Swiss Digitaltag: This is how digitization works

The day of action offers something for every age and interest and aims to highlight the opportunities of digitalization without concealing the challenges and unanswered questions. Over 70 companies and organizations are taking part in the Digital Day. President Alain Berset and Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann are patrons of the event and will also be present in person, while Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is also supporting the day of action, with countless activities being offered at over 12 locations throughout Switzerland on 25 October to give the population an understanding of digitalization and all its facets. This will be done very consciously from person to person. In addition to the main partners Google, Ringier, SBB, SRG and Swisscom, around 70 other partners from business, science, politics and education will be demonstrating what digitalization means in concrete terms. For Marc Walder, founder of digitalswitzerland, the day of action is particularly important for one reason: "We need an open, responsible digitalization culture in Switzerland that creates a positive environment. Digital Day should contribute to this by highlighting the opportunities without concealing the challenges."

Decentralized location concept as a reflection of innovative digital SwitzerlandThe aim of Digital Day is to showcase Switzerland's innovative strength in a diverse, local and nationwide way. SMEs and start-ups, together with well-known national companies and educational institutions, form the backbone of the public digital presence. Innosuisse, the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion, supports this core idea as an important strategic partner, and the decentralized approach is also reflected in the fact that, in addition to the official hubs at the Zurich, Lugano and Geneva train stations, activities are taking place at over a dozen other locations. These include Chur (Alexanderplatz), Münchenstein BL (FH Nordwestschweiz), St. Gallen (city and Olma), Sion (train station), Vaduz (Städtle), Yverdon-les-Bains (train station), Bern (city and Postparc), Lausanne (EPFL), Lucerne (Forum Messe) and Zurich (ZHdK Toni-Areal, university and ETH).Important dialog with the populationFor Birgit Pestalozzi, overall project manager for Digital Day, the focus of the day of action is the exchange with the population: "We are calling on the population to actively participate in Digital Day. The day is a great opportunity for everyone to share their wishes and fears, but also to be open and recognize the opportunities." The public can get actively involved via various channels: They can ask questions in advance and have them answered straight away: The "Digitaldaybrain" makes this possible (www.digitaldaybrain.ch). About the dialog platform www.digitaltag.swiss/dialog At Zurich Main Station, visitors can turn to data experts with their concerns and questions in the Data Café, including a cup of coffee. Also at Zurich Main Station, the public will discuss various aspects of digitalization with experts at four "regulars' tables". The business umbrella organization economiesuisse is hosting an open dialogue on digitalization in Lucerne. The interactive "Tribo" app, which can also be used to put together an individual daily program, ensures that visitors can find their way around the countless activities at any time.Eleven hours of moderated livestream in ZurichThe largest location is at Zurich main station. An extensive stage program will be offered there from 9 am to 8 pm. This includes performances by school classes with the educational robot "Thymio", the official address by President Berset, a live television broadcast by SRF, drone demonstrations, a live hack, an art performance with participants in Zurich and Hong Kong, live broadcasts to all Digital Day locations, a performance by the Schwiizergoofe, a concert by Crimer and much more. In addition, prominent guests such as musician Bligg and Swiss President Alain Berset will be interviewed on the Piazza, and there will be plenty for everyone to experience and discuss throughout the day at around 35 stands in seven themed areas. In Lugano, various lifestyle-related activities will be offered at the train station and on the piazza. For example, a virtual boutique will allow visitors to try out the shopping experience of the future and a fashion mob will take over the city. In Geneva, the humanoid robot "Pepper" will take center stage at Cornavin station. Various other activities will also be on offer to bring digitalization to life. www.digitaltag.swiss available. There is also a link to the YouTube channels on which the entire stage program and the activities on the Piazza will be broadcast as a live stream from Zurich Main Station.