Dialogue on the Importance of the AI Ecosystem in the Canton of Zurich
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, a roundtable discussion involving politicians, business leaders, and universities was convened at the instigation of Martin Neukom, President of the Cantonal Government of Zurich. The focus of the exchange was the importance of the Canton of Zurich in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the economy.
Carmen Walker Späh, Government Councillor and Head of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich, and Martin Neukom, President of the Government of the Canton of Zurich, sought dialogue to discuss where Zurich's economy stands in the field of AI, what effects companies are already recognizing, and what the Canton of Zurich should additionally do for AI positioning. Prof. Reto Steiner, Dean of the ZHAW School of Management and Law, represented the Zurich universities in the panel discussion.
"The canton of Zurich offers a robust ecosystem for companies in the field of artificial intelligence, characterized by a spirit of innovation fostered by collaboration between the government, universities, and businesses," commented Reto Steiner following the discussion.
In addition to business representatives, the roundtable included Fabian Streiff (Head of the Office of Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich), Julia Hillebrandt (CEO of Zurich Children's Hospital), and representatives of the AI Center at ETH.