Lower Saxony’s Path Towards Digital Transformation: A Comprehensive Fahrplan
Introduction
Lower Saxony, a vast and diverse federal state in Germany, has embarked on an ambitious journey to embrace the transformative power of digitalization. Led by Economic Minister Olaf Lies (SPD), the state government has unveiled a comprehensive Digitalization Fahrplan, allocating a substantial budget of approximately 880 million euros to fuel this technological revolution.
A Holistic Approach: Beyond Boundaries
The Fahrplan represents a meticulous strategy that transcends traditional sectoral boundaries. Minister Lies emphasizes, "Our aspiration is to engage all facets of society and the economy in this digital transformation, without confining ourselves to the limitations of individual ministries." This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of digitalization permeate every aspect of Lower Saxony’s development.
117 Measures and Projects: Paving the Digital Way
The Fahrplan encompasses a remarkable array of 117 measures and projects, meticulously crafted to guide businesses, public administration, and the broader society towards digitalization. These initiatives span a wide spectrum, including:
- The establishment of the new AI Real Lab Osnabrück, a cutting-edge facility for research and development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the auspices of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence.
- A pioneering advanced training program in computer science for teachers in vocational schools, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to impart digital literacy to future generations.
- Continued expansion of the state’s fiber optic infrastructure, laying the foundation for ubiquitous high-speed internet access.
Building on Past Progress: The Masterplan Digitalisierung
In 2018, Lower Saxony took a significant step towards digitalization with the launch of the "Masterplan Digitalisierung" under the leadership of then Economic Minister Bernd Althusmann (CDU). This plan allocated approximately one billion euros in investments, focusing on ambitious goals such as establishing a seamless and high-performance mobile network by 2021 and connecting all households to high-speed internet by 2025.
A Remarkable Track Record: Implementation Success
Minister Lies proudly notes that 91% of the measures outlined in the Masterplan Digitalisierung have been "administratively implemented" to date. This impressive track record bodes well for the successful execution of the new Fahrplan, demonstrating Lower Saxony’s commitment to digital progress.
Conclusion: A Digital Future for Lower Saxony
Through its comprehensive Fahrplan and unwavering dedication to digitalization, Lower Saxony is positioned to emerge as a beacon of technological advancement within Germany. This ambitious investment in the future will not only enhance economic competitiveness but also empower citizens with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. As Minister Lies aptly summarizes, "Digitalization is not just a project, it’s a permanent task." Lower Saxony has embraced this task with determination, paving the way for a prosperous and digitally connected future.
