Taking on responsibility
together – the CDR Initiative

Responsibility creates trust. The aim of the Initiative is to ensure that digital responsibility becomes a normal part of day-to-day business for organisations in all sectors. Even more organisations should be encouraged to go beyond what is required by law and actively shape the process of the digitalisation in a people- and value-oriented way. As technological developments progress, shared learning and exchanges are of ever greater importance.
 

The initiative was launched in May 2018 by the then Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) in collaboration with companies. Following a temporary transfer of responsibility to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), responsibility has been back with the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) since 2025.

Digital transformation is permeating all areas of life and is putting established ways of doing things to the test. This offers opportunities, but also harbours risks. Only if politics, business and society are aware of their respective responsibilities will it be possible to shape the process of the digitalisation and ensure that it serves the best interests of citizens.

For many of us, the digitalisation means having the whole world at our fingertips. Convenient, fast and in some cases even environmentally friendly. Yet at the same time, new technical possibilities are also shifting familiar boundaries, especially those between private providers of digital products and services on the one hand and the state and society on the other.
 

• What data traces do we leave behind, and who has access to them?
• How does artificial intelligence actually work and when might the use of AI lead to disadvantages for us?
• What rights do I have as a consumer with regard to private providers who process my data?

There are no easy answers to these and other questions that are becoming increasingly pressing in times of the digital transformation. This makes it all the more important to clearly identify the opportunities and risks, and to discuss them. Which is why the CDR Initiative works towards it. Together with representatives from politics and business, we develop guidelines and recommendations for action in relation to the digital transformation.

In times of disruptive technological progress, it is particularly important not to leave consumers behind. On the one hand, this means focussing on consumers when weighing up opportunities and risks. On the other hand, it means ensuring transparency as a basis for trust. With this in mind, the CDR Initiative strives to shape digital change in a transparent and responsible way that serves citizens’ best interests.

The members of the CDR-Initiative all bring a particular commitment to CDR and demonstrate this by signing the CDR-Code. In order to secure trust and ultimately market advantages and to continuously develop CDR, the CDR initiative contributes as a learning platform with a high degree of diversity among its member organisations.

This allows companies to learn from the change in perspective and the specific challenges of certain industries and organisation sizes, and to exchange best practices.

Those who take on digital responsibility today are not only acting morally, but also economically wisely and with foresight. In the CDR-Development-Partnership, organisations work with us to responsibly develop their digital business models – in a practical and efficient manner.
Whether it's the first steps, targeted improvements in individual areas or the next level of maturity in CDR management, the CDR-Development-Partnership meets organisations where they are and makes CDR a factor for success. Perfection is not a prerequisite – rather, it's about learning together, taking concrete measures and achieving a sustainably improved position on the responsibility issues of digital transformation.
The CDR-Initiative accompanies this journey with proven methods, practical insights and the experience gained from working with our member companies. At the same time, CDR-Development-Partners benefit from exchanges with other  partners and members – and actively shape the CDR landscape.

CDR thrives on exchange and diversity. With our thematic partnership, we bring together organisations that deal with specific aspects of digital responsibility and want to develop more impact together. 
The thematic partnership expands our network, broadens our expertise and strengthens our shared understanding of values in the digital transformation.
Thematic partners contribute their professional perspectives to the CDR Initiative, share their experience and can get involved in projects.

Specific objectives build trust. Thanks to our many years of experience and scientific foundation, we have the tools to successfully translate CDR into corporate strategy.

The CDR-Code currently sets out 15 objectives, which are organised into five fields of action:

• Data handling
• Education
• Climate and resource protection
• Employee involvement
• Inclusion

A further goal is that of anchoring CDR in the organisation.

The CDR-Quick-Check helps with the initial assessment and provides guidance for the development and prioritisation of initial measures to achieve success with CDR.
Our CDR-Maturity-Model supports the continuous development of CDR within the framework of the CDR-Development-Partnership.

• Free of charge, in just 10-15 minutes to your own CDR status
• On request, networking and follow-up through the office of the CDR-Initiative