Swiss Research Calls for Strong Action on AI and Digital Transformation Across Society

Swiss researchers are urging policymakers, businesses, and society to work together to manage the rapid rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), according to findings from a major national research programme.

Digital Transformation Requires Coordination

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) emphasizes that Switzerland can only fully benefit from digital transformation if all sectors—government, industry, and society—coordinate their efforts. Without collaboration, both opportunities and risks linked to AI could increase significantly.

Large-Scale National Research Programme

The findings come from the National Research Programme “Digital Transformation” (NRP 77), which was commissioned by the Swiss government. Over five years, researchers completed 46 separate projects with a total budget of CHF 30 million.

Key Finding: Technology Alone Is Not the Deciding Factor

Researchers concluded that the impact of AI and digital tools is not determined by the technology itself, but by how people choose to use it. This highlights the importance of policy, education, and training in shaping outcomes.

Challenges in Education

One of the major findings shows that digital tools are often underused in Swiss schools. The main reasons include a lack of structured implementation strategies and insufficient training for teachers.

Labour Market Skills Gap

The report also warns that companies must invest more consistently in employee digital skills. Without continuous upskilling, workers may struggle to adapt to AI-driven changes in the labour market.

Media and Democracy Concerns

Researchers further stress the importance of maintaining a strong and independent media landscape. They argue that digital transformation can only support democracy if reliable information systems are protected.

Conclusion

The study highlights that AI and digital transformation are not just technological issues but societal challenges. Switzerland is encouraged to strengthen education, workforce training, and media independence to fully benefit from the digital future.

Swiss Cultural Sector Employment Declines in 2025.

The number of people working in Switzerland’s cultural sector declined significantly in 2025, according to new figures published by the Federal Statistical Office.

The report showed that around 282,000 people were employed in cultural professions during the year, representing a decrease of 4.8% compared to 2024. Officials noted that the scale of the decline is similar to the employment drop experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic period between 2019 and 2020.

The decline affected several groups more heavily, particularly male workers, Swiss nationals, and professionals based in French-speaking regions of Switzerland.

The Federal Statistical Office uses a broad definition of the cultural sector. Alongside musicians, performers, and visual artists, the category also includes workers such as graphic designers, museum accountants, and other creative industry professionals.

The report also highlighted concerns about financial well-being among cultural workers. According to survey findings from 2024, people employed in the cultural economy were less satisfied with their income and living conditions compared to the wider Swiss workforce.

More than one quarter of professionals in the cultural sector reported dissatisfaction with their financial situation, while the figure for the general working population was around one fifth.

Experts say the findings underline ongoing challenges facing the arts and creative industries in Switzerland, including economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and unstable income opportunities for freelance and independent workers.

The Federal Statistical Office is expected to release more detailed income-related data for the sector on June 25.

Switzerland Could Face Major Worker Shortages Under Anti-Immigration Proposal

Switzerland could face severe labour shortages if voters approve the proposed anti-immigration initiative, according to new economic and demographic studies.

Experts warn that Switzerland may experience a shortage of tens of thousands of workers in the coming years due to an aging population, low birth rates, and increasing retirements. Immigration currently plays a key role in filling positions across healthcare, construction, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors.

Research estimates suggest the country could face a workforce shortage ranging between 87,000 and 245,000 employees depending on future immigration policies and economic conditions.

Swiss businesses and economic analysts say restricting immigration could place additional pressure on the labour market and slow economic growth. Many industries already struggle to recruit qualified workers, especially in highly skilled professions.

Supporters of the anti-immigration proposal argue that stricter migration controls would reduce pressure on housing, transportation, and public services. However, critics believe the measure could weaken Switzerland’s economy and create long-term workforce challenges.

Economists say foreign workers remain essential to maintaining Switzerland’s healthcare system, public infrastructure, and business operations. The debate over immigration continues to be one of the country’s most important political and economic discussions in 2026.