A conversation among equals: What digitalization in public administration means today
The digitalization of public administration is a central topic for public authorities and companies alike. As part of a recent conversation between Helene Brubrowski and Claudia Plattner, a renowned expert in public-sector digitalization, it became clear: The biggest challenges lie not only in outdated IT structures and interfaces, but also in the tension between pressure to innovate and data protection.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 – in particular with the BSI Cyber Security Check – positions public authorities and companies for the future.
The complexity of the IT landscape as an impediment to digitalization
Claudia Plattner gets to the point in the conversation: “The biggest challenge is certainly the complexity of the existing IT landscape. Over the years we have built a great many different systems, some of which cannot communicate with each other, and that of course makes any kind of digitalization enormously difficult.”
This scenario is everyday reality in many public authorities and companies. The result is high integration costs, siloed 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 create the foundation for sustainable digitalization with tailored solutions.
Data protection: obstacle or innovation driver?
Plattner also offers a nuanced assessment of data protection: “Data protection forces us to work very thoroughly and to make our solutions secure. Sometimes that is 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 services. “Trust in particular is extremely important for digital public services,” Plattner adds.
Our approach: Honicon not only supports you in implementing modern technologies, but also assists with compliance 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 central 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 have to start. And we have to equip our employees for the new digital tools,” Plattner emphasizes.
Digitalization is not purely a technical matter. Successful projects emerge where processes are streamlined and sensibly automated — and where employees are actively engaged 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 is created within the organization.
Cyber Security as a key factor: The BSI Cyber Security Check
Especially in the public-sector environment, cyber security is a central topic. Attack surfaces are growing while regulatory requirements are increasing. The Cyber Security Check according to the BSI standard, which Honicon offers as a certified partner, is an effective instrument for evaluating IT security in a structured, objective, and transparent way.
What is the BSI Cyber Security Check?
- A standardized assessment procedure for evaluating the IT security posture
- Developed by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
- Identifies vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement
- Assesses organizational and technical measures
- Provides a sound basis for investment decisions and strategic planning
How Honicon supports:
Our experts accompany you from preparation through to the implementation of measures — confidentially, efficiently, and with a clear focus on your specific requirements. You can find more information 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 have to set priorities, evaluate pilot projects, and then scale what works,” says Plattner, underscoring how important strategic governance and teamwork are for success.
Honicon GmbH supports you on this journey:
- 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 — but 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-ready IT landscape.
Interested? Continue reading our articles on IT security management or get in touch — together, we will shape the digitalization of your organization.