Administrative processes not necessarily requiring digitalization, according to the Minister. - Administrative processes not being digitized by the Minister as of yet.
Minister urges careful digitization of administrative processes
Erfurt - Digital Minister Steffen Schuetz of Thuringia has called for a re-evaluation of administrative processes before digitizing them. He argues that if a company's processes are dysfunctional, they should be fundamentally reformed or dissolved, rather than digitized.
"If you have a work process that is simply poor, and you digitize this process, what do you have then? A poor, digitized process," said Schuetz. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the work processes themselves during the digitization process, and questioning whether the necessary regulations and reporting obligations are truly needed.
Thuringia trails other federal states in terms of digitization, according to a recent Bitkom State Index 2024. The state scored 49.6 points, while the leading city of Hamburg received a mark of 73.5 points. In the Germany Index of Digitization 2023 from the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems, Thuringia also ranked lower.
However, Thuringia has made efforts to modernize its digital infrastructure. Notable initiatives include the statewide implementation of the central government service number 115, which offers direct access to government services[1]. Additionally, plans for a new chatbot aim to enhance efficiency and accessibility in administrative processes[1]. The government's focus on urban development, including digital and climate-resilient city structures, suggests a broader strategy to modernize infrastructure and services[1][3].
It remains unclear how Schuetz plans to address the issue of inefficient processes in Thuringia's administration before digitization. However, the focus on improving digital infrastructure and processes indicates a commitment to enhancing administrative efficiency.
"Minister Schuetz suggests that instead of digitizing inefficient processes within the Thuringian community, there should be a focus on vocational training and fundamental reform of these processes. This could potentially involve investments in finance and technology to improve business practices and vocational training programs, with the goal of creating more efficient and streamlined administrative processes."
"In line with this approach, the digital minister could advocate for policy reforms that prioritize the re-evaluation and optimization of workflow procedures. This could be achieved through initiatives such as vocational training programs focused on digital skills, which would not only improve the efficiency of administrative processes but also contribute to the overall modernization of Thuringia's digital infrastructure."
