Overview
- Author: Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO)
- Source: SFAO Report 25128
- Date: July 2025
- Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Article Summary
What is it about? The SFAO investigated as part of an international parallel audit how well the Swiss Federal Administration is prepared for the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The topic is highly topical, as AI is increasingly permeating all areas of life and opening up new possibilities for administrative work.
Key facts:
- Over 100 AI projects have already been launched in the Federal Administration
- The AI Strategy for the Federal Administration was finalized in March 2025
- A concrete implementation plan is to be ready by the end of 2025
- Switzerland ranks first place out of 133 countries in the Global Innovation Index 2024
- However, there is a lack of pioneering flagship projects for the public
- The AI Convention of the Council of Europe will be implemented in Swiss law by the end of 2026
- Additional resources will likely be requested for 2027/2028
Affected groups: Federal Administration, citizens as users of public services, companies in the AI sector, research institutions
Opportunities & risks:
- Opportunities: Efficiency gains in administration, better services, innovation promotion
- Risks: "Shadow IT" outside validated structures, lack of coordination between projects, security and data protection problems
Recommendations: The SFAO emphasizes the need for better coordination between the institutional framework and concrete projects as well as more publicly visible pioneer projects.
Look into the Future
Short-term (1 year): Implementation plan of the AI strategy will be concretized, first coordinated measures start, development of the AI competence network will be advanced.
Medium-term (5 years): New governance structures for digital transformation established, AI Convention fully implemented, measurable efficiency gains in administration, pioneering AI projects become publicly visible.
Long-term (10–20 years): AI becomes standard in many administrative processes, automated decision systems in less sensitive areas, new forms of citizen interaction through AI-supported services.
Fact Check
The key statements are based on official Federal Administration documents and are verifiable. The assessments of Switzerland's international positioning are based on recognized indices. [⚠️ Still to be verified] would be the exact number of over 100 AI projects and their current status.
Additional Sources
- Digital Switzerland Strategy, Federal Chancellery, admin.ch
- Global Innovation Index 2024, World Intellectual Property Organization
- AI Convention of the Council of Europe, Council of Europe, coe.int
Source List
- Original source: SFAO Report 25128 "International Parallel Audit on Artificial Intelligence"
- Additional sources:
- Guidelines on artificial intelligence for the Confederation, Federal Chancellery
- Data Science Strategy of the Confederation of December 2, 2022
- EUROSAI Parallel Audit AI Documentation
- Facts verified: in July 2025
Brief Summary
The Swiss Federal Administration has created a solid institutional framework for AI and has already launched over 100 projects. However, pioneering flagship projects are missing and effective coordination between the strategic framework and concrete initiatives is lacking. Better coordination is needed to fully exploit AI potential and strengthen public trust.
Three Key Questions
Where is the transparency? How can over 100 AI projects be running without the public knowing what concrete impact these have on citizen services?
Who bears responsibility? With decentralized AI initiatives and lack of coordination – who ensures that ethical standards and citizen protection are guaranteed?
Innovation or administration? Can the traditionally slow Swiss administrative culture keep up with rapid AI development, or does it brake necessary innovations?
Meta:
- Version: 1.0
- Author: Analysis based on SFAO Report 25128
- License: According to SFAO specifications
- Last update: July 2025