Digital Transformation in Defense and Homeland Security

Quo vadis digitization of the German Armed Forces after the coronavirus? This exciting question, with emphasis on synergies in the area of defense and homeland security, was answered at a hybrid evening event hosted by the chapter in February. Among others, Lt. Gen. Vetter, chief information officer, German Ministry of Defense (MoD), and Lt. Gen. Ansgar Rieks, vice chief, German Air Force, spoke.

This was the first large hybrid event hosted by the chapter. It was supported by the partner chapter in Munich and the member company IBM Germany.

Almost 300 participants followed an interesting panel debate involving two members of the German Parliament (Defense and Homeland Security Committees) and a senior Chancellery official. All have clearly spoken out in favor of more political attention, greater visibility in the ministries and authorities, more qualified staff at all levels and a radical cultural change (more agile and more willing to take risks), regarding digitization.

The panel consisted of executive staff from the Ministries of Defense and Homeland Security and the vice president of the German National Security Authority. It was moderated by the founding director of the German MoD´s Cyber Innovation Hub, Marcel "Otto" Yon.

All participants have expressed a desire to attend the next event of this kind, whether online or in person. No matter how well-executed the information technology and technical side of the event, personal interaction cannot be replaced.

Event Photographs: