Contents I. The digital society in 2016 – A Digital Strategy 2025 06 – 07 II. Introduction 08 – 10 III. 10 steps toward the future 11 – 57 1. Creating a gigabit optical fibre network for Germany by 2025 12 – 15 2. Launching the New_Start-up_Era: Assisting start-ups and encouraging cooperation between young companies and established companies 16 – 21 3. Creating a regulatory framework for more investment and innovation 22 – 27 4. Encouraging “smart networks” in key commercial infrastructure areas of our economy 28 – 31 5. Strengthening data security and developing informational autonomy 32 – 35 6. Enabling new business models for SMEs, the skilled craft sector and services 36 – 39 7. Utilising Industry 4.0 to modernise Germany as a production location 40 – 43 8. Creating excellence in digital technology research, development and innovation 44 – 47 9. Introducing digital education to all phases of life 48 – 53 10. Creating a Digital Agency as a modern centre of excellence 54 – 57 www.de.digital 5