The Digitalisation Agenda 2022 , format: Article, area: Authority

The origins and goals

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has adopted the Digitalisation Agenda 2022 in response to the major changes that have taken place in terms of the framework conditions (rising numbers of cases processed, expanding staff headcount). The aim here is to strategically re-orientate large numbers of IT processes. This kind of strategy can never be regarded as completed, particularly when it comes to the constant process of change related to digitalisation. There is in fact a need for an ongoing evaluation as to whether the envisioned measures, as well as those which have already been carried out, continue to reach the goal of robust, scaleable IT. The BAMF is thus revising the strategic goals of its IT beyond 2020, as well as taking stock of what has been achieved so far.

What successes had been achieved by 2020?

Größer darstellen Digitalisation is made up of four levels; organisational substructures form their foundations. Source: BAMF

Stabilisation and modernisation of the IT infrastructure have managed to reduce system downtimes to virtually zero since 2018. Access to integration and language courses has been significantly improved by establishing digital connections to the participating institutions. This means that there is transparency at all times regarding current course offers. Furthermore, new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain are being tested in line with the Federal Government’s implementation strategy for shaping the digital transformation in order to optimise internal processes. The centre of excellence for specialist analytics has therefore been established for this purpose. The centre supports the departments with methods of applied Artificial Intelligence in order to derive insights and enable data-based decisions to be made. Agile working methods were successfully introduced into the overall organisation, and are regularly applied, depending on the project requirements. In addition, the BAMF relies on a service-orientated IT infrastructure, and on microservices.

Challenges when it comes to implementing new digitalisation initiatives

Größer darstellen Digitalisation concerns all areas of the BAMF, as well as the interfaces to other public authorities. Source: BAMF

It emerged that increasing digitalisation always goes hand-in-hand with a culture change. This requires change not only externally with regard to the authorities concerned, but also inwardly. A major factor influencing the success of digitalisation is user acceptance. This also includes transparent internal communication on the ongoing IT projects and measures. Regular events are therefore held at which reports are given on current IT projects. An IT lab has also been set up in order to enable staff working outside of IT to get to know our project work.

The path towards an agile, modern public authority continues to be typified by the pressure towards digitalisation within the organisation also growing as a result of external influences, as the extent of digitalisation increases. As a result of this, this leads to IT facing rising expectations and demands.