People with access to high-speed Internet are also keenly aware of the numerous opportunities this access presents for the new world of work. Future output is very much dependent on a high-speed Internet access. Broadband has long been a means of production.

The divide in Germany is particularly apparent when it comes to the area of “work and the economy”: those interested in guaranteeing equal standards of living and participation have to be especially effective in this area. It is obvious that the new ways of working are more common in cities. This is not really the case in non-urban settings outside of cities and urban areas. Increasingly fewer people live in these areas and the number of older people is rising. Bringing living and working standards up to scratch in rural areas must be made a fundamental goal so, for example, young families do not have to move to the city and bring their work with them. 

For this to become a reality, high quality digital infrastructure is required. This alone will not do, however. Creativity and new ideas are needed so that these locations can also make the most of the new opportunities.

We are on the lookout around the globe for clever ideas and projects that already exist in this field. We are also examining what neighboring countries are doing to find out what is transferable to Germany and could be successful here.