EXTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL AND SECTOR-SPECIFIC EXPERTISE
Close links with the ZuKo-TINKTANK and the relevant specialist communities.
HIGH VISIBILITY IN THE RELEVANT FIELD
Visible involvement of study partners in communication, the presentation of results and professional dialogue.
HIGHEST QUALITY & DATA SECURITY
A scientifically sound approach, data collection in compliance with data protection regulations, and professional statistical analysis.
PRECISE ANALYSES & PRACTICAL INSIGHTS
Scientifically sound analyses with specific recommendations for action for policymakers, public authorities and technology providers.
Key themes of the study
01 Performance & Need for Modernisation
How has the performance of public administration developed, and which changes promise the greatest progress?
02 Impact & Focus on Results
Are modernisation projects assessed to determine whether they actually bring about improvements – and what the consequences are if targets are not met?
03 Accountability & sustainable operation
How can we ensure that modernisation projects result in services that function sustainably, with clear lines of accountability?
04 Cross-level cooperation & standards
What prevents the joint implementation of modernisation projects, and how much standardisation does an efficient administration require?
05 Operator & Funding Models
What forms of public-private partnership and funding can improve the implementation and long-term operation of modern administrative services?
06 Digital Sovereignty & Efficiency
How much digital independence does public administration need, and what trade-offs with regard to cost-effectiveness and efficiency are justifiable?
Study design
Your points of contact
Oliver Lorenz
Managing Partner und CEO
Wegweiser Media & Conferences GmbH und Wegweiser Research & Strategy GmbH
Franziska Mehlhase
Senior Programmmanagerin - Strategische Geschäftsentwicklung, Analyse & Teamleitung
Wegweiser Research & Strategy GmbH
Dear partners and interested parties,
The modernisation of the state and public administration is one of the key challenges of our time. But how can we ensure that reform initiatives are not only launched but also implemented effectively and sustainably? What structures, responsibilities and forms of collaboration are needed to ensure that political objectives translate into tangible improvements in administrative practice?
In our brief study ‘State Modernisation Put to the Test: What Works – and What Needs to Change?’ , we get to the bottom of these questions. In the run-up to the 5th ZuKo-THINKTANK on 2 December 2026, we are surveying experts from the civil service, public IT service providers, public enterprises, the private sector, academia and civil society on their experiences with modernisation projects.
The findings provide an empirical basis for the discussions at the ZuKo-THINKTANK and aim to demonstrate how state modernisation can evolve from a project into effective change.
Yours sincerely,
Franziska Mehlhase