"The federal government's modernization agenda contains many of the right points - but it is crucial that they are also implemented with speed and consistency. For local authorities such as Wolfsburg, key issues such as the iKFZ portal, experimental spaces for smart cities and the work-and-stay agency are not only sensible, but have long been a reality. What is needed now, however, is not just declarations of intent, but legislation, budgets and pressure to implement them. Modernization is overdue," emphasizes Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann.

Reform package addresses important issues for the future

With the publication of its modernization agenda, the federal government has presented a comprehensive reform package that addresses important issues for the future - from administrative digitalization and infrastructure modernization to AI and smart cities. We rate the announcements as fundamentally positive, but point out the importance of rapid and consistent implementation. Many of the topics that are now being defined as priorities in Berlin have already been shaping municipal work in Wolfsburg for years: The centralization of the iKFZ portal is highly relevant, especially for the local automotive industry.

With a view to the planned experimental spaces for new technologies such as autonomous driving and smart urban development, we are emphasizing our role as a smart city model municipality and testing ground for innovative mobility solutions. We also welcome the announced work-and-stay agency: as an internationally networked location with a high demand for skilled workers, we see enormous potential here for better integration of international talent. The same applies to the planned "24-hour start-up", which is intended to shorten the path for founders and start-ups.

Constructive participation in discussions

We believe that other key topics such as the modernization of public service law, the new German funding center and the legal protection of artificial intelligence are essential for the functioning and future viability of the public sector. Wolfsburg will play a constructive role in the discussion and implementation - with the clear aim of successfully anchoring nationwide impulses at a local level.