Digital ideas that make a difference: Three outstanding entries in the Graduate Award 2025

The winners

On 8 April, the Graduate Award was presented for the sixth time at the Smart Government Forum in Berlin. The award recognises outstanding academic work dealing with the digital transformation of public administration – and which provides genuine impetus for practical application. 

We present this year’s winners and their theses. 

1st place: Nina Mertzbach – Digital Guides as Change Agents in Public Administration

How can change be achieved in the context of digital transformation? In her Master’s thesis, Nina Mertzbach examines the role that so-called ‘digital guides’ can play in supporting public administration staff through digital transformation processes. The focus is on the influence of social support on willingness to change. The results show, for example, that emotional support – such as encouragement and empathy – has a greater impact than the mere transfer of knowledge. Mertzbach’s work thus provides valuable insights for the change process within public authorities. 

2nd place: Laura Kaufmann – Business Process Management for High-Performing Local Authorities

In her Master’s thesis, Laura Kaufmann analyses how strategic and operational business process management (BPM) can be implemented in specialist local government departments to improve efficiency and service quality. A case study in Nuremberg makes it clear that process metrics, clear lines of responsibility and digital tools are crucial levers for speeding up application procedures and reducing the workload on staff. The thesis demonstrates that BPM is a key driver for sustainable administrative work. 

3rd place: Elisabeth Stein – Challenges in the use of AI in the public sector

In her bachelor’s thesis, Elisabeth Stein examines the hurdles that public administrations must overcome when using artificial intelligence (AI) – and what potential solutions exist. Based on a systematic review of the literature, she identifies key challenges such as a lack of transparency, ethical uncertainties and an inadequate regulatory framework. Her conclusion: responsible use of AI requires clear guidelines, interdisciplinary expertise and an open debate on the opportunities and limitations of new technologies. 

Supporting the next generation – shaping the future

The Graduate Award is not only a recognition of academic excellence, but also a clear commitment to fostering young ideas in the public sector. We would like to thank all participants for their contributions and are delighted with the quality and practical relevance of the submitted papers. Materna will once again present the Graduate Award in 2026.  

Further information can be found here.