Government's Plan to Transform Thuringia into a Digital Hub: A Look at the Strategies for Digitization
In an effort to bridge the digital divide between Thuringia and more advanced regions in Germany, Cornelia Haase-Lerch of the IHK Erfurt has called for clear timetables, adequate financial resources, and binding responsibilities for digitalization plans.
Thuringia's industrial base presents a strong foundation for this digital leap. The region can accelerate its digitalization by adopting targeted policies that support the integration of digital and green technologies, investing in state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, fostering software and innovation capacities, and encouraging start-up and technology-driven ecosystems.
Historically, Thuringia has been oriented towards incremental innovation in cleaner production. This foundation can be built upon by promoting both incumbent and radical innovation, particularly in digital and green transitions. Investing in digital infrastructure, such as upgrading software and IT technology for scientific research, can provide a technological edge and build digital competence. Hosting and expanding technology fairs and talks, like the W3+ Fair in Jena, can help promote high-tech digital manufacturing and aerospace innovations.
To complement these efforts, Thuringia could utilise EU funding programs targeting innovative startups and deep-tech developments, such as the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pre-Accelerator. Aligning with broader EU digital and green initiatives would also strengthen Thuringia’s digital economy integration.
However, Thuringia faces significant challenges in implementing its digitalization plans. Significant investments, personnel, and political support are needed to eliminate the patchwork in Thuringia's municipalities. It remains unclear whether these needs will be considered in the next double budget. Currently, no communal funding applications for digitalization of administration are being approved.
Thuringia's Minister of Construction, Schuetz, has proposed speeding up construction by processing building applications digitally, with applications not processed within a certain period automatically being considered approved. However, association manager Carsten Rieder has expressed hopes but warned against making unkept promises. The municipalities in Thuringia have been informed that there is no more money for digitalization.
Despite these challenges, the Thuringian Association of Municipalities and Towns has welcomed the state government's plans for digitalization. Measurable progress is crucial, such as in digital administrative procedures, quick approvals, and high-performance networks. Thuringia's current position as the last in the country in terms of digitalization underscores the urgency of catching up, with the establishment of a new Ministry of Digital Affairs a step in the right direction.
In summary, Thuringia's digitalization journey requires a combination of policy support tailored to its industrial heritage, infrastructure investment, promotion of innovation hubs, and tapping into EU digitalization funding. Measurable progress and careful management will be key to bridging the gap with more digitally advanced regions in Germany.
Technological advancements can be accelerated in Thuringia by investing in state-of-the-art IT infrastructure and fostering software and innovation capacities. This adoption of digital technology can provide a technological edge and build digital competence.
Aligning with broader EU digital initiatives would also strengthen Thuringia’s digital economy integration, with funding programs like the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pre-Accelerator potentially offering valuable support for innovative startups and deep-tech developments in digital and green transitions.
