Digital Policy
Digital policy serves the purpose of creating appropriate conditions for digital transformation. GIZ supports its partners in implementing a value-based digital policy that aligns the digital transformation with the goals of sustainable development.
Digital policy is not a stand-alone policy area, but lies across established political sectors such as health, education or the economy. It regulates various areas of a digital ecosystem and, for example, promotes innovation in the economic sector, fosters digital skills in the social sphere and lays the foundations for digital administration and good governance of the state. On the one hand, it is intended to tap into the potential of digital transformation. On the other hand, it responds to various challenges such as the risks associated with cyber security, data and consumer protection and online platforms, as well as the possible environmentally harmful consequences of the increasing use of digital technologies. Decision-makers around the world are therefore faced with the task of assessing and shaping the impact of the digital transformation on individuals and society as a whole. Digital policy that is aligned with the core dimensions of sustainability aims to be innovative, fair, inclusive and green. GIZ supports its partners in shaping digital policy in line with these goals.
In international cooperation partner countries, the lack of specialist technical capacities, data or reference cases often makes sustainable and inclusive digital policy difficult. Adding to this is the problem that political and governance decisions cannot always be implemented to the intended extent because the relevant regulatory authorities lack mandates, technical resources or funding opportunities. Governments that want to formulate coherent digital policies can take inspiration from existing regulatory models in other countries, but these cannot be adapted per se as they originate from other contexts. In addition, many countries have to deal with the question of how to preserve their digital sovereignty, formulate their own policies, and avoid technological and economic dependencies.
To meet these challenges and ensure a sustainable and people-centered digital transformation that leaves no one behind, GIZ supports its partner countries in formulating and implementing digital policy strategies and rules. As a neutral intermediary, GIZ pursues an open, inclusive and transparent approach that fosters broad participation by various social actors and strengthens networks and new partnerships.