The diversity of our modern society, globalization, demographic change and the ever new possibilities offered by innovative information and communication technologies are having a major impact on economic and social life in Germany. The future of our country increasingly depends on how we use digital technologies and integrate them into the economy and society. Germany must lay the foundations today for growth and progress in the digital society of the future.
This is not just about using the internet, computers or smartphones, but about a rapidly growing number of networked devices that communicate digitally with other devices, machines or people – for example in the home, in a wind turbine, in a vehicle or in a street light. The digital networking of all areas of life and work, advancing automation and digitalization in the basic sectors of energy, health, transport, education and administration must not happen by chance, but must take place consciously and with a shared basic understanding of society.
Germany can only remain economically successful if we systematically tap into the potential of digital networking.
The use and promotion of modern information and communication technologies open up opportunities for new, creative solutions, growth, competition and innovation. We must use these in a timely and consistent manner in order to maintain and create jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location. The necessary social acceptance requires a broad dialog on the future across all levels of society.
We see digital networking - its use and development - as a decisive location factor for Germany.
We are convinced that digital networking will develop into a basis for social prosperity in the next decade and significantly improve people's living conditions.
We seek open dialog across all sectors and social groups, in order to jointly advance technological progress for the benefit of society. In doing so, we weigh up the social opportunities and risks.
We are aware of our obligation to handle personal data and information securely and in accordance with data protection regulations. We ensure this through effective technical and organizational measures to protect against unauthorized access and misuse. We see a uniform European data protection law as an important framework condition. Further international harmonization of legal principles must be tackled swiftly.
We want to make greater use of the large amount and variety of data generated by digital networking in terms of opportunities and benefits for our society and for the individual. We see it as the joint task of business, politics, science and society to create a suitable framework for this.
We see generally available access to modern broadband networks as a basic prerequisite for non-discriminatory participation in the benefits of digital networking. Education and media skills as well as targeted joint research efforts by governmental and non-governmental institutions are further keys to a digitally networked society in the future.
We support the rapid development and application of open, international standards and norms for interoperable and global solutions.
First and foremost, we see people and companies as the driving forces behind digital change. In order for society to benefit from these forces, stable legal and investment-friendly framework conditions are required.
We want to prevent the shortage of skilled workers and promote new skills by helping to integrate the teaching of new specialist and cross-sector qualifications required for the planning, implementation and operation of digitally networked applications and systems into initial and further training.
Digital networking should serve the freedom and prosperity of society. Together, we want to help shape Germany for the future.
Here you can find the English translation of the Charter Principles.