sectors of the economy. For this reason, it is impor­tant to open up new markets early on, set our own standards and provide an answer to urgent social issues in order to keep up internationally, but also to be at the forefront of this development. Let’s work together to make this possible! If technological progress is the motor of our society, we should see to it that we have a smart, competent and long-term design for our digital future. Building on the progress already made, we will discuss in the following our goals and options, all of which will certainly extend beyond the current legislative term – as will the digital transformation. The Digital Strategy 2025 programme demonstrates how the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) has been setting priorities in recent years, developing capabilities and using new tools to make a digitised Germany possible. We want to show which areas require immediate action. Our recommendations are intended not only to enable the German economy to respond to new challenges but also to ensure its leading position both in quality and technology for years to come, by combining traditional competitive advantages with the newest technology, modern methods and specific support programmes. In particular, however, we want to demonstrate that the era of isolated solutions must come to an end. Only by working across organisations, in a network, and in a concerted effort as a community and so­cie­ty, will we be able to find and implement answers to questions arising in the immediate future. Businesses, unions, the scientific community, the government and a motivated public are already developing approaches and projects for the digital transformation in Germany – for DE.DIGITAL. However, regard­ ing digital infrastructure, future work opportunities, data security, future-oriented education and the legal framework, it is high time we all address these aspects together and with goals in mind. We consider this to be the decisive imperative of a digital society – and the logical consequence is to create a connected, intergovernmental organisation – a Digital Agency. www.de.digital 7