Switzerland is recognised as the most innovative economy in the world. How do you explain the pronounced shortage of skilled labour in the IT sector and what is being done at national level to meet this challenge?

Employment in this occupational field has been growing strongly for many years. Although more and more IT specialists are being trained, this is not enough. In the short term, some of the demand can only be met by skilled migrants.

Companies must ensure that they can attract and retain skilled labour by offering the most attractive working conditions possible. They also have an important role to play in training. They help determine what content should be taught. As part of career marketing, they must become active themselves in order to recruit young talent.

The state has a different role. It creates good framework conditions for education, gainful employment and innovation. Firstly, we must ensure that our education system provides skills that also meet the needs of the economy. Secondly, we must ensure in the labour market that people of working age can and want to work. Gainful employment must not make us ill and it should be worthwhile for us. Thirdly, I would like to emphasise the great importance of innovation. We should not allow ourselves to be paralysed by the fact that new technology makes certain jobs redundant. Instead, we should recognise the opportunity that technological progress can secure our prosperity, even though we are facing demographic ageing.

How do you assess Switzerland's role in international cooperation in the areas of research and innovation, particularly with regard to quantum technology and artificial intelligence?

The combination of innovative strength, excellent research facilities and infrastructures, together with the underlying political and economic framework conditions, fundamentally favours the development of such new technologies in Switzerland.

As a small economy, Switzerland has repeatedly "reinvented" itself. We have had to adapt to international trends - and have been able to help shape them. This also applies to the broad field of digitalisation. This is good news for maintaining our innovative strength and competitiveness.

What role do you think new technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain will play in Switzerland's competitiveness today and in 10 years' time?

The geopolitical tensions of recent years have reinforced the trend that the leading economies have become technologically decoupled. The protection of intellectual property, data protection, export and investment controls and national security have therefore become much more important. This is particularly the case in the area of new technologies such as quantum and semiconductor technology. Switzerland is endeavouring to counteract this negative trend. It promotes international exchange, for example through bilateral partnerships and the development of innovation ecosystems.

Not only the technologies themselves, but also the associated effects and framework conditions are increasingly coming into focus (e.g. the standardisation and regulation of AI fields of application). When it comes to the application of such new technologies, Switzerland is very well positioned with its democratic system and constant engagement with complex issues. To put it a little casually: our innovative country can also do digitalisation!

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin

Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research