AmCham Germany’s TIM Committee states core demands for a digital Germany

On March 7, AmCham Germany’s Telecommunications, Internet, and Media (TIM) Committee hosted Lars Klingbeil, MdB, Netzpolitischer Sprecher, SPD-Bundestagsfraktion and Thomas Jarzombek, MdB, Sprecher für die Digitale Agenda, CDU/CSU-Bundestagsfraktion, for a breakfast discussion on the digital agenda after the 2017 federal elections. Hosted by AmCham Germany’s member Microsoft, the event brought together Members of Parliament, representatives of federal ministries and the Bundesländer, as well as key stakeholder from the ICT industry. While Mr. Klingbeil and Mr. Jarzombek both highlighted the progress that has been made over the past four years – for example the extension of broad-band networks and start-up financing – they also shed light on remaining challenges. The two lawmakers named cybersecurity, shortage of skilled labor, and “Störerhaftung” as some of the issues that need to be tackled. Additionally, both agreed that the responsibilities of the current parliamentary commission for the digital agenda need to be revised and restructured in the next legislative term, but could not agree on how the federal government should best administer the digital transformation of the society and the economy.

 

In its new position paper “TIM Milestones 2017 – Digitalisierung der Gesamtwirtschaft: Kernforderungen für den Innovationsstandort Deutschland,” (available online) the TIM Committee states core demands for the digital transformation that need to be addressed by the next federal government. Among others, it calls for creating sound frameworks that enable the extension of digital infrastructures, platforms and the use of artificial intelligence. Further, the committee argues for clear regulations on issues such as the liability of host providers, cross border data flows, and consumer protection in the digital arena. Overall, framework conditions need to be open for innovation to stimulate future innovation and keep Germany competitive during the digital transformation of our economy and society.

For more detailed information please contact:

Heather Liermann

Head of Department

Membership Engagement & Development