Inclusive digitilisation in the EU (IDEU)

All citizens are invited to participate in the crowdsourcing process and contribute their experiences and ideas on digital transformation. Together we can shape a digital future that excludes no one.

District town Siegburg

Siegburg, the lively district town in the heart of the Rhein-Sieg district, relies on innovative forms of citizen participation - especially in the digital area. With a modern approach, Siegburg promotes active participation in urban development via the digital platform siegburg. mitmachen. de . This digital participation model enables citizens to take part in important discussions and projects regardless of time and place. In this way, Siegburg creates sustainable and inclusive urban development that includes all citizens.

As a local partner in Germany, the district town of Siegburg supports the project “Inclusive digitalization in the EU”, co-organizes the kick-off event and actively supports the crowdsourcing process on the topic of digital transformation.

Inclusive Digitalisation: From Educational Deficiencies to the Labour Market

During the consultation round of the IDEU project in Germany, Phases 1-3, over 300 people contributed both in the survey and by suggesting and voting on solutions to the problems that were identified in the initial online consultation. After the consultation on inclusive Digitalisation, ten problems were identified through an analysis of the survey responses. These problems were published, and the public was then again invited to propose solutions and vote on these solutions. Over 20 different solutions were proposed, and more individuals cast their votes in support of certain solutions. The problems that were identified can be grouped into three themes: Education and Digital Literacy, Labour Market and Economic Barriers, as well as societal trust and inclusion.

Education and Skills Development: Systemic Gaps in Digital Learning

The first major theme of problems that emerged in the citizen consultation regarding inclusive Digitalisation in Germany highlights the lack of educational opportunities for youth and adults alike.  Respondents mentioned that Insufficient adult education opportunities are a major barrier, particularly for older generations who lack access to practical, affordable digital training programs to take part in Digitalisation. Many existing educational offerings are seen as either too advanced for beginners or fail to address real-world digital needs. Secondly, deficiencies in the formal education system become apparent through outdated ICT curricula that prioritize theory over practical skills. Schools often lack properly trained teachers and modern equipment, failing to prepare students for digital careers or everyday digital life. The problem extends to higher education, where STEM programs often don't reflect current industry requirements.

Also, the lack of teacher training and unattractive STEM subjects in schools perpetuates the cycle of digital illiteracy. Without properly equipped educators, schools, specifically primary and secondary schools, cannot effectively teach digital skills. Furthermore, the perception of STEM subjects as difficult or irrelevant deters many students from pursuing digital careers, further exacerbating the skills shortage. Finally, the high demands and the few continuing education options create a skills gap where workers cannot keep pace with technological changes. This created a reported dynamic where employers underinvest in upskilling, while vocational training programs remain disconnected from actual market needs. This mismatch leaves many workers, especially those in mid-career, struggling to adapt to digital work environments.

Societal Trust and Inclusion: Overcoming Digital Distrust

The survey identified a series of fundamental challenges to digital inclusion stemming from concerns about trust in digital technologies and Digitalisation in general. Respondents expressed concern with data privacy, security risks, and the reliability of digital systems, such as government services. These fears stemmed from reported experiences such as poorly designed services, a lack of transparency about data usage, and insufficient protection against cyber threats. ear and distrust of digital technologies represent significant obstacles to adoption and inclusive Digitalisation. Without addressing these trust issues, Digitalisation efforts will continue to face resistance and could remain non-inclusive to those not willing to participate on the basis of privacy concerns. 

Moreover, rapid technological change and poor usability of some digital technology had the effect of overwhelming users with complex, unintuitive interfaces that also change frequently. Many digital tools are designed without considering the needs of less experienced users, creating frustration and discouragement among many of the respondents.  This is particularly problematic for public digital services, where complicated navigation and a lack of technical skills could create significant barriers to access.   Also highlighted in the survey responses was the limited access to digital technology. Respondents mentioned that the high costs associated with mobile phones, computers, software licenses, and reliable internet connectivity can exclude marginalized individuals and small enterprises from full engagement in Digitalisation processes.

Labor Market and Structural Obstacles to Digitalisation

Participants identified the persistent negative perceptions of ICT careers, characterizing the sector as excessively technical, socially isolating, or inherently unwelcoming to diverse populations. This barrier disproportionately affects women and underrepresented groups, who frequently report a lack of relatable role models within the industry, thereby reinforcing outdated stereotypes and constricting the talent pipeline before entry-level participation even begins.  Also, the ICT sector’s working conditions were critiqued as fundamentally unattractive, impeding both recruitment and retention of skilled professionals. Contributing factors include systemic deficiencies in work-life balance, inadequate family-supportive policies, and compensatory packages that fail to remain competitive with international standards; collectively, these issues foster burnout, accelerate turnover rates, and deepen preexisting skills shortages. 

Furthermore, respondents mentioned the bureaucratic hurdles confronting international specialists, which introduce artificial barriers that impede the integration of qualified professionals into the domestic labour market. Protracted visa approval timelines, opaque procedures for the recognition of foreign qualifications, and insufficient support for cultural and linguistic integration collectively dissuade global talent from contributing their expertise. To make Germany's digital transformation truly inclusive and successful, we must not only empower our existing population through accessible technology but also create welcoming pathways for global talent to contribute their skills and perspectives. A digital future that leaves behind either long-term residents or potential international contributors cannot be considered truly inclusive or competitive.

Policy Recommendations

In response to the problems discussed above, this section presents a series of evidence-based recommendations designed to mitigate the problems that have been presented. These recommendations are adapted versions of the solutions that were proposed by participants during phase 3 of the IDEU project. 

Issue 1: Digital Literacy and Educational Opportunities 

There should be compulsory, practical, and age-appropriate IT education in schools from an early age. To build a strong foundation for digital literacy, comprehensive IT education should be integrated as a mandatory subject in schools starting from primary education. Given that children are engaging with digital platforms at increasingly younger ages, the curriculum should focus not just on technical skills but crucially on digital ethics, helping young people understand responsible online behavior, data privacy, and the social implications of their digital actions. Teachers would require specialized training to effectively deliver such a curriculum. Professional development programs that keep pace with technological advancements while emphasizing interactive, project-based learning methods that resonate with students' daily digital experiences.

Promote inclusive STEM education in schools. To address the persistent gender gap in technology fields and help make the next generation of ICT professionals as inclusive as possible, schools should implement targeted initiatives to dismantle stereotypes and inspire diverse participation in STEM subjects. A practical approach would involve providing schools with government-funded “STEM starter kits”, carefully designed packages containing hands-on experiments, teaching materials, and creative challenges that make digital education engaging and accessible for all students. These kits would enable teachers to deliver compelling lessons without extensive preparation, while their modular design would encourage students to explore different combinations and develop innovative solutions. By showcasing diverse role models and real-world applications, these initiatives can challenge traditional perceptions of technology careers and help create a more inclusive pipeline of digital talent for the future.

To ensure inclusive Digitalisation for older workers and maintain their inclusion in the digitalized workplace, vocational programs should be expanded with a specific focus on workplace-relevant digital skills, while dual education models should be strengthened to provide practical, on-the-job training opportunities. Employers must take responsibility for upskilling their workforce through internal training programs that allow employees to develop digital competencies while continuing their regular work. Government offices should maintain in-person assistance services to help citizens navigate essential digital processes, ensuring that administrative hurdles don't become employment barriers if they are currently out of work. We recommend establishing a “Workplace Digital Skills Program" that brings together local businesses, vocational schools, and employment agencies to develop targeted digital skills curricula focused on workplace applications like digital communication tools, industry-specific software, and online collaboration platforms. This approach would help older workers maintain their professional relevance while ensuring businesses have the digitally competent workforce they need for the future.

Issue 2: Societal Trust and Inclusivity

Support systems offered by municipal governments should be expanded to include physical help centres, where individuals can go free of charge to get help with digital technology if they have run into problems. Here, individuals can receive hands-on assistance with digital tools. Such a program could be run, for example, with the cooperation of a municipal government. Giving people free access to digital technology is essential to being inclusive, considering the financial burden that new devices often have. 

To address concerns about data privacy and digital security, we recommend prioritizing clear communication about how user data is protected. Using simple language and relatable examples, such as comparing encryption to a bank vault, can help demystify digital security. Highlighting practical benefits, like how video calls improve access to healthcare or how online services save time, will further demonstrate the value of digital tools. Trust can be reinforced with visible indicators, such as a "secure service" badge, to signal compliance with privacy standards. This could be done in cooperation with companies in the tech industry, where they could either provide these workshops or work with local municipalities to facilitate them. 

This could be coupled with the proposed program "Students Helping Seniors," where volunteer school-age students offer regular free training for seniors in libraries/schools. During this program, the focus would be on practical skills (video calls, online banking), designed for long-term intergenerational support. Additionally, a structured feedback system should be implemented to gather user input on digital services, ensuring that common issues, such as confusing interfaces, are quickly identified and resolved. Progress on these improvements should be shared. 

To increase digital participation among citizens who lack personal devices, municipalities should establish public digital voting stations in accessible locations such as government offices, libraries, and community centres. These stations would feature intuitive interfaces designed for ease of use, with login functionality via official identity cards to ensure security while maintaining simplicity. By providing this infrastructure, cities can remove cost barriers that currently prevent many older residents and low-income individuals from participating in digital democratic processes, without requiring them to purchase expensive personal devices. This approach would make digital voting more inclusive while maintaining necessary security standards through controlled environments and official identification methods. too d to 

It is, however, critical to maintain offline alternatives for essential services like banking and government offices. Digital options should always be presented as a choice rather than a requirement, with clear messaging like, "Use our app or visit in person." Including offline options is fundamental to being inclusive and not coercive in the push for greater Digitalisation in public services, especially for individuals who do not wish to improve their digital literacy. 

Issue 3: Labour Market and Structural Barriers

First, establish a local "Tech for Good" outreach program featuring small-scale community events where diverse ICT professionals demonstrate their work on socially relevant projects. These quarterly gatherings in libraries or community centres would showcase how technology improves daily life through concrete examples like healthcare apps or climate solutions. By featuring women and underrepresented groups as speakers and role models, the program would help break down stereotypes about the industry while highlighting its meaningful impact. The interactive format would allow for direct engagement with citizens and students, making technology careers feel more accessible and relatable. This approach directly counters the "excessively technical" and "isolating" perceptions by showing the human side of ICT work.

Second, create a municipal ICT talent integration initiative to help international specialists overcome bureaucratic hurdles. This would include a designated municipal contact person to guide newcomers through visa processes and qualification recognition, as well as partnerships with language schools for technical German courses tailored to working professionals. A mentorship component pairing international specialists with local industry professionals would provide both practical support and cultural orientation. By focusing on local employers' needs and available talent, this program would help address skills shortages while making the community more welcoming to global tech professionals. Both initiatives work together to improve the image of ICT careers while creating more inclusive pathways into the sector.

Expert Consultation: Proposed Updates to the Recommendations

During Phase 4 of the IDEU project, the problem descriptions and proposed recommendations were sent to seven experts in the fields of computer science and municipal administration. The following are the guiding open questions that were given to the experts to provide their opinions: (1) From your expert perspective, how feasible do you consider these recommendations to be? (2) Where do you see specific challenges in implementing them? (3) To your knowledge, are there already measures in place to solve these problems or similar recommendations? (4) What do you think about this? What are your thoughts on the challenges or successes of these measures? The responses were then aggregated and synthesized to update the initial policy recommendations. 

Issue 1: Digital Literacy and Educational Opportunities 

Digital Inclusivity in Schools

In Response to the recommendations, there should be compulsory, practical, and age-appropriate IT education in schools from an early age, and STEM starter kits in schools, the expert feedback shows a strong agreement on the need for teacher training as the foundation of any digital education effort, noting that students often have more digital literacy than teachers. There's clear support for practical solutions like STEM starter kits and municipal hubs, but concerns remain about sustainability and the different conditions in schools across Germany. The conditions of schools, their available resources, staff training levels, and student skills are greatly varied across Germany. Thus, there must be flexibility and more localized efforts to increase digital literacy in schools; there cannot be a one-size-fits-all curricula adaptation, especially for considering digital inclusivity. Alternative approaches, such as train-the-trainer models and community partnerships, present promising options. Investment will be necessary to provide incentives for the trainers. And this should happen as early as possible, because only if good IT personnel are trained can these personnel later train others.

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Training for specific teachers who can then train colleagues and students. Emphasis on ethical digital practices, such as the importance of privacy and transparency. 
2. School-based starter kits combined with municipal STEM hubs. The EU could promote municipal STEM hubs in libraries or youth centres that connect schools with local businesses, universities, and associations to bring practical projects and role models into the classroom.
3. Competence-based rather than prescriptive curriculum
4. Open-source technology should be prioritized for its flexibility, interoperability, cost, and alignment with best practices in digitization.

Training for Adults in the Workforce

In response to the recommendation “Workplace Digital Skills Program” and the problem of digital illiteracy in the workforce, the expert feedback highlights several key challenges. There's a strong consensus that employer engagement is critical but currently insufficient, with many companies underinvesting in training despite clear benefits. Existing programs like those from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) are often seen as too theoretical and disconnected from actual workplace needs. The feedback suggests a need for closer industry-education collaboration to ensure training remains relevant to evolving technological demands. A significant concern is reaching disinterested employees, those who don't voluntarily seek training or recognize its importance. The repeated emphasis on structured collaboration between businesses, vocational schools, and employment agencies indicates that this should be the backbone of any solution.

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Create binding requirements for companies to invest in digital upskilling, paired with tax incentives for comprehensive programs
2. Develop practical, workplace-focused training through partnerships between vocational schools and businesses
3. Expand dual education models with strong Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) integration to bridge theory and practice
4. Implement proactive measures to engage employees who don't seek training voluntarily

Issue 2: Social trust and Inclusivity

Physical Help Centres

Experts support the establishment of physical help centres as a cornerstone for the digital inclusion of residents in Germany. While existing municipal infrastructure, like libraries and citizen offices, provides a solid foundation, the critical challenge lies in professionalizing the support system (training of staff). Experts raised concerns regarding practical considerations such as staffing and long-term funding models, with experts emphasizing that one-time funding initiatives won't suffice for maintaining these essential services. 

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Utilize existing municipal infrastructure (libraries, community centres) to minimize startup costs and leverage established community trust
2. Implement a tiered support system combining professional staff for complex issues with trained volunteers for basic assistance.
3. Develop a hybrid funding model combining municipal budgets, EU grants, and corporate partnerships to ensure long-term success.
4. Establish certification for support staff to ensure consistent service quality across locations in Germany. 

Data Privacy Communication: Building Confidence Through Transparency

The reconstruction of digital trust presents significant challenges once confidence has been undermined. Experts endorsed the prioritization of transparent communication regarding data protection measures as a fundamental strategy for rebuilding trust. However, they emphasize the critical importance of avoiding oversimplification when explaining complex security concepts to maintain both accuracy and public understanding. A strong consensus emerged regarding the preference for European-centric technological solutions, particularly open-source platforms that enable independent verification of security protocols. While acknowledging the potential integration advantages of U.S.-based digital technology, such as ease of use, experts advocated for the development of a European-centered digital infrastructure to ensure long-term transparency, robust privacy protections, and sustained public trust in digital systems.

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Develop a multi-layered approach with basic principles for general audiences and detailed explanations for those interested
2. Produce simple guides while providing access to more technical explanations, and focus on training ICT professionals in communication with those who lack digital skills. 
3. Implement clear policies about data usage and protection that are easily accessible to users. 
4. Develop a visual certification system that clearly indicates secure services without requiring technical understanding

Students Helping Seniors

While experts acknowledge the value of intergenerational programs like "Students Helping Seniors," significant concerns were raised about reliability issues with student volunteers and data security risks when dealing with sensitive information. There's consensus that professional oversight is essential, particularly for topics such as online banking and identity verification.

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Develop a hybrid model combining professional trainers with student assistants
2. Establish clear guidelines for handling sensitive information and privacy protection
3. Prioritize practical skills with immediate daily life applications (online banking, telehealth)
4. Implement screening processes for both volunteers and participants. 
5. Create systems to maintain program consistency despite student turnover

Digital Polling Stations: Expanding Access Without Exclusion

Experts showed strong support for public digital stations, while recommending a strategic shift toward mobile participation formats rather than just fixed locations. The value of providing secure, controlled environments with dedicated devices and support was particularly emphasized for citizens lacking personal technology access. However, experts highlighted that users with limited digital literacy would be significantly less likely to utilize these stations without on-site assistance.

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Place stations in high-traffic community areas with extended hours. 
2. Implement robust security measures. 
3. Provide on-site assistance for first-time users and those needing guidance
4. Ensure stations meet accessibility standards for users with disabilities

Analogue Alternatives: Preserving Choice in Digital Transformation

There was significant agreement in maintaining offline alternatives as an essential part of inclusivity in Digitalisation. It was noted that people are more likely to use digital services and digitalize if they have a good experience with it, so this needs to be part of best practices in Digitalisation. Concerns were raised about the financial burden of maintaining dual systems, particularly for smaller municipalities. 

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Ensure all digital services have clear offline equivalents with equal access to information and services
2. Frame digital options as choices rather than requirements 
3. Phase out analogue services only when digital alternatives achieve near-universal adoption and satisfaction
4. Implement shared service models across municipalities to reduce the burden of maintaining parallel systems

Issue 3: Labour Market and Structural Challenges

 The “Tech for Good" Outreach Program: Addressing Image and Accessibility

From the feedback, experts recognized the value of showcasing ICT's positive social impact through community engagement but raised significant concerns about the program's current design and scope. The limited reach of local events is identified as a major limitation, with existing initiatives such as ‘Girl’s Day’ demonstrating a positive but somewhat selective impact. Concerns were raised about volunteer sustainability given ICT professionals' workloads. There's clear recognition that localized formats alone cannot achieve broad impact without supra-regional networking within Germany. Most critically, some experts pointed out that while the program effectively addresses image issues, it fails to tackle the fundamental working condition problems that make ICT careers unattractive.

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Connect local events to a hybrid model combining community events with a supra-regional digital platform. 
2. Develop a "Gender-Inclusive Tech Employer" certification to incentivize companies to improve diversity and working conditions
3. Formalize collaborations with existing successful initiatives to leverage established networks
4. Shift from general technology showcases to concrete, relatable examples of how ICT improves daily life
5.  Focus on the professional coordination structure to ensure consistent program delivery

Municipal ICT Talent Integration Initiative: Streamlining Access for International Professionals

Experts acknowledge the practical value of local support services for international ICT professionals, recognizing this as a feasible and valuable approach. However, there's a strong consensus that effectiveness will be severely constrained without broader political reforms and consistent funding. Existing programs demonstrate process inefficiencies, including slow processing times and opaque procedures. The lack of standardized, transparent procedures is identified as a major barrier.

Proposed Updates from Experts:

1. Centralize support systems by establishing a one-stop service centre at the municipal level with dedicated staff
2. Develop and implement clear, consistent procedures for visa processing and qualification recognition
3. Create a formal peer-to-peer mentorship program connecting international professionals with local experts, with incentives
4. Partner with language schools to offer technical German courses for ICT professionals
5. Develop systems to align local talent with employer needs

Conclusion

The findings and policy recommendations presented in this brief imply that achieving inclusive Digitalisation in Germany requires systemic changes spanning education, governance, and industry. The policy recommendations generated through a process of citizen and expert consultation prioritize an approach that emphasizes flexibility along with a long-term vision. Digital Inclusivity is a process, not a one-time policy, and needs to be implemented in all aspects of digital policy. To make the process of digitization in Germany more inclusive, this policy brief focused on three main issues: Digital Literacy and Educational Opportunities, Societal Trust and Inclusivity, and the Labour Market and Structural Barriers. From these areas of concern, a set of actionable recommendations was presented, ranging from updates to school curricula with an emphasis on teacher training to “Inclusive Tech Employer” certificates. There was a consistent recommendation from Digital technology experts to focus on open-source software to increase digital trust, privacy, and transparency. Clear communication is an important aspect of Digitalisation, both in school for targeted youth groups, as well as non-digital natives. This can be achieved through consolidated efforts to increase the training and skills of teachers and ICT professionals in communicating ideas about digital technology. As the pace of Digitalisation continues to accelerate across all sectors of society, the recommendations presented in this policy brief are part of an ongoing conversation and process to create a practical, actionable blueprint for an inclusive digital transformation in Germany. 

1. Experts: Thomas Sperber (Software Engineer), Martin Ludwig (Software Developer), Simon Strohmenger (Director / Consul Democracy Foundation), Marc Langen (Kreistadt Siegburg), Rebecca Palm (Kreistadt Siegburg), Marius Schulze (Senior Software Engineer)
2. https://www.girls-day.de/ueber-den-girls-day/was-ist-der-girls-day2/english