Obstructed Access to Public Space: Applications and Ticket Disputes Examined
Digital Transformation in Stuttgart and Tübingen's Foreign Authorities
Stuttgart and Tübingen, both part of the state of Baden-Württemberg, are making significant strides in digitalizing their foreign authorities' processes.
In Stuttgart, the foreigner's office has established online appointment scheduling for emergencies and online appointment coordination. Additionally, a new online application management system has been introduced, aiming to streamline the process for foreigners seeking services. Susanne Scherz, the head of the public order office, announced progress in the digitalization process.
Stuttgart's digital transformation efforts extend beyond the foreign authorities. The city is leveraging AI to optimize its urban infrastructure, such as improving conventional timetable algorithms for tunnels and junctions to proactively manage congestion and optimize transport networks.
Tübingen, on the other hand, has introduced a ticket system for foreign authority applications in 2023. This system helps prioritize cases, particularly for clients with urgent matters. The online application procedure is available in eight languages and can be integrated into the foreign authority's process. However, there is a challenge in Tübingen where individual PDF files in online applications have to be laboriously downloaded by the employees.
Baden-Württemberg, including Tübingen and Stuttgart, is actively involved in digitalization projects. The state has an "E-Science strategy" and initiatives like digilog@bw ("Digitalization in Dialogue") running from 2021-2022, funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. These projects focus on dialogue and innovation in digitalization within government and administrative contexts.
Maria Pawelec at the University of Tübingen has participated in several projects related to digital governance and communication technologies, including policy-oriented research aimed at preventing digital disinformation and exploring digital governance aspects.
The digitalization of the foreigner's office in Stuttgart was completed in 2023, and the city is pursuing additional measures such as the introduction of an e-file and improvements in the building situation. Stuttgart also aims to facilitate career transitions from other professions into public administration.
Nadine Knodel, who heads the department of Citizen Services, Security and Order in Tübingen, reports that the procedure works well and efficiently in most cases. However, a technical outage a few weeks ago in Tübingen's foreign authority online system caused inconvenience, during which applications could not be submitted.
To improve the digitization process further, Nadine Knodel suggests a nationwide or state-wide uniform system with a customer account. As of February 2, 2025, all authorities in the EU are required to train their staff in handling AI systems under the EU AI Act. The Staatsanzeiger Academy offers an AI driver's license for practical and legally sound training in handling AI systems.
These initiatives align with Germany’s broader efforts to digitalize public institutions and embed ethical and inclusive digital practices. Further detailed case studies may require accessing local government or academic project reports focused explicitly on administrative process digitalization in Tübingen and Stuttgart.
The technology used in Stuttgart's foreigner's office includes online appointment scheduling systems and a new online application management system to streamline services for foreigners.
Baden-Württemberg, home to Tübingen and Stuttgart, has digitalization projects focusing on AI and dialogue in government and administrative contexts, such as digilog@bw.
