, increasing security requirements and scarce resources, the modernization of administration is more urgent than ever. The use of digital identities can help here:
“Digital identities and platforms are the key to secure, seamless and scalable administrative processes. Efficient administration requires a digital-first approach, supported by clear governance, coordinated control and reliable funding.” - Tobias Link, Head of Department, msg Public Sector
- Who knows such things? - How register modernization and once-only are driving administrative modernization
Based on the format of the TV show “Who knows?”, experts from local authorities, federal states and the federal government discussed relevant topics relating to register modernization. The clear message of the forum: Register modernization is an essential foundation for efficient end-to-end digitization.
Finally, our Head of Division Werner Achtert discussed the need for an independent digital ministry in the interactive NEGZ workshop. It quickly became clear that a digital ministry must not be a mere coordination office, but needs real powers of intervention, budgetary sovereignty and political backing. After all, digitalization does not succeed through debate alone, but through decisive action.
Digital State 2025 was once again a groundbreaking event for the digitalization of public administration in Germany. Once again, it became clear that the digital transformation of public administration is a joint challenge that requires cooperation. Important impulses for the future development towards an even more modern and efficient administration have already been set, but many potentials still remain open for the future.
If you would like more information on the event, more detailed reporting on our forums or to read Helmut Lämmermeier's keynote speech in full, you can access the msg brochure on the Digital State 2025 (only available in German):