Switzerland as a European AI epicenter

"I don't believe in science fiction, I believe in solutions that make people's lives better and can be integrated into business in a way that makes economic sense," says Andy Fitze. The pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and co-founder of the company SwissCognitive, which defines itself as a global AI hub and brings together companies around this important future topic, was the keynote speaker at the Swiss Business Lunch at the Swiss Embassy in Berlin. Nearly 100 experts gathered there to talk about the future of AI and the prospects for Switzerland as a business location. The unanimous conclusion: Switzerland is a European AI epicenter and a role model for the rest of Europe.

As an AI epicenter on a par with Israel, China and the USA

"Hundreds of startups are operating in Switzerland, shaping the future," Britta Thiele-Klapproth informs the entrepreneurs in attendance. Thiele-Klapproth is the head of Swiss Hub Germany, Switzerland's official business development agency in Germany. World-leading universities, attraction for skilled workers from all over the world and a very business and innovation-friendly administration from the municipality to the Federal Council are attested to the Eigenossen - also by the AI and IT experts who attended the Swiss Business Lunch as a forum for their new business ideas. They say they are on a par with London, Israel, China and the USA on the subject of AI, and are leaders in Europe. Collaborations with Swiss companies and universities, own projects or labs, and investing in a location in Switzerland are usually worthwhile, he said. "Switzerland generates competitive advantages and new markets," says Thiele-Klapproth, who accompanies dozens of companies on their way to Switzerland every year and establishes valuable contacts locally.

Not science fiction, but practical applications

In addition to technological issues and possible applications of AI in practice, for example in industry, in the areas of traffic, transport and logistics, or in social services, the Swiss Business Lunch also addressed ethics. "We don't have to fear AI. There has always been technological change, ever since the invention of the steam engine. Some people have always feared they would no longer be needed. And always, the quality of life and the need for skilled workers grew instead. AI makes people's lives better, even those who have had to put up with economic or regional disadvantages. Most fears are unfounded," says Fitze. Of course, individuals will have to adapt and learn new skills. But that has always been the case. The fact is, thanks to AI, humans will be able to free themselves from tedious routine tasks and instead focus on what makes them tick: creativity, potential development and humanity. "We are a long way from the machine mastermind today. It is not even remotely foreseeable that we will one day be guided and determined by self-learning machines. No one is researching that either. It simply doesn't make sense," says the Swiss entrepreneur and AI professional.

Instead, he said, new AI solutions are constantly being developed that serve people. As examples, he cited the diagnosis of diseases and their cure, more humane agriculture, or assistance systems that can also be operated by disabled people and make them more mobile. "We will see AI in all industrial and commercial areas," Andy Fitze is certain. It will change, simplify and optimize all of our daily lives - according to the individual's wishes. Only then will the technology be accepted and only then will it pay off. "Without demand, there is no supply. We are the ones who decide which solutions come and which don't," he says with conviction.

IT is the past...

Fitze tells companies to "stop investing in IT!" IT is a thing of the past. Unfortunately, most companies still put a lot of money into an IT department, which is "glorified as the eierlegende Wollmilchsau." The IT department, he said, is responsible for everything from the email server to the network, telephony, support, enterprise applications, technologies, enterprise architecture and best practices in project management. "It's all just administration. Past. Preservation." After all, he said, in-house IT can't even meet modern demands. Instead, he said, there is an urgent need to invest in external solutions and applications, in professional service providers and developers who understand the future. "The future is AI, blockchain, automation and much more," he says, noting, "In Switzerland, this future has already begun in very many places."

Britta Thiele-Klapproth is also convinced of this: "The AI landscape in Switzerland is developing solutions for people. The companies and their innovations have the potential to positively change the world." Humanity and business, market potential and quality of life are the hallmarks of Switzerland, she said. This combination attracts companies and professionals and forms the economic and ethical basis for the success of Switzerland as an AI location.

Source: https://www.s-ge.com/de