Impulses for Hesse’s Digital Future
The Rhine-Main regional group of the German Informatics Society (GI) opened its 2020 series of events with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, Minister of State for Digital Strategy and Development. In an entertaining presentation, she provided information about the digitalisation strategy of the state of Hesse.
At the beginning of her presentation, the Minister of State gave participants an insight into her motivations for accepting her position in 2019. In particular, the prospect of being able to shape new developments so that digitalisation primarily benefits people was decisive in her decision to take up the position. The Minister of State then provided information on various aspects of the digitalisation strategy of the State of Hesse. She reported on her ministry’s current activities, the establishment of an organisational structure, and the future continuation of the digital strategy launched in 2016.
As examples of current activities, the Minister of State cited, among other things, the ongoing expansion of infrastructure in the area of landline and mobile communications, the provision of support programmes with corresponding budgets, and the provision of a software platform in the context of the Online Access Act.
On the question of how the digital strategy for the state of Hesse will proceed in the future, Prof. Sinemus reported that the Ministry of Digital Affairs is currently engaged in an iterative process with the aim of developing the future digital strategy by autumn 2020. An important aspect of this is the establishment of an appropriate organisational structure with personnel and budget, which has essentially already taken place through a reorganisation. The new digital strategy is to be discussed from the perspectives of various ministries and stakeholders. The Minister of State therefore encouraged participation and iterative consultation on Hesse’s digital strategy and its joint implementation.
Immediately after the presentation, Prof. Sinemus and the participants engaged in an in-depth dialogue on various topics such as schools and education, infrastructure development and the improvement of online administrative services. At the end of the evening, the participants took the opportunity to continue their discussions over a delicious Hessian buffet.
At the end of the evening, the Hessian buffet provided a relaxed setting for further discussions and new contacts. It was a great opportunity to see familiar faces again, meet new people and continue the discussions in a more informal atmosphere. We greatly appreciated the warm atmosphere and lively exchange and are already looking forward to the next opportunity to support and connect with the digital community in Hesse. The preparation and execution of the event was supported by boTec, among others, as a corporate GI member.
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