Germany needs a genuine boost in terms of cyber resilience and digital sovereignty. There can no longer be any doubt that digital security has long been a key factor in economic success. Without robust protective mechanisms and sophisticated technological solutions, individual corporate success is at risk.

Political focus on cybersecurity, digital sovereignty and AI

The severity of the threat is shown by a study submitted this summer by the German Federal Office for Information Security and the TÜV-Verband (the umbrella association of German Technical Inspection Agencies): Cyber-attacks are growing more and more refined and increasingly rely on the use of artificial intelligence. At the same time, given the ever more complex nature of the geopolitical situation, public dialogue is focusing more and more on strategic questions of dependence on digital technologies, whether on the part of individual companies or of entire economies.

As a consequence, cybersecurity and digital sovereignty are gaining prominence on the economic and security policy agenda. Business and society expect decisive action from policy-makers in order to better protect local companies and State organisations against cyber-attacks, break down barriers to innovation and competition, and minimise structural dependencies in core future-oriented technologies.

Coalition agreement creates market opportunities for the IT and security sector

The coalition agreement set the direction: Key technologies such as artificial intelligence must be deliberately promoted and used in order to bolster Germany’s power of innovation and competitiveness for the long term. Digital policy is no longer merely infrastructure policy, but has long been a key success factor for Germany’s security and economic future.

That means that regulatory directions also need to be set in the areas of cybersecurity, data protection and artificial intelligence. Plans include specific measures to assist German companies with the implementation of the Cyber Resilience Act, rapid implementation of the NIS-2 Directive, and the revision of the law governing the BSI (Federal Office for Information Security). In addition, operators of critical infrastructure must fulfil more stringent requirements in order to boost their technological sovereignty and reduce dependencies. At the same time, the funding framework for cybersecurity and dual-use research is being expanded.

Among the elements provided for by the high-tech agenda recently approved by the German Cabinet is a comprehensive and ambitious AI offensive, under which ten percent of local economic output will be generated using AI by as early as 2030.

Play an active part in shaping future policy conditions now

An important task for the present is to turn these policy objectives into concrete legislative initiatives and funding programmes, so that setting these directions will lead to tangible investment and growth stimuli for the IT and security sector. Anyone aiming to take advantage of these opportunities should actively contribute to the political dialogue now, especially where decisions are being made about future umbrella conditions.

A key factor in this regard is communication that is understandable, constructive and creative: Technological content and challenges relevant to the market must be made accessible in clear language for political decision-makers. Demands must be accompanied by specific, feasible recommendations, including clear responsibilities and objectives. Credibility is achieved where the industry not only identifies problems but also offers realistic, politically acceptable solutions. At the same time it is important to raise awareness: Anyone hoping to be heard in the information jungle of politics must use creative approaches to break through expectations.

We show you how you can communicate your points effectively, be heard and have an impact: on a sound strategic base, communicated clearly and creatively implemented.

Dennis Meyer, Senior Consultant

H/Advisors Deekeling Arndt

[email protected]