Due its data processing capacity, artificial intelligence offers Swiss companies new opportunities.
Definition and examples of uses
Artificial intelligence (AI) aims to imitate human thinking abilities. It refers to all technologies and theories that make it possible to simulate human intelligence. Thus, unlike traditional computer programmes, AI can process and analyze Big Data (large amounts of data).
The basics of artificial intelligence emerged in the 1950s thanks to mathematician Alan Turing. Since then, AI is constantly progressing as it learns from experience based on the “machine-learning” principle. This method of learning by error is equivalent to a continuous training: the more qualitative the data, the more AI can identify patterns and improve itself, which in turn allows it to analyze and solve complex problems and even be predictive.
Google, Microsoft, Facebook and all major businesses today use artificial intelligence. More and more Swiss SMEs are also using AI. In 2024, more than half of them (55%) had integrated AI into their workflows, according to a labour market study conducted by the Sotomo Research Institute on behalf of AXA.
For example, vocal recognition has been a great success these last few years. Chatbots (or dialoguers) are increasingly used to provide instant customer support 24 hours a day. Some AIs also serve to automate and speed up HR tasks. The automatic management of a network (water, traffic lights, street lights, etc.) is another example of uses.
The debate on the impact of AI on the labour market has been going on since its inception, and has been rekindled by recent advances. The intervention of people nonetheless remains indispensable to program the machine, to introduce the right criteria, and to “ask the AI the right questions”. For the AI to be truly useful, a collaboration with man is therefore essential. Despite foreseeable efficiency gains, only a minority of SMEs are planning to reduce their workforce as a result of artificial intelligence, according to the Axa study.
Opportunities for Swiss companies
From financial risks assessment to assistance in medical diagnostics, AI affects all industries. This technological shift can be an important efficiency gain for businesses since IA is not only able to sort a lot of data quickly but also organize them and make them sustainably useable. It also offers a quick response tailored to customers and can predict a consumer’s online shopping pattern. A study by the Innovate Switzerland community of 111 business representatives in 2024 found that a majority of respondents (68%) expect companies to increase their productivity through AI over the next five years. More than a quarter (27%) even expect a strong increase.
Following the launch of generative AI in 2023, Microsoft and LinkedIn published the Work Trend Index 2024 on AI adoption at work. In a context of growing labour shortages, the index reveals that organizations that empower their employees with AI tools and training will attract the best talent. LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky highlights the competitive advantage of companies that "will favour agility over the status quo and invest in their employees’ skills development".
For more
"Enterprise AI For Dummies", Zachary Jarvinen (2020), Wiley.
"Understanding Artificial Intelligence", Nicolas Sabouret, (2020), Editions Taylor & Francis Ltd.
"Artificial intelligence for dummies", John-Paul Mueller, Luca Massaron, (2018), John Wiley & Sons Inc.
