Reorganization and Digitalization for Public Administrations

Germany is investing billions in digitalization. However, the goal of offering all administrative services online by 2022 has not been achieved due to complex federal structures and an inconsistent IT landscape. Although many online services have been created, they are often only available locally. The federal and state governments are continuing to push ahead with implementation. Many municipalities are hoping that existing solutions will be adopted free of charge – and are therefore hesitant. We want to change that: we are providing new digital solutions and creating a spirit of optimism in the administrations.

Digitalization is only part of the challenge

Many municipalities have already taken action. This shows that successfully addressing this challenge also requires a modern organizational structure and streamlined processes.

Our change expertise strengthens local authorities

As Germany’s leading change management consulting firm, we have been supporting digital transformations for years. We have specifically applied this expertise to the needs of local governments.

More services for citizens

Our services deliver rapid results and tangible progress. We promote citizen-centered administration and strengthen the ability to shape future change independently.

Digitalization is only part of the challenge

Many municipalities have already taken action. This shows that successfully addressing this challenge also requires a modern organizational structure and streamlined processes.

Our change expertise strengthens local authorities

As Germany's leading change management consultancy, we have been supporting digital transformations for years. We have specifically applied this expertise to the requirements of local authorities.

More services for citizens

Our services deliver rapid results and tangible progress. We promote citizen-centered administration and strengthen the ability to shape future change independently.

Our customers

"Our municipal customers appreciate that they are finally receiving pragmatic support—instead of new concepts and papers."

Michael Kempf, Partner at CPC

Instant digitization

There are many studies and concepts on the successful digitization of public administration, and large system houses promise comprehensive solutions. However, this is often not feasible for local authorities and their budgets. Instead, quick, visible successes are needed now that bring real benefits for citizens and thus create new motivation.

The starting point: No one starts at 0% digitalization

Most administrations have a website, are equipped with broadband, and operate a data center. Employees work on PCs with specialized software for various services. The main problem, however, is that citizens have only limited direct access to administrative services via the website. Often, only PDF forms are available online. According to the maturity model of the Online Access Act, 95% of municipalities are at the lowest levels of digital development, maturity level 0 or 1.

Just get started and take off digitally

A successful start is crucial for digitalization. Offer your citizens digital services and take your employees with you on this digital journey. With our instant digitalization package, we leverage your digital potential and quickly deliver initial successes. This gives you the momentum you need to make your municipality fit for the future.

We fight together for your success

Every municipality faces its own unique challenges. Only experienced consultants can quickly identify these challenges, clarify conflicting objectives, and develop tailored solutions. We ensure that your project delivers immediate results and produces a clear plan for further digitalization that has the support of your employees. Our consultants help you make your progress visible.

Our instant digitization package

Briefing by the mayor
Kick-off with the project team
Digital potential analysis
Direct implementation of measures
Review of funding opportunities
Creation of the roadmap
Press conference to present the results

Just get started and take off digitally

We fight together for your success

Our instant - digitization package

Briefing by the mayor
Kick-off with the project team
Digital potential analysis
Direct implementation of measures
Review of funding opportunities
Creation of the roadmap
Press conference to present the results

"Administrative digitization can only succeed if an experienced program manager cleverly combines all projects, interests, and risks."

Dirk Thater, Partner at CPC

Citizen-oriented organization

Digitalization undoubtedly represents the most significant challenge for local authorities and their administrations. However, it offers not only the opportunity for modernization, but also for profound renewal. Anyone who sees this transformation merely as a technocratic transfer of existing processes to the digital world is missing out on the greatest opportunity ever offered to public administration. It is about much more than that: it is about building an efficient, citizen-oriented organization that is not only appreciated by the population, but also creates a working environment in which employees find meaning and joy. This vision can become a reality in your administration.

The race for the best administration in Germany is like a snail race.

It is obvious that things cannot continue this way. Many administrations are still unable to provide basic services such as scheduling appointments or issuing certificates in a citizen-friendly and digital manner. It has long been clear to everyone that this must change quickly – and will change, whether voluntarily or under pressure. For over two decades, our citizens have been accustomed to intuitive and customer-oriented digital processes through online commerce. They now expect the same from their local government. So the crucial question is: What is the surest path to success in transforming public administration?

Learning from industry: insights from the first waves of digitalization

The industry's initial steps toward digitalization were often sobering. Simply transferring existing processes to digital systems often resulted in complicated applications that frustrated both employees and customers. But valuable lessons were learned from these setbacks. It became clear which success factors really lead to sustainable and efficient solutions. Today, we know that successful digitalization requires more than just digitizing the status quo—it requires a fundamental realignment of processes in order to unlock their full potential.

The 5 success factors for successful digitalization

1. Clear, motivating, and attractive vision (
)

In order to successfully transform an organization, a clear vision is needed to guide employees and managers. This vision must be attractive, motivating, and ambitious.

1. Clear, motivating, and
attractive target vision

It puts citizens at the center of all activities, but also takes into account the needs of employees. The development of this vision is ideally the first step in the change process. The more employees and citizens are involved in shaping the target vision, the easier it is to anchor it in the organization and bring it to life.

2. The management team as a role model for employees

Digital transformation requires questioning established patterns. The role model function of the district administrator, mayor, and management team is crucial in this regard.

2. The management team as a role model for employees

Instead of grand words, what counts is actively supporting employees in citizen-oriented decisions and process design. Even if the management team has digital deficits, it can still be a role model for willingness to learn and further development. This role model effect does not arise by itself, but requires leadership from the top and continuous growth together within the management team.

3. Taking responsibility for processes and services

The most important step in municipal transformation is that employees not only take responsibility for their tasks, but also actively help shape the processes.

3. Taking responsibility for processes and services

Given the rapid pace of change in technology and operating conditions, not every adjustment can be outsourced. Employees are increasingly working on the organization rather than just within it. For many employees, this opens up a whole new field of activity—with major challenges, but also great opportunities for personal and professional development.

4. Professional coordination,
, and control

Municipal transformation resembles a large construction site with numerous dependencies between projects, which must be actively coordinated even when working in an agile manner.

4. Professional coordination and management

In addition to budget, schedule, and resource management, risk, security, and change management are also part of the program management remit. These requirements often exceed the capacities of municipal organizations, which is why external support is necessary. Nevertheless, overall responsibility for the transformation must always remain with the mayor or district administrator.

5. Employees feel secure

Despite empty municipal coffers, conditions for transformation are favorable. Many positions are vacant and will not be fully filled.

5. Employees feel secure

The focus is therefore not on staff reductions, but on improving service quality and efficiency. Experience shows that employees can only learn new ways of working in a positive atmosphere free of fear, where mistakes are also allowed. Creating and maintaining this space for learning is a key management task and is the responsibility of the district administrator or mayor in order to enable the transformation.

Join us in the fast lane

Create a high-performance organization that your citizens appreciate and love. Support employees and managers who are passionate about working for your municipality and who embody service orientation. Develop citizen-friendly digital processes that your teams can design and develop independently.

Discuss your project with us!

The first step is very simple—and don't worry: we don't send boring newsletters or annoying advertising emails. Instead, we focus on what's important: your desire for change and how we can help your business move forward.

Dirk Thater

Partners

Step 1

Call back or email.

We will contact you within 24 hours, record your requirements, and coordinate an appointment with one of our experts.

Step 2

Free initial consultation.

In a video conference, you explain your project and discuss possible solution scenarios with our expert.

Step 3

You decide how to proceed.

Offer, pitch, or project launch? You decide the next steps.

"Our goal: to create great administrations that are valued by citizens and where employees really enjoy working."

Torsten Peis, Senior Partner at CPC

Questions and answers

Is CPC the "right" partner?

CPC is the leading change management consultancy in Germany. For over 30 years, we have been supporting international corporations and large medium-sized companies in more than 2,500 change projects. From the very beginning, IT and later also digitization projects have been part of our portfolio. Since 2018, we have also been supporting local authorities in their digital transformation.

Does CPC have the necessary expertise?

Yes. We have extensive experience in administrative digitization. We would be happy to show you relevant references and specific practical examples. Get in touch with us—we will convince you in a personal conversation.

Doesn't that cost an insane amount of time and money?

Yes, it takes time, money, and your commitment. But we provide everything from a single source: Because administrative digitization requires the parallel management of many projects as well as the management of requirements, schedules, budgets, risks, and quality. All stakeholders—from government agencies to businesses to educational institutions—must be involved. Only experienced change consulting and professional program management can enable a successful digital transformation in cooperation with politics, public administration, and business.

How can I measure success?

To meet this need, we work with you to develop a structured effectiveness measurement system. For many years, our consulting services have been measuring the success of transformations—using proven methods and a clear view of employees' commitment to change.

Our community is unique. Is CPC's offer even suitable for it?

Each of our administrative digitization projects is unique, as the content is tailored to your municipality and its specific needs. At the same time, we have already successfully implemented many digitization projects. This enables us to quickly plan the appropriate steps together with you, saving time and money.