Digitalisation as a transformation of Thuringia’s economy not only involves an increased use of information technology, robotics and data-driven networking, but also calls for qualification as a central field of action for companies and labour, economic and industrial policy. Although some scientific projections for Thuringia emphasise employment risks especially for traditional industries and qualifications, there is much evidence that the transition to the digital society can be shaped. Qualification strategies are central to this. Due to the small and medium-sized business structure of Thuringia, qualification strategies can only be successful if they succeed in overcoming the inconsistencies of the digital transformation. For this purpose, stakeholders in and around companies need to exchange ideas with existing innovation drivers, open spaces for experimental use of digital technologies, opportunities for expanding skills and in-depth training. This should be possible in the future on the basis of tried-and-tested teaching and learning concepts, scientific advisory and analysis models. In order to create such conditions, a consortium is formed to establish the “Future Center Digital Transformation Thüringen” (Zett). Applicants EAH, FSU, TUI, IWT and AuL form a joint consortium. The combination of socio-scientific, business and technical expertise with consulting and educational skills is new for Thuringia in this form. The participants develop a work monitor as a knowledge pool, a differentiated certification program of transformation controllers and transformation ambassadors and they also test an overarching as well as five application-related teaching and learning concepts in model companies. The social partners are involved in the centre structure through an advisory board with a steering and networking function. The Zett thus follows the digital and skilled labour strategies of the Free State. At the same time, a new, strong impulse is provided to support the digital transformation discursively, educationally and participatively. The founding idea results from a double challenge: the inconsistency of digitalisation and the need for digitalisation to design labour policy. The aim of the consortium is to reflect on digitalisation as a social design and integration task and to implement it with participatory methods. First of all, the focus is on Thuringian key industries, along the criteria: Potential for development for Thuringia, the importance of employment, the dynamics of the digital transformation and the degree of networking. The selection corresponds to the Thuringian Cluster Strategy. In the long term, a sustainable analysis, advisory and support structure is planned for the Thuringian economy.