Development of a proposal for the further development of coordination on artificial intelligence in the Federal Administration

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role in the digital transformation of all areas of society, business, science, education and research, as well as in public administration. At the same time, AI brings with it a wide range of challenges relating to the future of work, fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law and security. Fundamental questions about the use of AI must be answered and developments in this specialist field anticipated. This requires not only interdisciplinary consultation, but also the coordination of activities at both national and international level. In September 2024, the Federal Council (FC) instructed the FDHA (FSO) and the FCh (DTI), in collaboration with other departments, to draw up a proposal for strengthening coordination within the Federal Administration by the end of 2025. The aim is to promote synergy effects, innovation and trust in the use of AI in all public administrations in Switzerland. The federal government wants to see a common strategic approach in the field of AI and the coordination of all related activities.

The measure is intended to improve the coordination of artificial intelligence within public administrations in Switzerland. The primary aim is to determine how the coordination of AI within public administrations in Switzerland is to be ensured and define which federal offices are responsible for which topics in the field of AI. This is to be achieved by working together with the seven federal departments and the Federal Chancellery, but also with higher education institutions and civil society, to establish a structure that will be able to address the challenges presented by artificial intelligence.

This will benefit digital Switzerland, as the entire Swiss population will benefit if digital transformation can be delivered in a sustainable and responsible manner. Artificial intelligence is a key element of this digital transformation and the sound regulation of responsibilities in this field within public administration in Switzerland will help to strengthen the trust of civil society, business, science and politics.

Milestones

  • 12.2025: Proposal for the further development of the coordination on AI in the Federal Administration for the Federal Council

Further information

Status

Start 2024
End 2025

Responsible

Federal Statistical Office

Departments

Federal Department of Home Affairs

Goals

The population and the economy can use digital methods to conduct their business with the authorities


Domains

Education and skills

People, businesses and public authorities have sufficient skills to make the most of new technologies and are able to evaluate them critically.