Patronage of SCCON 2026
Source: Sebastian Woithe
The Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization: A Key Partner of the Smart Country Convention
Driving digital transformation, cutting red tape, and making public administration simpler – with the Bundesministerium für Digitales und Staatsmodernisierung (BMDS), Germany now has, for the first time, a dedicated ministry focused entirely on these crucial priorities.
Whether child benefits without the need to apply, online address registration, or starting a business within 24 hours – the BMDS ensures that digital solutions truly make a difference in everyday life.
The ministry is headed by Karsten Wildberger, Germany’s first Federal Minister for Digital Affairs:
"The Smart Country Convention is the central meeting place for everyone who wants to make our country noticeably more digital and innovative. Artificial intelligence in particular will be an important accelerator on the path to simple, fast and user-friendly administration. I look forward to presenting our projects and ideas, learning from other best practices and exchanging ideas with innovative minds."
We are pleased that Karsten Wildberger and the Federal Ministry for Digital and State Modernization have once again taken on the patronage of Smart Country Convention 2026.
Germany's first Minister of Digitalisation: Karsten Wildberger
Karsten Wildberger has been Germany's Federal Minister of Digitalisation since 6 May 2025. In his first speech to the Bundestag, he focused on speed, teamwork and efficency.
The focus is on digital administration, high-performance networks, modern IT infrastructures and better conditions for innovation - from digital identities to fibre-optic expansion. His overriding goal: "A modern and digital Germany that is also lean in its processes and administration - that is attractive for people. That is attractive for companies.”
Wildberger made it clear that digitalisation is not an end in itself, but the key to an effective, citizen-oriented state. His appeal: "In these times, we can shape change together - shape a digital 'Next Germany'."
Karsten Wildberger has been Germany's Federal Minister of Digitalisation since 6 May 2025. In his first speech to the Bundestag, he focused on speed, teamwork and efficency.
The focus is on digital administration, high-performance networks, modern IT infrastructures and better conditions for innovation - from digital identities to fibre-optic expansion. His overriding goal: "A modern and digital Germany that is also lean in its processes and administration - that is attractive for people. That is attractive for companies.”
Wildberger made it clear that digitalisation is not an end in itself, but the key to an effective, citizen-oriented state. His appeal: "In these times, we can shape change together - shape a digital 'Next Germany'."
The Topics of the BMDS
Digital government - Germany becomes more digital, faster and more efficient
The Federal Ministry for Digitalisation and State Modernisation wants to provide administrative services completely digital, fast and without unnecessary applications. The basis for this is the "Deutschland-Stack" - a common digital infrastructure for the federal, state and local governments. Digital identities, a central citizen account and automated processes will make administrative procedures largely redundant. Artificial intelligence and cloud services will ensure greater efficiency and user-friendliness. Digital sovereignty remains central: the BMDS relies on trustworthy European technologies.
Modernising the state - reducing bureaucracy, easing structural burdens
The BMDS aims to streamline the public administration, digitalise processes and noticeably reduce the burden on citizens and the private sector. A key objective is to establish reliable and practice-oriented regulatory frameworks while implementing the "once only" principle across the board. Outdated regulations, duplicate structures and superfluous reporting obligations are to be abolished and central tasks bundled. Artificial intelligence, agile methods and flexible working models will strengthen a modern administrative culture. The new fast-track initiative to cut red tape is designed to provide meaningful relief, especially for small and mid-sized businesses.
Digital economy - promoting innovation, digitising the private sector
To ensure that Germany is internationally competitive, the Federal Ministry for Digitalisation and State Modernisation is promoting an innovation-friendly environment, especially for the use of artificial intelligence and the data economy. This includes clear regulations, secure test fields and a centralised AI supervision to support companies and research institutions. With open data obligations, data trusts and modern data protection approaches, the BMDS aims to simplify access to data while guaranteeing responsibility. Meanwhile, the state has to set a good example in the use of new technologies and expand digital processes in the administration. The aim is to use digital technologies to promote growth, new jobs and social progress.
Digital sovereignty - European cooperation and investment
The Federal Ministry for Digitalisation and State Modernisation is strategically reorienting digital policy to reduce technological dependencies and improve the safety of key infrastructures. The focus is on the targeted development of technological innovations made in Europe - such as AI, cloud, semiconductors,cybersecurity solutions - and the promotion of trustworthy, interoperable systems. Therefore, the state has to create incentives for the digital economy and enable the exclusion of providers that do not meet the local security standards. Digital independence can only be achieved in close cooperation with European partners, for example through joint projects and open standards. Economy and society are equally called upon to actively shape and use sovereign technologies.
Digital infrastructure - prerequisite for a future-oriented state
A comprehensive, high-performing digital infrastructure plays a key role for economic growth, social participation and the state's ability to act. With new legal regulations, simplified approval procedures and digital application processes, the BMDS is creating better conditions for the expansion of fibre-optic networks and 5G. The focus is on private investment - supplemented by targeted funding in underserved regions. Reliable mobile communication services will be made available everywhere: Coverage requirements will be tightened and more closely monitored from a user perspective. The aim is to create a modern infrastructure that benefits digital transformation sustainably.
International digital policy - Actively shaping collaboration
Germany plays a major role in international digital policy and aims to help shaping digital change on the basis of European values. The Federal Ministry for Digitalisation and Government Modernisation represents Germany at EU level and in global bodies such as the G7, G20 and the United Nations. It is committed to the business-friendly and innovation-promoting implementation of EU regulations such as the AI Regulation and the Data Protection Act. The BMDS promotes a free, secure and open digitalisation through a multi-stakeholder approach and the protection of democratic values. It also develops strategic partnerships, especially with countries in the Global South, to strengthen digital sovereignty and open markets.
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