Award for effective modernisation in social security and social insurance
The Wirkungspreis Sozialstaat recognises successfully implemented projects that tangibly modernise the welfare state through digitalisation, more efficient processes or new forms of organisation.
We are looking for solutions from the fields of social insurance and the welfare state that make processes more efficient, simplify access, speed up procedures, reduce the workload on staff or improve collaboration.
The decisive factor is the concrete and demonstrable benefit: what has actually improved for people, organisations or the system as a whole? It is not ideas that will be recognised, but solutions that have been tried and tested in practice, which have a lasting impact and can serve as a model for others.
The evaluation will take place via a vote on our specialist portal ‘Verwaltung der Zukunft’ (Administration of the Future) by the community of the ‘Zukunftskongress Sozialstaat’ (Welfare State Future Congress).
You can still apply for the Social State Impact Award via this link until 11 November:
https://wegweiser.questionpro.eu/wirkungspreis2026
The community of the ‘Future of the Welfare State’ Congress will then vote for the winner via our specialist portal, ‘Administration of the Future’.
Application period
22 September to 11 November 2026
The community of the Future of the Welfare State Congress selects the top 3
for the 5th Future of the Welfare State Congress
Further information will follow on VdZ.org
16–19 November 2026
The winner will present their project at the Future of the Welfare State Congress
26 November 2026
How does the application process work this year?
The fieldwork phase of the Welfare State Modernisation Monitor 2026/27 will take place in autumn 2026. By taking part in this survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your project for the Welfare State Impact Award. The award highlights what really drives the welfare state forward. The award recognises implemented projects that bring about a demonstrable improvement, whether on a large or small scale. Applications are welcome from all areas of social security. Our community will select a winner from the submitted projects, who will then present their work to a wide audience at the 5th Future Congress on the Welfare State in a lightning talk.
To apply, please answer the following question:
Please describe the core of your project or concept in a maximum of 400 words. Structure your answer into the following sections:
- Aim of the project
- Approach
- Results
- Strategic contribution to your organisation
- Contact details
This response will be collected and analysed separately from your other responses. Further information on the study can be found here.
What are the prizes?
The best entries will have the opportunity to have their project featured on the ‘Administration of the Future’ specialist portal, thereby generating reach and attention.
On the second day of the conference, the winner will present their innovative solution in a lightning talk to the entire audience.
The winner will receive the following exclusive benefits:
- An editorial feature on our specialist portal VdZ.org with nationwide visibility and
- A free best-practice dialogue for the 6th Future of the Welfare State Congress
Your point of contact for all matters relating to applications and the award
Franziska Mehlhase
Senior Programmmanagerin - Strategische Geschäftsentwicklung, Analyse & Teamleitung
Wegweiser Research & Strategy GmbH
