Staatsmodernisierung durch Bürokratieabbau

From Bureaucratic Monster to Resilient State A modern state must be capable of action, reliable, and citizen-oriented. However, too often, complicated procedures, unclear responsibilities, and excessive documentation requirements hinder precisely this capacity for action. Reducing bureaucracy means more than simply eliminating individual rules. It's about making government action simpler, faster, and more effective—without sacrificing legal certainty, transparency, and democratic oversight. The path from a "bureaucratic monster" to a resilient state is a key challenge for the future. This event explores: What rules do we truly need? Where do procedures impede progress? And how can public administration be modernized to better manage crises, foster innovation, and strengthen trust? Join our guests—Prof. Caroline Fischer from the University of Kassel, State Secretary Bernd Schlömer from Saxony-Anhalt, and the Mayor of Hallenberg (North Rhine-Westphalia), Enric Eppner—to discuss how less bureaucracy can lead to greater governmental capability. You are cordially invited to follow the analyses and statements on these and other issues and to ask your questions in the web talk. We look forward to seeing you there. Guests Prof. Dr. Caroline Fischer is Head of the Research Group for Public Administration and Management at the University of Kassel. Her research focuses on the micro-level dynamics of public administration. She is particularly interested in the topics of error culture, risk and crisis management, learning in public administration, human resource management in the public sector, and technological developments in public administration. Bernd Schlömer, State Secretary has been State Secretary for Digitalization in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Digitalization of the State of Saxony-Anhalt and the State Government's Chief Information Officer (CIO) since 2021. Born in Meppen (Emsland), he studied social sciences in Osnabrück and criminology in Hamburg. Before joining the FDP (Free Democratic Party), he was, among other things, the Federal Chairman of the Pirate Party Germany. ... Enrico Eppner has been the mayor of Hallenberg in the Hochsauerland district since November 1, 2020. He was renominated as the FDP's mayoral candidate for Hallenberg in 2025 and confirmed in office with 85.4 percent of the vote. His political priorities include digital citizen services, energy-efficient renovation of public buildings, new building plots, citizen participation, and youth development. Since 2026, Enrico Eppner has also served as chairman of the FDP in the Hochsauerland district. Moderator Tom Steinborn-Henke has been the managing partner of werdstark since 2021. The communications expert studied communication science, psychology, and education (M.A.) at the Technical University of Dresden and Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Through his many years of experience as a coach, moderator, and trainer, Tom Steinborn-Henke possesses extensive expertise in socio-political issues.