Government & Public Sector Interview series

Within the context of the Government and Public Sector Interview series, personalities from Swiss politics, economics, research and the media share their opinions on digital and technological developments, as well as their expectations for the Swiss administration and the future of Switzerland. The statements and opinions expressed in the interviews are of a personal nature. As part of the series, proponents from various organisations and parties take a stand. Deloitte is independent, neutral and does not support any political institutions.

The Interview series

Interview

What do you particularly appreciate about Switzerland?

We live in a safe, politically stable country, enjoy freedom of movement and excellent educational opportunities. Beautiful mountains, forests, lakes, landscapes offer countless opportunities to enjoy Switzerland. And also to do sports.

As a citizen, what expectations do you have of the Swiss government?

The government in Switzerland enjoys a high level of acceptance at all political levels. That is because it works efficiently for the most part and that it is there for the citizens. The government must also deliver this in the future. The government should be a service provider, in the best sense of the word.

What would you immediately change in Switzerland if you had the opportunity?

Eradicate Covid-19.

Where do you see the greatest challenges for the public sector in the next five years?

The government must be close to the citizens. It is there for the citizens and not vice versa. At the same time, it must become more agile and, for example, promote digitalisation. To do this, however, politics must also provide the necessary tools and create the appropriate framework (keywords are data protection, information security, procurement requirements).

Which digital government services do you already use as a private person and which would you like to use in the future?

I submit my tax returns digitally and pay invoices by e-bill. As far as possible, I contact the authorities digitally.

Patients’ files should also be digitalised, provided that data protection is fully guaranteed. The same applies to the digital identity card, E-ID.

Which technology will fundamentally change our lives in the next few years?

I am not a prophet. I see a lot of potential in artificial intelligence, in transport (self-driving cars) or in blockchain technologies like Bitcoins.

What do you understand by a “Smart City”?

For me, this is a showcase city - full of technical, economic and social innovations that enable progressive coexistence in a confined space.

Which book do you recommend as a «Must Read»?

Topical at the moment: Eighty years ago Albert Camus’ already showed in his book «The Plague» what effect a pandemic can have on us. The parallels are almost eerie.

Decisions

Interview

What do you particularly appreciate about Switzerland?

Among other things, the high quality of life, democracy, participation, Public Private Partnership (PPPs), freedom, diversity, smart cities & regions, landscapes and the opportunity to do sports in nature.

As a citizen, what expectations do you have of the Swiss government?

High resource efficiency, orientating towards needs, dedication to service and smart government.

What would you immediately change in Switzerland if you had the opportunity?

Introduce or start the energy and mobility transition. In other words, the immediate de-carbonisation of energy sources and means of transport, a shift to more sustainable mobility (slow traffic, public transport, electric mobility), have only plus energy buildings (PEBs) with solar energy supply and vertical gardening as well as green spaces. Additionally, I would use digitisation more to simplify processes and consistently work towards Neotopia and Smart Sustainable Cities.

Where do you see the greatest challenges for the public sector in the next five years?

With the lack of resources to address effectively social challenges and transform them into opportunities.

Which digital government services do you already use as a private person and which would you like to use in the future?

Online tax returns, city apps, online counters, My Account, e-voting

Which technology will fundamentally change our lives in the next few years?

Artificial intelligence and the convergence of technologies

What do you understand by a “Smart City”?

For me, “Smart City” is a future-oriented concept that intelligently contributes to more sustainable urban development. The overarching goal is to develop efficient and resource-saving solutions while increasing the quality of life and the attractiveness of the location. Overall, the aim is to create an innovative urban environment that includes residents and businesses and allows for new design options.

Which book do you recommend as a «Must Read»?

Various books by Martin Suter, Black Out by Marc Elsberg, Neotopia by Manuela Pfrunder and of course the Guide to the implementation of smart city initiatives in Switzerland.

Decisions

Interview

What is it that you like most about Switzerland?

A lot of things! In addition to the stability and safety for which Switzerland is well-known, I value the great innovative strength of this small country. Plus, of course, the opportunity for international networking that permeates every aspect of life here.

As a citizen, what are your expectations of Swiss government agencies?

Customer-friendly and at the same time cost-efficient service. I also expect government agencies to question the services offered by the state on a regular basis and not be afraid to question whether there are private-sector alternatives for the provision of services. But I also expect tax revenues to be used transparently and economically.

If you could change something about Switzerland immediately, what would it be?

With regard to the public sector: the rapid introduction of digital democracy based on a state-accredited digital identity!

I would love to initiate a change in culture towards positive thinking. From this point of view, the glass would increasingly seem half full.

Where do you see the greatest challenges for the public sector in the next five years?

I would list the greatest challenges in the following order: digitisation, pension provision and reducing the red tape.

What technology will fundamentally change our lives within the next five years?

IoT – the Internet of Things (possibly in combination with AI). The networking and integration of activities and things in virtual space will develop further in the future. “Thinking” and “decision-making” are becoming increasingly the preserve of machines. A prerequisite for success is the early widespread introduction of 5G.

What dangers do you see in technological development?

The pace of technological development has the potential to divide society: education and training must keep pace with technological progress. We can no longer avoid “lifelong learning”.

How do you think Switzerland compares internationally in terms of digitisation / digital solutions for the population?

In all the rankings I know in this context, Switzerland is mostly in the lower midfield – certainly not a front runner, which is a shame. One reason for this is the lack of digital identity. There are already many applications and ideas for meaningful digital solutions, which cannot be implemented however because we do not have E-IDs. If Switzerland used E-IDs, it would always be among the front runners in international comparisons because of its infrastructure and the high affinity for IT among the population.

Where do you see the greatest potential for digital identification services?

The untapped potential is enormous: A digital identity is a key prerequisite for reducing bureaucracy when dealing with the authorities, for more efficient transactions in business and customer relationships in numerous industries, and for increasing security for personal identification on the Internet. This would benefit the public, state authorities and private companies.

Looking back, what did you underestimate when establishing a digitisation solution?

How long it would take to gain acceptance for the solution and the deep-rooted scepticism with regard to E-ID.

What insights have you gained from the COVID-19 experience, both personally and professionally?

Personally I am more grateful than ever to have a happy family and good friends.

In professional terms, it was the realisation that working 100% from home requires even clearer management and explicit communication. In both areas, however, social contacts are essential.

What book would you recommend as a "must read"?

Max Frisch's "Homo Faber": This novel shows how modern man avoids questioning himself, how he anaesthetises himself with the apparent blessings of technology. That is what makes this great story so relevant, because in our everyday lives we are surrounded by distractions, toys and meaningless communication.

With what famous person, living or dead, would you like to have as a dinner guest and why?

It would not really matter to me whether the person was famous or not. I could imagine sitting down to dinner with anyone: it would not even matter what the food was like. The main thing would be to have a good conversation – and maybe even share a few laughs!

Decisions