clear commitment to the pan - but modest reform efforts - chances are the implementation
Topics ICT, eGovernment and Internet in the new government arrived (Berlin 24.10.). Same on multiple pages, the coalition agreement deals with the realignment of the state in the information and knowledge society. One of the most important sentences is: "We will use the potentials of ICT in solving the social challenges of health, energy efficiency / climate change, security and mobility consistent '. This is a clear signal for the policy set that control of ICT in political terms. Whether this MOU will become reality, have the next four years show government work. is an initial shock, it already: the electronic health card will be reset - a moratorium on the clarification of policy issues was agreed. The finding in the coalition agreement that e-government does not stop at the traditional administrative work is correct. Thus, for example, the conversion of the successful industrial society to a low carbon society only through the consistent use of ICT. The same applies to education and health. It will be crucial, particularly the ministries in the future the role of ICT and eGovernment , Assess only the technical means or more as a strategic problem solving and ability to control policy.
The new government plans, according to a coalition agreement eGovernment Act. This should be legal rules adapted to modern eGovernment. Such a step is welcome. Special attention will put the coalition in the next four years on creating the conditions for secure communication between citizens and businesses with the management . An important role to play, the voluntary proof of identity with the electronic identity card. Ensuring a legally binding electronic communications in the administrative proceedings were taken up again. This had, however, already written the old government to the flags. The measures provided for in the EU Services Directive, electronic communications with government are seen by the CDU / CSU and FDP as a great opportunity for a period of modernization in the administration. This is likely a new way to O ne-Stop Government be open.
ROTECTION D and IT security to take a focus on a coalition agreement . This applies both to the authorities than for the non-public area. Critical IT systems should be better protected from attack. For this, the Federal Office be strengthened for Security in Information Technology. "A trustworthy, efficient and secure information and communication technology is essential to our country and high-technology industry in Germany," says the paper. The coalition agreement calls for a pass to De -mail law. The experiences of the pilot project in Friedrichshafen, however, should first be awaited. The legislative process had been known in the last legislative not be completed. How true realities De-mail, be sure to show the coming months, as are also including the German postal service with a compete.
The information technology of the League of concentration, standardization and efficiency needs, as well as bundling existing resources, is a known need, as confirmed in the recent treaty again. How it but here goes, is open. In addition, that eGovernmentteil in that the IT of the future will focus on federal o PEN standards and open source solutions should be used more actively.
The theme Green-IT was also addressed. intended for all IT projects of the Federal responsibly deal with the natural resources caused by IT operations Energy consumption can be reduced in the federal administration. This objective is commendable.
also wants the federal government fast internet for all of Germany. A nationwide broadband coverage remains one of the CDU / CSU-FDP coalition to public service. To have not yet served rural areas of Germany to develop nationwide with broadband performance while accelerating the development of high speed networks, various measures are taken. Set will be on a sustainable competitive environment and a mix of technologies and the use of synergies in infrastructure construction. Specific data or Figures on bandwidth but were not mentioned. Actions of federal and state should be in broadband expansion geared more closely. The energy network operators should be involved in a dialogue with the aim to engage in building high-performance broadband networks. The government will also include investment-friendly regulatory instruments to accelerate the roll with.
innovation and regional economic policy, modernization of administration, participation of citizens and civil society stakeholders as well as data protection and network security should continue to be connected with politics. The rights to the people in democratic decision-making should be strengthened. Here, the new coalition puts a premium on development of the petition system should be strengthened according to mass petitions over the Internet, the right to be heard. It also states in the text that the modernization of the federal will be further developed to show more transparency, responsiveness and service quality.
W eb 2.0 applications in this context, however, not arrived at the new government. missing For example, the intention to publish draft legislation on the Internet or the mention of the use of new knowledge infrastructures such as wikis or blogs.
to be welcomed are the clear statements to the single public service number 115th By 2011, all federal agencies to be connected to this is to the end of 2013 are 115 for the whole of Germany.
Information and Media Society is given sufficient attention in a separate section. The first approaches to an "Internet Republic of Germany" and, in particular network policy look promising. Themselves clearly speaks in favor of the coalition to prevent a digital divide in society. All people need to facilitate access to new media. This is true in regard to availability and on accessibility and digital literacy.
The Internet is the first time a focus in the coalition agreement and is seen not only under restrictive terms, but by identifying clearly the advantages for the economy, society, government and citizens.
Conclusion: The coalition agreement between CDU / CSU and FDP deals extensively with the themes of Internet, e-government and information and communication technology. In this clear, the policy has not been expressed. This is good news. Of the ways to govern the Internet and to practice a wide open government for citizens, the new government is still far away and lags several years behind countries like the U.S. behind her. When will eGovernment by the new government has already started measures mainly addressed and updated. A truly new approach to reform is not visible. This is especially true for more involvement of citizens in political processes using Web 2.0 such as through online consultations. Also lacks a clear commitment to a transparency initiative in the presentation of policies. One should the treaty not be overstated. It sets targets, but no one would prevent the development of rapid and comprehensive fashion. Courage and courageous actions are necessary to make politics and government fit for the transition to a citizen-oriented society in the Internet age. A new beginning is possible, but it is also necessary.
Franz-Reinhard Habbe l
