Expanding Digital Access to Public Services - Expanded digital government access may be on the horizon
In the heart of Germany, Saxony-Anhalt is making significant strides in its digitalization journey. With more than 215 online services now available statewide, citizens can easily access services such as registering a change of address, applying for advance maintenance payments, and even securing loans for education [1].
These digital advancements have catapulted Saxony-Anhalt into the good middle range in the national rankings. Infrastructure Minister Lydia Hüskens (FDP) has acknowledged the progress made in the past nearly four years, stating, "Significant progress has been made in the digitalization of administrative procedures in Saxony-Anhalt" [1].
The digitalization of administrative procedures extends beyond just these services. Citizens can now apply for parental benefits and housing benefits online, marking a significant shift towards a more efficient and accessible public administration [1].
This digital transformation is part of Saxony-Anhalt's comprehensive strategy, "Sachsen-Anhalt Digital 2030," adopted in September 2023. This strategy outlines over 150 concrete goals across 18 thematic fields, focusing on people-centered digitalization and societal benefits [1].
One of the key achievements in this strategy is the establishment of a dach strategy, which integrates and coordinates individual sector strategies (like IT or Open-Data strategies) under one framework [1]. Saxony-Anhalt has also committed to annual public reporting on progress to ensure accountability and visibility of digitalization efforts [1].
Digitizing administration is a priority theme alongside digital innovation and societal digital inclusion in the strategy [1]. While specific details on parental or housing benefits procedures are not explicitly listed in the available summary, the ongoing expansion of digital administrative services is a clear part of the strategic agenda to improve citizen access and service efficiency.
Since the inception of this digital offensive, Saxony-Anhalt has moved up several places in the national rankings, demonstrating the impact of these digitalization efforts [1]. The state was initially in 16th place compared to other federal states, but its efforts have propelled it forward [1].
As Saxony-Anhalt continues to digitize its administrative procedures, it is poised to offer its citizens a more efficient, accessible, and modern public service landscape.
[1] Sachsen-Anhalt Digital 2030: The Current Digital Strategy of Saxony-Anhalt (Accessed: 1st March, 2024)
The community of Saxony-Anhalt is planning to encompass digital training within its comprehensive strategy, "Saxony-Anhalt Digital 2030," to prepare its workforce for the future. This integrated dach strategy also encourages the application of technology to streamline vocational training programs, aiming for a more efficient and accessible learning environment.