- November 30, 2023
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- November 30, 2023
On November 30, 2023, the Aspen Institute Germany and the American Council on Germany hosted the tenth discussion in the virtual event series State-to-State: German-American State Legislator Dialogue with German and U.S. state legislators. While global challenges are traditionally addressed by national governments, increasingly subnational actors such as states, communities, and cities have stepped up to take action when nation-states have been unable to make progress due to political polarization and partisan gridlock. This trend has also characterized transatlantic relations and the German-American partnership.
In recent years, the digitalization of government services and administration has become increasingly important for the state-level to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. This is particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further accelerated the need for remote and digital access to government services, from filing tax returns to renewing a driver’s license or applying for social welfare benefits. In this discussion as part of the series State-to-State: German-American State Legislator Dialogue, we will explore the benefits of digitalization and what steps state legislators in Germany and the United States have taken to promote the digitalization of government services and administration. Alternatively, in order for these efforts to be well-received, what measures are being taken to ensure that citizens are willing and able to embrace a shift to e-government? What steps are being taken towards digital literacy and equitable, broad access? State legislators on both sides of the Atlantic will also explore the challenges and concerns that accompany digitalization of government services, including how to protect citizens’ privacy and data, and address cybersecurity concerns. This event aims to share insights on digital transformation strategies and focus on how best practices from the state level in one country may be implemented or mirrored in the other.
We discussed these issues with Ellen Demuth, Member of the Parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate (CDU), Senator Bo Watson, Member of the Tennessee Senate (Republican), and Representative Jennifer Parenti, Member of the Colorado General Assembly (Democrat).
This event is part of the State-to-State: German-American State Legislator Dialogue which the Aspen Institute Germany and the American Council on Germany have launched to provide a platform for subnational exchange amongst German and American state legislators and a broader audience on common transatlantic challenges. The project builds on Aspen Germany’s Laboratories of Democracy Initiative, a transatlantic exchange program for German and American state legislators.
