The e-government competence center at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences was launched at the beginning of the year with the aim of boosting the digitization of administration in Thuringian authorities.
The written form requirement is still a stumbling block for the increasingly digitalized communication between citizens, companies and local authorities. The door for electronic communication has been opened by Section 3a VwVfG, but you can only go through if the written form is not required by law. The experimental clause in Section 12 (2) ThürEGovG now allows Thuringian authorities to switch from the prescribed written form to alternative communication channels in these cases until the end of 2029. The Thuringian Ministry of Finance expects this to significantly simplify administration and has issued a recommendation for all responsible parties.
But how is this pioneering move progressing in the Thuringian authorities after almost a year? The e-government competence center at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences, consisting of Prof. Dr. Sven Müller-Grune, Prof. Dr. Regina Polster and Richard Scheftlein (research assistant), is dedicated to answering this question by touring the Thuringian authorities to introduce them to the new digitization options.
The event kicked off on 24.01.2024 at the Thuringian State Office for Agriculture and Rural Areas in Jena. More than 100 participants received valuable impetus and motivation for the further implementation of administrative digitization. Following on from this successful event, the tour will be continued in other institutions in the future.