Official Statement by Minister of State Jörg Krauss: "Action is needed by the final day"
In a recent conversation with Rafael Binkowski, Jörg Krauss, the State Minister, discussed his role in various initiatives, including bureaucracy reduction and digitization of administration. As he took over from his predecessor, these topics have been a significant focus.
Krauss differentiates between bureaucracy and bureaucratism, stating that society's emphasis on individual interests contributes to regulatory density. He finds the topic complex and difficult, but believes there are no insurmountable obstacles.
While Krauss' daily life as a State Minister involves early mornings and late evenings, sometimes extending past midnight, he has been successful in coordinating efforts and heading the State Chancellery, serving as an interface between government, factions, and ministries.
Across key states in the United States, progress in digitization and bureaucracy reduction can be observed. California, Colorado, Georgia, and Indiana are leading the way in their respective approaches.
California is actively advancing digital and AI-related initiatives focused on workforce preparation and technology integration. Governor Newsom has partnered with major tech companies to equip students and workers with AI skills, aiming to prepare an AI-ready workforce throughout public schools and universities.
Colorado focuses on digital inclusion as a foundation for digitization and improved administration accessibility. The state has a coordinated Digital Access Plan promoting affordable broadband, digital literacy, and inclusion.
Georgia shows leadership via the Georgia Technology Authority, which provides IT and cybersecurity leadership to state and local governments, emphasizing secure data, accessibility, and user experience design.
Indiana offers several free and easy-to-implement digital services aimed at local governments, facilitating more efficient delivery of services and contributing to bureaucracy reduction.
While explicit updates on bureaucratic paperwork reduction per se are not detailed in the available 2025 sources, these examples illustrate how key states are advancing in related areas:
| State | Main Focus | Key Highlights | |-----------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | California| AI workforce training & tech partnerships | Agreements with tech giants for AI skill programs in education | | Colorado | Digital inclusion & broadband access | Digital literacy working groups & state Digital Access Plan | | Georgia | IT leadership & digital gov transformation | Digital Government Summit, focus on AI, cybersecurity, UX design| | Indiana | Local gov IT services & cybersecurity | Free digital services, strategic cybersecurity funding committee |
In summary, states are making progress in digitization primarily through workforce upskilling, digital inclusion, secure IT infrastructure, and simplified service platforms that collectively support reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Krauss' retirement plan includes managing vineyards and enjoying time with family. As for the ongoing negotiations within the green-black coalition, Krauss suggests that they are becoming more difficult, potentially indicating a campaign for 2026. Krauss is also proud of developing a four-pillar model for the state administration, improving lower salary groups, and renovating the chapel on Wuerttemberg.
- The state minister's policy-and-legislation initiatives, such as the digitization of administration and bureaucracy reduction, are not only significant within his role but are also being observed in key states of the United States, like California, Colorado, Georgia, and Indiana.
- As Californian General News indicates, Governor Newsom's focus on digital and AI-related initiatives, particularly in workforce preparation and technology integration, aims to create an AI-ready workforce and streamline bureaucratic processes.
