Ruland serves as the representative of the Digital State within the D21 initiative.
New Digital State Representative at Initiative D21: Paul Ruland Takes Over
Paul Ruland has started his tenure as the Digital State Representative at Initiative D21, effective from January 1, 2025. In this role, he will be responsible for driving digital transformation efforts within a specific German state, advocating for digital policies, and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.
Ruland's appointment follows the departure of Alexander Köhler, who previously held the position. Köhler's tenure ended on December 31, 2024.
Ruland's background in digital representation makes him well-suited for this role. Prior to joining Initiative D21, he worked as a Digital Representative at the Association of Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW) until the end of 2024. This experience has provided him with deep insights into the challenges and opportunities that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face in digitalization.
As the Digital State Representative at Initiative D21, Ruland will be responsible for overseeing the strategic expansion and thematic development of digital administration. He will act as a key liaison between regional stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, and civil society, and Initiative D21's broader mission to promote a digitally competent society and economy.
Ruland's experience at BVMW, where he represented the interests of medium-sized enterprises in Germany, will be invaluable in his new role. It will enable him to better understand the needs of these businesses and to advocate effectively for digital policies that support their growth and competitiveness.
Moreover, his familiarity with networking, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy from BVMW will complement his responsibilities at Initiative D21. It will enable him to facilitate cooperation between government, business, and digital initiatives, ensuring that digital transformation strategies are practical, inclusive, and aligned with the economic realities of medium-sized enterprises.
In summary, Ruland's role at Initiative D21 involves championing digital progress at a state level, leveraging his prior experience at BVMW to bridge the gap between medium-sized enterprises and digital policy development. His first day at Initiative D21 was January 1, 2025.
Technology will be a crucial aspect of Ruland's role as the Digital State Representative at Initiative D21, as he will be responsible for driving digital transformation efforts and overseeing digital administration.
Politics and general-news outlets can expect to cover Ruland's impact on digital policies within the assigned German state, given his background in advocacy and stakeholder engagement from his time at the Association of Medium-Sized Enterprises.
