Merger: ICTswitzerland and Digitalswitzerland under one roof in the future
The general meetings of Digitalswitzerland and ICTswitzerland have decided to merge. Under the name Digitalswitzerland, the new umbrella organization combines the forces of 220 members from business, the public sector, non-governmental organizations and associations, as well as research and education.
.jpg)
After the declaration of intent of the umbrella association ICTswitzerland and the location initiative Digitalswitzerland to merge was signed in July, the members of both organizations have now also confirmed the merger project at their respective association meetings.
With the merger, Digitalswitzerland will work even harder to promote Switzerland as a leading digital research and innovation location, according to a statement on Friday. In particular, the new umbrella organization will expand public dialogue with the Swiss Digitaltage and other channels, become more involved in digital issues at the political level, for example for the rapid introduction of the E-ID, strengthen STEM vocational training (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology) and promote the startup ecosystem in Switzerland. This should credibly position and strengthen Switzerland as a leading digital research and innovation location.
Merger completed by the end of 2020
The merger was decided on October 1 and should be completed by the end of 2020. In the future, the umbrella organization will have three offices in Lausanne, Bern and Zurich. Ivo Furrer will remain President of Digitalswitzerland, while the current ICTswitzerland President, National Councillor Marcel Dobler, will become Vice President. Nicolas Bürer will assume overall responsibility for Digitalswitzerland. Andreas W. Kaelin is deputy managing director and head of the Bern site. He is responsible for political advocacy as well as for the cybersecurity and ICT vocational training dossiers. Sébastien Kulling will continue to head the Lausanne site as deputy managing director. He is responsible for all activities and members in Suisse Romande.
