Crisis situations show the importance of independent and resilient digital infrastructures that enable people, organisations and companies to carry out their daily tasks. Software and decentralised platforms without a commercial background often stem from community engagement. Important parts of our digital infrastructure are based on their work. However, the current situation threatens volunteer-based organisations with significant financial losses. To be better prepared for future crisis situations, their work must be strengthened. The good thing is that there is already an extensive network of people and organisations working together for decentralised and thus more resilient digital infrastructure. They are working on free access to the internet, the provision of secure communication channels, offers for Free Knowledge up to Open Data and Free Software applications. Cities and their digital infrastructures should become better. And for all their inhabitants. The development of a digital ecosystem for the common good can make an important contribution to this. Berlin TXL – The Urban Tech Republic is a co-signatory of the recommendations on Digital Civil Society for an independent digital infrastructure and free access to knowledge.
Other co-signatories include Wikimedia, the Goethe Institute and the Stiftung Neue Verantwortung.
