New digital ministry: companies demand IT security and digital sovereignty

Combating cybercrime and reviewing data protection are the most important issues for German companies in the newly created Ministry of Digital Affairs. In each case, 95 percent of companies agree with this assessment. The digitalization of schools is also a key concern for them. This is the result of a survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom. With the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, the new federal government decided to establish an independent digital ministry for the first time.

German industry calls for digital sovereignty

In view of the erratic US policy under President Donald Trump, the majority of German businesses are calling for digital sovereignty to be strengthened. Around 89% of companies are in favor of this. "For the new Ministry of Digital Affairs, it is both an opportunity and an obligation to make Germany technologically fit and digitally sovereign," says Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. Other important areas for around 86% of German companies include the digitalization of companies, administration and healthcare.

Digital policy measures are crucial for the competitiveness of the German economy, as well as for the security and prosperity of the Federal Republic, says Wintergerst. In addition to technologies such as quantum computers and artificial intelligence, for example in the Jülich AI factory, he also refers to the digital infrastructure. Around 82 percent of German companies are calling for the expansion of communication networks. Companies also see a need for additional digital skills in society.

Government should strengthen Germany as a business location

Almost all companies (99%) are calling on the new federal government to strengthen Germany's competitiveness as a business location. At the same time, 85% of companies expect the black-red coalition to make digital policy a priority. Just under three quarters of companies believe that the CDU/CSU and SPD government will be able to drive the economy forward. However, Bitkom President Wintergerst is cautious. Although he praises the quick agreement on the coalition agreement, the government still has to prove its willingness and ability to act in digital policy.

For the study, Bitkom surveyed 602 German companies from all sectors with 20 or more employees. The survey is representative. The digital association recently called on the German government to invest a total of 100 billion euros in a digital pact, including ten billion euros each for cloud technologies, artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry. The money is to come from the special fund for infrastructure development.

(sfe)