With the establishment of the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS) in May 2025, Germany has taken a long-overdue step. For the first time, German digital policy is being centrally managed, strategically coordinated and represented at the highest political level. One year on, it is clear that the foundations have been laid and the transition has been successful; the impact on citizens’ everyday lives must now become apparent.

A historic fresh start with tangible results

Bringing digital policy responsibilities under a dedicated ministry is more than just an organisational reform. It has significantly increased the visibility and relevance of digital issues. A Digital Minister at the cabinet table, a dedicated budget and clear responsibilities ensure that digitalisation finally receives the political attention it needs, says Sophie Vogt-Hohenlinde, policy expert at the digital association Bitkom.

The first effects are also becoming apparent at European level: Germany is presenting a more united front on digital regulation and is able to put forward its positions more effectively. This not only strengthens the role of the federal government, but also the competitiveness of the country as a whole.

Key initiatives and tangible progress

In terms of substance, the BMDS has already made headway on key issues. Its commitment to grid expansion is particularly evident: here, legislative measures were initiated at an early stage and two modernisation programmes were launched simultaneously. This clear political commitment is having an impact.

With the Deutschland-Stack, the Ministry is also pursuing a new, promising approach to the digitalisation of public administration. The aim is a uniform digital infrastructure that simplifies processes and makes them scalable – a decisive step towards a modern, efficient administration.

Further initiatives, such as the development of a digital identity, the promotion of artificial intelligence or the data centre strategy, are providing important impetus for innovation and digital sovereignty. At the same time, concrete improvements are already being tested through pilot projects, for example in the area of digital business start-ups.

Seizing the opportunity presented by the development phase

A look at the Digital Policy Monitor reveals that more than half of the initiatives have already been launched. This is a strong indication of the new ministry’s ability to get things done. At the same time, it is clear that some projects still need time to take full effect. 53% of the initiatives listed in the Digital Policy Monitor have now been launched, whereas 38% have not. The government needs to pick up the pace here, says Vogt-Hohenlinde, otherwise fewer than half of the projects will have been completed by the end of the current legislative term.

Now is the time to pick up the pace and make an impact

The coming months will be decisive. The aim is to consistently implement the numerous initiatives that have been launched and to make their impact visible. The political will is there, the strategic guidelines have been set; now implementation must take place so that the impact is increasingly felt in the lives of citizens.

In its first year, the BMDS has shown that it can shape the future – now it is a matter of translating this strength into concrete results. If we succeed in picking up the pace and consistently driving forward the projects we have started, the Ministry will become a key driver of digital transformation in Germany.

Shaping the digital future together

We are heading in the right direction. The first year was an important start with a clear goal: to make Germany more digitally capable and future-proof. We must now resolutely continue along this path.

As a platform for the digitalisation of the public sector, the Smart Country Convention actively supports this process. Because one thing is clear: digitalisation can only succeed if we work together – with politics, administration, business and society – from 13–15 October 2026 at SCCON in Berlin.