Germany establishes dedicated digital ministry to accelerate progress
Germany’s new government has created the country’s first digital ministry and appointed a former business executive to lead it.
Dr Karsten Wildberger is Germany’s first minister focused exclusively on digital, and the new Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernisation will assume responsibilities that were previously dispersed across six ministries. It was established by the head of the new German government, chancellor Friedrich Merz, by signed decree.
“With the establishment of Germany’s first digital ministry, Germany is sending a clear signal: digitalisation and state modernisation are a top priority for this federal government,” said Wildberger.
Remit for digital transformation
The ministry’s remit includes developing and implementing strategies for digital transformation within federal agencies; data policy and coordinating the use of automation and artificial intelligence in governmental processes; promoting the expansion of broadband and fibre-optic infrastructure; overseeing the government’s cybersecurity and IT infrastructure; and developing interoperable platforms to enhance digital services.
It will also manage the introduction of a digital identity wallet and citizen accounts and be responsible for approval for almost all major federal IT expenditure in a bid to make procurement more efficient.
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‘A new chapter’
Last week, Germany’s main centre-right and left parties – the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) – signed off on a coalition deal six months after the collapse of the previous administration.
The manifesto of Merz’s CDU pledged to set up a digital ministry, stating that: “Future technologies need flexibility. The state needs clear responsibilities.”
The government said the ministry marked the beginning of a “new chapter” for Germany’s digital transformation.
“I want to take action as quickly as possible and therefore rely on the courage to find pragmatic solutions and continuous improvements in the interests of citizens and companies. The new ministry will be the engine for concrete, visible progress in digitisation and a modern, effective administration,” Wildberger said.
“We want to noticeably reduce the burden on the economy and modernise the entire state apparatus in order to increase the country’s competitiveness.”
Wildberger has a doctorate in physics. He has held positions as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group and international management positions at T-Mobile, Vodafone, Telstra and E.ON. He was CEO of retail firm Ceconomy AG and managing director of Media-Saturn Holding.
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About Sarah Wray
Sarah has over 15 years’ experience as a journalist with a specialism in the public sector and topics such as digitalisation and climate action. Sarah was formerly the editor of Cities Today and Smart Cities World, as well as a specialist video-based publication in the aerospace sector. She has also written for publications including Smart Cities Dive, Mobile Europe, Mobile World Live and Computer Weekly.
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