Digitalisation and e-government

Cybersecurity Map Wednesday, 21. October 2020 12:03

Digitalisation offers Switzerland great opportunities for more efficient administrative processes, economic growth and social modernisation. However, federalism, high security requirements and social concerns are slowing down the pace of digitalisation in our country. In order to ensure competitiveness and modernise administrative processes, a coordinated implementation of digital projects is required. This includes the introduction of a secure, state-controlled e-ID, a clear understanding of cyber risks and digital sovereignty as well as greater cooperation between the federal government, cantons, business and society. Transparent communication and risk management are crucial to creating trust and making targeted use of the opportunities offered by digitalisation.

The challenges

Federal fragmentation: Decentralised federalism makes the coordinated implementation of digitalisation projects more difficult. Involving all stakeholder groups and developing viable and consensus-based solutions is a challenge.

Economic competitiveness: There is a risk of missing out on the opportunities of digitalisation if the public sector does not act in time.

Recommendations for politics, business and society

Common understanding: a broad and shared understanding of cyber risks among all stakeholder groups

State sovereignty: Conduct a broad discussion and establish a clear definition of the foundations and limits of state sovereignty in the digital space.

Digital identity (e-ID): Introduce a secure, data protection-compliant and government-controlled e-ID that serves as the basis for all e-government services.

Federal coordination: Coordinate the planning and implementation of digitalisation projects more centrally, while implementation can be decentralised if necessary.

Public-private cooperation: Creating processes that bring together business, administration and society in order to utilise opportunities for Switzerland as a place to work and train.

Risk management: Recognising and avoiding unacceptable dependencies (e.g. on foreign providers) and risks at an early stage and ensuring good emergency and recovery planning in the event of a disruption.

Transparent communication: Ensure early involvement of the population through public discourse and pilot projects in order to create trust.

With these measures, Switzerland can drive digitalisation forward in a targeted manner while maintaining its federal structures, high security standards and state sovereignty.

Authors and subject responsibility

Umberto Annino, Microsoft | Hannes Lubich, Board of Directors and Consultant

Review Board