Deutschland AG finds itself at a turning point: we have functioned well for many decades, but today our most important industries and our state risk missing out on the future. We have been delaying major reforms for years and getting lost in debates about the four-day week, working from home or gender.

We are rightly proud of our “climate nation” and want to set a good example in the face of the climate crisis. But it is time to accept the reality: we will not save the world alone and a weak Germany endangers not only our climate goals, but even world peace.

We need a new industrial policy that benefits not only our planet, but also Germany and Europe. We should use our strengths – #Engineering – and remedy our weaknesses – #Digitalization.

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It will take many innovative solutions to find sustainable living. Taken together, these innovations and the companies and countries that produce them will represent a large part of future economic power. And they are all supported by enabling technology: artificial intelligence.

We are facing a renaissance: new technologies, notably artificial intelligence, will fundamentally change our world in the next 3 to 5 years.

To understand where we are in this shift right now, just look at the drivers of the AI ​​revolution: chips for computation, power for operations, advanced data operating systems from companies like Palantir and Microsoft, and of course the data itself. these drivers come from the USA and China.

Much like the Internet, AI is by no means a “phase,” but it certainly represents new territory for Germany. A new territory that we will not have access to without comprehensive digitalization and data. To realize the full potential of AI, we need digital processes and as much data as possible.

No more paper, but a federal CIO

A consistent digitalization of Germany is therefore essential. Paper-based official communications and processes must be banned by law by December 31, 2024. Germany needs a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead a 100-person team of top IT experts and in AI.

For Deutschland AG to succeed in its transformation, it needs a long-term roadmap. Every company has OKRs, KPIs and a North Star. Where does Germany want to be in 5 years? In which area are we leaders? It is time to make a paradigm shift: from the 4-day week and teleworking towards a sporting ambition, a pioneering spirit 2.0.

Our startup scene and emerging companies have this sporting ambition and the necessary strength of innovation. What is missing is capital and adequate framework conditions. Successful models like the HTGF and the Sprung Innovation Agency show the way: we need such initiatives on a larger scale, led by our CIO.

If we want to catch up with the United States and China, we must, as Europe, pool our resources, focus on our strengths and pursue a coherent long-term plan based on innovation, partnership and digital progress. This is the only way to ensure that Germany and Europe not only keep pace with this new era, but also play a leading role.