Five Years of the ZDE Academy: Moving into the Future with Sharpened Focus and New Offerings!
In October 2020, our ZDE Academy officially launched. The vision: to equip the innovative doers in municipalities and regions with the tools they need for their work. Since then, we have awarded over 50 certificates for our IHK qualification and welcomed many more participants to our specialist seminars, in-house training sessions, and webinars. The core motivation that led to the founding of the Academy – bringing digitalization closer to administrative staff and decision-makers in a practical and professional way – remains unchanged. The excellent feedback from our participants has encouraged us to continue along this path.
However, the environment in which we operate has evolved significantly: the diversity of roles in projects is growing, and market demands today are far more differentiated than in 2020. In particular, the interconnection between digitalization and sustainability has become increasingly pronounced. The vision of the “Smart City” is becoming more tangible—it is no longer just a topic for academia and management but has found its way into the daily work of many people. Our course offerings have been continuously adapted to reflect these developments and the latest trends. In recent months, we have greatly expanded our range of short webinars on practical digital topics. Now, as we celebrate the Academy’s fifth anniversary, we are delighted to present our newly structured course portfolio.
Learning Together, Shaping Together – Our Programs
Smart City Expert (IHK)
Of course, our Smart City Expert (IHK) – Germany’s first and still the only IHK-certified training program on Smart City – remains a core part of our offerings. Updated and refined with the latest global trends and topics, the Expert program is aimed at project management professionals. It consists of two foundation modules, one specialist knowledge module, and an individually chosen final project. The course is also available as an in-house training program for complete teams.
ZDE MasterClass
Ready to launch soon is our new flagship program – the ZDE MasterClass: Digital Leadership in Public Administration. This format creates a confidential environment where municipal leaders such as department heads, city councillors, mayors, and chief executives can exchange ideas on the challenges they face in their daily work. The program includes high-level insights, inspiring perspectives beyond one’s own field, and an exclusive setting. The MasterClass will premiere from November 7 to 11, 2025, at the Panoramahotel Waldenburg.
Smart City Practitioner (ZDE)
Brand new in our portfolio: the Smart City Practitioner (ZDE). This course is aligned with its “big brother,” the Smart City Expert (IHK), but is specifically designed to meet the needs of operational staff involved in Smart City and Smart Region projects. It combines practically oriented specialist knowledge with hands-on exercises in IoT and sensor technology. The best part: with a flexible introductory module, the Practitioner is ideal for both experienced administrative employees and newcomers. The program starts in November 2025, and registration is now open!
By the way, we will be present at the Smart Country Convention in Berlin – feel free to stop by!
We look to the future with optimism and look forward to welcoming you (again) soon!
Georg Würffel, Felix Unseld, and the entire ZDE Academy Team
