Tackling digitization together
Switzerland aims to be a global leader in digitalization. To achieve this goal, leaders from the worlds of politics, business, and academia have adopted a manifesto in Bern.
The Federal Council also plays an important role. "Regulation must primarily enable new ideas instead of protecting existing business models. Existing laws should be reviewed for their suitability for the digital transformation." These are two of the manifesto's main demands. The President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann Schneider-Ammann, helped draw up the basic paper at a working meeting with fifty so-called "digital shapers", as detailed in a press release on Tuesday evening. It will be officially presented at the World Web Forum on January 24, 2017.
Overcoming challenges together
The topic of digitalization is also high on the federal government's agenda, Schneider-Ammann said in a press release. For example, a digital contribution council should be set up. At the meeting, Council of States member Ruedi Noser (FDP/ZH) called for a fundamental change of mindset in politics, society and business so that Switzerland can play its part in the digital competition. "Ideas should not be taxed before they generate profits - such brakes on innovation hit our start-ups hard and are poison for Switzerland as a business location." More funding is also needed for education and research. Noser is calling for two billion francs to be made available by the state over the next few years. In his speech, Urs Schäppi, CEO of Swisscom and host of the meeting, referred to Switzerland's top infrastructure, which needs to be expanded quickly and smoothly. However, he also called for agility and a willingness to change in society, politics and business. (SDA)
