A conversation as equals: What digitalization in public administration means today
The digitalization of public administration is a central topic for authorities and companies alike. In a recent conversation between Helene Brubrowski and Claudia Plattner, a renowned expert in administrative digitalization, it became clear: The biggest challenges lie not only in outdated IT structures and interfaces, but also in the tension between innovation pressure and data protection.
In this article, we analyze key statements from the conversation, place them in the current context of the digitalization debate, and show how Honicon GmbH – especially with the BSI Cyber Security Check – positions authorities and companies for the future.
The complexity of the IT landscape as a barrier to digitalization
Claudia Plattner gets to the heart of it in the conversation: „The biggest challenge is certainly the complexity of the existing IT landscape. Over the years, we have built many different systems, some of which cannot communicate with each other, and that of course makes any kind of digitalization extremely difficult.“
This scenario is everyday reality in many authorities and companies. The result is high integration costs, silo solutions, and sluggish progress in introducing digital services.
Our experience from numerous digitalization projects: Especially in the public sector, systems that have grown over decades are rarely strategically interconnected. This is where Honicon, as an independent advisor, comes in – we analyze existing IT landscapes, identify technical and organizational risks, and, with individually tailored solutions, create the foundation for sustainable digitalization.
Data protection: obstacle or driver of innovation?
Plattner also offers a nuanced assessment of data protection: „Data protection forces us to work very thoroughly and to make our solutions secure. That is sometimes a brake because it takes longer, but it also ensures that we create high-quality, trustworthy solutions.“
This underscores the dual role of data protection: on the one hand it can slow projects down; on the other it is an important driver of sustainable, trustworthy digital offerings. „Trust, in particular, is extremely important for digital public services,“ adds Plattner.
Our approach: Honicon not only supports you in implementing modern technologies, but also guides you in complying with current data protection and compliance requirements. In our service portfolio you will find numerous offerings around data protection, IT security, and compliance.
Simplify processes, upskill employees
Another key point of the conversation is the need to simplify processes and upskill employees. „Many processes are still very paper-based and complicated; that’s where we need to start. And we have to make our employees fit for the new digital tools,“ Plattner emphasizes.
Digitalization is not purely a technical topic. Successful projects emerge where processes are streamlined and sensibly automated – and where employees are actively brought along and upskilled.
The experts at Honicon GmbH offer practical training, workshops, and coaching for your teams – from the introduction of new tools to the continuous improvement of your processes. This is how digital sovereignty emerges within the organization.
Cybersecurity as a key factor: the BSI Cyber Security Check
Especially in the public-sector environment, cybersecurity is a central topic. Attack surfaces are growing while regulatory requirements are increasing. The Cyber Security Check in accordance with the BSI standard, which Honicon offers as a certified partner, is an effective instrument for assessing IT security in a structured, objective, and transparent manner.
What is the BSI Cyber Security Check?
- A standardized assessment procedure to evaluate the state of IT security
- Developed by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
- Identifies vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement
- Assesses organizational and technical measures
- Provides a solid basis for investment decisions and strategic planning
How Honicon supports you:
Our experts support you from preparation through to the implementation of measures – confidentially, efficiently, and with a clear focus on your individual requirements. More information can be found on our page about the Cyber Security Check.
Digitalization as a collective effort: our recommendation
The conversation between Helene Brubrowski and Claudia Plattner makes it clear: digitalization succeeds when all stakeholders – from the leadership level to the specialist departments – pull together. „We need to set priorities, evaluate pilot projects, and then scale what works,“ says Plattner, underlining how important strategic steering and teamwork are for success.
Honicon GmbH supports you along this path:
- Strategy consulting and digitalization concepts
- Process optimization and automation
- IT security and compliance, including the BSI Cyber Security Check
- Training, change management, and knowledge transfer
Conclusion
The challenges of digitalization are complex – yet with an experienced partner at your side, technical hurdles, data protection issues, and security requirements can be mastered sustainably. The BSI Cyber Security Check is an important building block for a secure, future-proof IT landscape.
Interested? Continue reading our articles on IT security management or get in touch – together, we will shape the digitalization of your organization.