Introducing Gemeinsam Digital: Berlin

How do we see transformation?

Gemeinsam Digital: Berlin considers urban development and digitalization in tandem. We are convinced that above all, transformation should bring people together and align their interests in order to collectively implement specific projects. The climate crisis, changes in transportation, lively neighborhoods and a good quality of life require cooperation and new ways of thinking! The strategy of Gemeinsam Digital: Berlin offers not only the vision of a smart Berlin and the goals needed to get there but also a process that unites the capital's diverse perspectives and strengths while also jointly testing new tools. We make the administration an “enabler”, approaching urban development and digitalization in tandem while working on digital transformation together with the entire city.

How should that work?

Berlin has striven to be a smart city for a while already but still lags behind in many areas. Yet the city has a wealth of knowledge, committed actors and promising projects. What is missing is a central guidance of the numerous ideas: administrative departments are siloed, and bureaucracy gets in the way of change instead of supporting it. In the strategy of Gemeinsam Digital: Berlin, new tools are being tested and further developed to overcome these difficulties. Just as with the strategy's development, we see its implementation as a process that can only work with broad participation.

The (City of Berlin’s) Theses on the Digital Conversion of Berlin (Version 2.0)

Gemeinsam Digital: Berlin consists of the strategy document and the digital handbook to help with implementation. Through concrete measures and projects, the intention to transform Berlin in a sustainable way is put into practice.

We are guided by the following theses:

1. The digital conversion of Berlin is a process, not just crudely implementing new technology without thinking about it.
2. This process needs to be decided together. That means open communication and transparency. (We're working hard at it!)
3. Digital conversion needs to be done in a way that is ecological, economical, socially sustainable, resilient and collaborative, always serving the common good. (We're having an open discussion on what that means)
4. The foundation: a dialogue with various players from civil society, science, administration, Berlin locals, economy and politics. (You're welcome to join)
5. Everyone needs to understand the problems surrounding each respective topic. That's the only way to determine collective goals, actions and responsibilities.
6. In order to implement plans, the resources, responsibilities (+ the political mandate to change) and competences must be clear.
7. It's about collectively putting tools to the test, allowing better solutions to emerge.
8. No one can predict the future! Learning from mistakes is the most important virtue of transformation.