Digital technologies offer significant opportunities to make government services more efficient and simplify administrative processes. With the increasing use of artificial intelligence, additional potential is opening up to rethink and accelerate processes – including in Switzerland. At the same time, it is becoming clear that the success of digital transformation depends not only on technological solutions, but also significantly on whether they are accepted in practice and supported by the stakeholders involved. This was discussed during the panel on reducing bureaucracy and digitalization at the first “SwissHoldings Legal Talks.”
Digitalization is seen as a key lever for addressing a wide range of challenges—in particular, for reducing the bureaucratic burden on businesses. However, a targeted and well-thought-out approach is required for it to realize its potential. Practice shows that digitalization alone does not guarantee a reduction in bureaucracy.
On the panel from left to right: Dirk Lindemann, Dr Christian Ulbrich, Jürg Grossen, Dr Stefan Sulzer, Dr Gabriel Rumo
Simplify processes before digitizing them
If existing processes are digitized without change, there is a risk that the complexity and the associated burden will remain. For digital solutions to create real added value, existing workflows must be critically analyzed and simplified. Dr Stefan Sulzer, Group General Counsel of the Adecco Group, emphasizes: “Digitization only brings real benefits if the underlying processes are simplified first. If complex workflows are merely digitized, the result is digital bureaucracy rather than efficiency.”
Strengthen coordination
Another challenge is avoiding fragmentation between different digital solutions. Differing procedures can prevent digitization from fully realizing its potential. This makes good coordination between the federal government, cantons, and administrative units all the more important. Harmonized processes and clear responsibilities form the basis for consistently implementing digital solutions.
Viewing the potential of AI with nuance
However, it also became clear that the potential of AI for reducing bureaucracy is viewed differently. While some see significant opportunities for efficiency, others warn of new complexity and additional regulation. It is undisputed, however, that the successful use of AI requires not only technological but also organizational and cultural prerequisites. Acceptance, trust, and getting the affected employees in government and business on board are key factors for a successful transformation.
The discussion at the SwissHoldings Legal Talks made it clear: Digitalization can be an important lever for reducing bureaucracy—provided it goes hand in hand with a consistent simplification and harmonization of government processes.
Contact
Felix Küng | Head of Legal | +41 (0)31 356 68 64
