Straße von oben, überlagert mit Icons, die Digitalisierung verdeutlichen

Digitalization: Are we fit for the future?

Digitalization is a key competitive factor and opens up a wide range of opportunities – from more efficient workflows to innovative business models. To ensure these possibilities are utilized everywhere, reliable frameworks, modern digital infrastructure, and a digitalized administration are essential.

Automated production processes, AI-supported onboarding, digital customer engagement, resource optimization via apps, big-data analysis tools for decision-making... There are hardly any areas of modern business operations that can function without digitalization.

Businesses are digitalizing to become more efficient, improve product quality, or optimize processes. At the same time, digitalization serves as an innovation factor, helping develop innovative products, services, or new business models.

While businesses are progressing steadily with digitalization, they face challenges such as slow administrative processes, lack of technical interfaces, or legal uncertainties. Broadband coverage also requires urgent improvement – a 2023 OECD study indicated Germany's fibre optic coverage at 12% (compared to South Korea's 85%).

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) is actively working on various levels to ensure German businesses operate in a digitalization-friendly environment – facts, figures, and analyses as well as information offerings, positions, and statements on this topic have been compiled for you in this dossier.

Mann sitzt allein am Konferenztisch; auf der Fensterbank ein Rechner mit Videokonferenz

Dossier

#GemeinsamDigital: Webinars

#GemeinsamDigital provides guidance, knowledge, and practical examples – whether for beginners or for advanced development. It is concise, free of charge, and accessible online.

Kampagne

Cyber-secure – concise and clear

Cyberattacks no longer target only large corporations—small and medium-sized enterprises are also at risk. With the campaign "Cyber-secure – concise and clear," the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) provides understandable guidelines, practical assistance, and monthly podcasts to...

Relevant in topic:: Innovation
Key areas:: Digitalisierung

Released 05.06.2026

All articles of this dossier

KI-generiertes Bild eines Computer-Prozessors, auf dem "AI" steht

Video Innovation

Artificial Intelligence in Practice: A Collection of Use Cases

How can AI be utilized in everyday business operations? The DIHK has compiled use cases highlighting the areas where companies already implement AI and the potential for further AI support. Researchers and IT service providers, as well as practitioners – from film producers to conservatory...

"AI. Powers. Future": DIHK demands a practical framework for artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a key competitive factor. In a position paper published at the beginning of 2026, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) outlines the necessary framework conditions for companies to harness its potential in Germany.

Roboterhandfinger und Menschenfinger berühren sich, im Hintergrund fliegen Datenschaubilder

Im Fokus Innovation

Unlock the Potential of AI and Bolster Digital Sovereignty

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly a pivotal driver of productivity and competitiveness for businesses. However, legal uncertainties and bureaucratic obstacles continue to pose significant challenges, especially in the context of digital sovereignty.

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK on the Administrative Platform Germany-Stack

The 'Germany-Stack' is aimed to make Germany's administration faster, more uniform, and secure. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) welcomes the initiative but calls for clear responsibilities, binding standards, and strong governance to ensure that the stack becomes a genuine...

16.02.2026

Dossier

DIHK Digital Overview

Artificial intelligence, fibre-optic infrastructure, data processing, and more: To ensure secure progress in digitalisation, the EU has introduced several complex legislative packages. In its 'Digital Overview' format, the DIHK explains these efforts through examples.

Serviceportal

NIS-2: Increased Responsibility for Cybersecurity from 2026

New obligations, tight reporting deadlines, and extensive security concepts for numerous sectors

Im Fokus Innovation

From Construction Sites to Cold Stores: AI in Action

Artificial Intelligence is indispensable in the daily business routines. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) showcases innovative use-cases and highlights the conditions needed for comprehensive and innovative deployment of AI.

Großes Auge mit stilisierten Netzwerkverbindungen

Im Fokus Recht

"Dora" imposes new cyber-defence obligations on financial companies

With the Digital Operational Resilience Act, abbreviated Dora, the EU establishes new obligations for managing risks in cybersecurity and information and communication technologies (ICT) in the financial sector. This impacts not only almost all financial companies but also ICT service providers.

Im Fokus Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik

What does the digital euro bring?

With the digital euro, the EU seeks to introduce a supplement to cash, offering potential benefits in resilience, cost, and data protection. However, challenges and open questions remain, especially for banks and businesses. What is the status of the project, what does it mean for businesses...

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK on NIS2 Implementation: Greater Clarity, Less Bureaucracy, Strong Cybersecurity Frameworks

The NIS2 Implementation Act transposes the EU Directive into national law, expanding obligations for IT security, reporting requirements, and risk management for companies – including in supply chains. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) evaluates opportunities and risks...

30.09.2025

Stellungnahme Innovation

DIHK assesses KRITIS overarching law: Enhancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructures

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) comments on the draft bill by the Federal Ministry of the Interior for the KRITIS overarching law. The goal is to improve physical security and resilience of critical facilities.

04.09.2025