all projects

Removing hurdles – innovative, pragmatic, hands-on

Digital State trend
report 2021:
Removing hurdles

Client

Behörden Spiegel

Year

2021


Is the digital transformation of Germany’s public sector already a lost cause? In contrast to the negative opinions of some, in the new issue of the trend report our team of authors presents ideas and initiatives concerning digital administration that show the way forward.

The team’s research was based on our 2019 trend report: two years ago, we identified and analysed seven hurdles responsible for the slow pace of progress in Germany’s digitalisation process. In the 2021 trend report, the team, led by project manager Marcel Hölterhoff, presents examples that show that there is another way.

Trend report microsite

The trend report microsite presents actors who have succeeded in removing or skipping the hurdles through their use of innovative solutions. This includes the projects for which Covid provided a necessary urgency and push in the right direction and enabled alternative ways. We present these examples along the recommendations that we formulated two years ago. The examples show:

  • how users are placed at the centre of digital solutions
  • how innovations take data protection seriously, but do not overdo it
  • how federalist common objectives make coordinated implementation possible
  • how actors see digitalisation as a worthwhile investment
  • how administrations open up to digital skills
  • how digital enforcement is already considered in the legislative process
  • how to make room for innovations in administration

“We have not yet reached our goal, but what the 2021 trend report does show is just how many obstacles are being overcome that only a few years ago, seemed insurmountable,” stresses Marcel Hölterhoff, Prognos digital administration expert.

Digital State 2021 “Digital Administration Audit” – an inventory

The motto of the Digital State 2021 was “Digital Administration Audit” – an inventory. Our colleagues were represented once again this year with a trade stand, this time a digital version. The virtual trade exhibition and various side events offered the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about digital administration services and to establish and maintain networks.

The patron of the congress was once again the Minister of State for Digitalisation in the Federal Chancellery, Dorothee Bär. The second patron was Jan Pörksen, chairperson of the IT Planning Council and Head of the Senate Chancellery and the personnel office of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Links and downloads

Trend report microsite, in German (trendreport.digitaler-staat.org)

Digital State Trade Fair, in German (digitaler-staat.org)

Previous editions of the trend report (in German)

Project team: Marcel Hölterhoff, Matthias Canzler, Franziska Stader, Lorenz Löffler, Paul Braunsdorf

Do you have questions?

Your contact at Prognos

Matthias Canzler

Senior Project Manager

View profile

Franziska Stader

Project Manager

View profile

Mehr Studien & Projekte zu diesem Thema

More studies & projects on this topic

Support for the progress reports of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP)

ongoing
| Project

Prognos will support the Federal Ministry of Economics in preparing the NECP progress reports until 2027.

Future governance of EU Cohesion Policy after 2027

2024
| Project

With the involvement of relevant stakeholders, Prognos and partners developed conclusions for the further development of European structural funding after 2027.

AI race: Who can put Germany on the fast track?

2024
| Expertise

In the field of AI, we are lagging behind internationally. But there are also opportunities. Together with the Handelsblatt, we show which players in the German AI landscape give cause for hope.

Evaluation of the Eurostars-2 funding programme

2024
| Project

Eurostars supports cross-border research cooperation between SMEs in Europe. On behalf of the BMBF, Prognos analysed the effectiveness of the Eurostars 2 programme at national level.

Digitisation strategy for Brandenburg

2021
| Project

The digital transformation has long been underway in Brandenburg's economy as well. Prognos is developing a strategic framework for action to successfully exploit the potential of digitisation.

North Rhine-Westphalia Green Economy Report 2024

2024
| Project

The green economy is a driving force in North Rhine-Westphalia. Both gross value added and the number of people in employment are increasing at a faster rate than in other sectors of the economy.

Green Tech Atlas 2025

ongoing
| Project

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Prognos compiled the Green Tech Atlas 2025. The atlas provides a comprehensive overview of the cross-sectional environmental tech-nology and resource efficiency industries.

The economic and social situation of the creative industries

2024
| Project

On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research and the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Prognos and partner analysed the economic and social situation of self-employed solo artists in creative professions.

Contribution of the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation to a Resilient Europe

2024
| Project

With the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes, the EU Commission is promoting research and innovation in Europe. Prognos evaluated parts of the funding programmes in terms of their contribution to a resilient Europe.

Contribution of the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation to an innovative Europe

2024
| Project

With the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes, the EU Commission is promoting research and innovation in Europe. Prognos evaluated parts of the funding programmes in terms of their contribution to an innovative Europe.

About us

Prognos – Providing Orientation.

Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound.

Learn more