Switzerland Urged to Act on Digitalisation.
Swiss researchers are calling for urgent action on digitalisation, warning that Switzerland must rethink how artificial intelligence and digital tools will reshape key sectors such as education, media, and the labour market. According to a press release from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the country can fully benefit from digital transformation only if politics, business, and society work together.
The findings are based on the National Research Programme “Digital Transformation” (NRP 77), a large-scale initiative commissioned by the Swiss government. Over five years, researchers conducted 46 separate projects with a total budget of CHF 30 million to examine how digital technologies are influencing Swiss society.
The research highlights that the impact of artificial intelligence does not depend on the technology itself, but on how it is used in real-world applications. This means that governance, education, and institutional readiness play a crucial role in determining whether digital tools create benefits or risks.
One of the key findings shows that digital tools are often underused in Swiss schools. This is mainly due to a lack of structured implementation strategies and insufficient training opportunities for teachers, which limits the effective integration of technology in education.
The study also points to growing pressure on the labour market, where companies are encouraged to invest more consistently in developing digital skills among employees. Without continuous upskilling, Switzerland risks widening skill gaps in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
In addition, researchers stress the importance of maintaining a strong and independent media landscape to protect democratic processes in the digital age. They warn that digital transformation must be managed carefully to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Overall, the report concludes that Switzerland has significant opportunities in digital transformation, but success will depend on coordinated action across all sectors of society.