The federal government has not even implemented half of its startup funding program so far: Of the measures described in the coalition agreement and the digital strategy, 22 out of 58 have been implemented, 32 are being implemented and 4 have not yet started. These figures come from Bitkom, which carried out a special assessment for the “Monitor Digitalpolitik” on the occasion of the anniversary of the traffic light startup strategy. Based on the monitor’s figures, the industry association already spoke of Germany being in the middle zone in terms of digitalization at the end of 2023 – but deliberately described the administration’s situation as a “failed state”.
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Bitkom is particularly critical of the reduction in bureaucracy: The current federal government should especially tackle a one-stop shop for start-ups on the official side in its last twelve months of legislation. The industry association also complains that startups still cannot find companies within 24 hours. Finally, adjustments to public procurement law are still missing, as young companies should have easier access to public contracts – Bitkom believes this is a cost-neutral measure, but so far it has only been included in declarations of intent.
Requires a display of strength
According to the current assessment, the Skilled Immigration Act in particular is on the positive side. But it is also not optimal: “We would have wished for even more courage and determination from time to time (…), for example in the lack of consistent digitalization of visa processes,” says Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst. “In order to deliver what was promised to startups, this alliance still needs to show strength in the final phase.”
Current figures from “Monitor Digitalpolitik” can be found on Bitcom. There are a particularly large number of projects in the departments of economy and climate protection, interior and homeland, digital and transport as well as education and research – the latter three also stand out with a relatively large number of measures that have not yet been started. There are significantly fewer projects in the departments of families, senior citizens, women and youth, but also a comparatively large number of measures that have not yet been started. Bitkom expects all projects to be implemented at least by July 2025.
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