All I want for Christmas is ... a modern state

The last few days before Christmas are upon us. Between plates of cookies, year-end reviews and the quiet hope for a few peaceful days, a new question arises:

What do we need to realise a modern state?

For the Bitkom Public Sector team, one thing is clear: it's not about small gestures, but about structural changes.

Wish No. 1: Implement comprehensive digital administration

Anyone who wants to benefit from modern, digital administration today needs one thing above all else: luck in terms of where they live. This is because it still depends on the federal state whether services are available digitally – or not. ‘It is no longer possible to explain why some administrative services are available digitally in one federal state and not in another,’ says Esther Steverding, Head of Public Sector at Bitkom. The Germany Stack, which is currently under development, could remedy this situation – if everyone uses it.

Wish No. 2: Enable innovation in procurement

Innovation and administration do not always come together quickly. One key reason for this is lengthy procurement processes. ‘An innovation may no longer be innovative by the time it reaches the authorities,’ sums up Marc Danneberg, Head of Public Sector at Bitkom. More digitalisation, less bureaucracy and bundled procedures could ensure that new solutions arrive where they are needed and in a timely manner.

Wish No. 3: Improve data provision

How far has the digitisation of public administration really progressed? This question is difficult to answer at present because there is simply too little publicly available data. ‘Data is necessary to make progress visible and to be able to counteract undesirable developments,’ says Steverding. At the same time, transparency strengthens citizens' trust. This is where open government data comes in: a modern transparency law with a clearly regulated, nationally uniform legal right to open data could facilitate cooperation, promote innovation and strengthen constitutional control.

Wish No. 4: Firmly establish digital public services

Digital public services are more than just a buzzword – they are the foundation for resilient, liveable and equitable cities and regions. In addition to energy, water and mobility, IoT networks, urban data platforms and digital access are now also part of basic services. Sven Wagner, Smart City consultant at Bitkom, calls for clear rules so that local authorities can plan ahead: the federal government, states and local authorities should agree on a binding definition of basic digital infrastructure – and secure its long-term financing. This will create reliability for everyone.

Wish No. 5: Implement modernisation agendas

Whether it's the federal or state modernisation agenda, the goals are on the table. Now it's a matter of achieving them – at least the goals set for 2026. According to Steverding, the focus should be on measures ‘that bring rapid and effective relief for citizens and businesses’.

Wish No. 6: Strengthen trust in the state

Ultimately, everything boils down to one central question and its hopefully positive answer at the end of 2026: Is the state perceived as capable of acting? To achieve this, trust must be strengthened, functioning modern processes introduced, transparent decisions made and digital services created that really help in everyday life.