Digital Switzerland: making the transition together
Can Switzerland adapt to the digital age?
This issue is the subject of intense debate, and opinions are divided, to say the least. A new study byeconomiesuisse, with the support of think tank W.I.R.E., takes stock of the digital transition and identifies the issues and themes that Switzerland needs to address as a matter of priority if it is to emerge a winner. This wide-ranging study highlights current developments, analyzes Switzerland's strengths and weaknesses, and proposes scenarios for future areas of growth. Entitled "Digital Switzerland: imagining tomorrow's economy and society", the study was presented on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at a press conference held in Zurich. It is an initial contribution to a debate that has only just begun. It will be fed over the coming months by a series of economiesuisse publications delving deeper into certain topics related to the digital economy and political framework conditions.
To succeed in the digital world, it's important to set the right course, said Heinz Karrer, President of economiesuisse: "By focusing too much on specific problems, we risk losing sight of the key issues and opportunities." Instead of discussing taxes on self-checkouts, a ban on e-mail after 7 p.m. or blocking networks to counter unwelcome foreign competitors, politics, business, science and society should instead focus together on more fundamental issues. "Our country will continue on the path to success if it has the ability to tackle the challenges associated with digitization positively, openly and confidently," said Rudolf Minsch, chief economist at economiesuisse, at the presentation of the study.
The study identifies five major areas for action
- Clarifying fundamental issues
- Developing digital skills
- Ensuring the sustainability of our tax and social security systems
- Developing basic infrastructure
- Developing an ecosystem and networks
Scenarios illustrate future benefits for society
For this study, the think tank W.I.R.E. developed a multidimensional model of digitization. Digitization is based on the technological innovation brought about by the generation, storage, processing and transmission of data. Four key areas of application open up new possibilities for companies, universities and individuals: automate, virtualize, connect and realize. This model helps to simplify the complexity of the digital world and to keep pace with ever-faster developments. With this in mind, the think tank imagined various scenarios illustrating how people and the economy can benefit from data-driven infrastructures. In the field of mobility, for example, new systems can link outlying regions in a sustainable way. Or, in healthcare, virtual means of communication once again make flexible care possible - even at home.
For Stephan Sigrist, founder and director of the think tank W.I.R.E, "digitization is not simply a wave of technological progress sweeping over us, but an evolution that opens up new possibilities in both the private and professional spheres." The aim is not to emulate Silicon Valley as an ultra-fast technological fortress, but to develop intelligent, sustainable solutions that enable both society and the economy to benefit from digitization. " Promoting innovation, however, means first and foremost critically assessing the hype surrounding digitization, as well as the opportunities and risks associated with this development," according to Stephan Sigrist.
economiesuisse will produce a series of more in-depth publications
Over the next few months, the study will be supplemented by publications focusing on more specific themes, such as education, data policy, tax policy and the environment". Switzerland is one of globalization's biggest winners. It has everything it takes to be one of the winners of digitalization too," says Heinz Karrer. Switzerland is at the beginning of its journey into the digital future. "What counts is openness, technological skills, regular reflective breaks and critical thinking."
For its part, W.I.R.E. will shortly be launching an early warning system for businesses and public authorities. It will aim to analyze and prioritize the rapid changes taking place in the digital economy, and thus identify future challenges for the economy and society.
The study also shows that, at the heart of digitization, it's not data, machines, algorithms or applications, but people. We need to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of digitization together, as a society. We are fortunate to be able to help shape digitalization, and not simply suffer from it. Ultimately, the key question is: what kind of future do we want? This publication is intended as a map of the issues at stake, a source of inspiration, an invitation to think critically together, and an invitation to set the course for the digital shift underway.