Switzerland is extremely well-placed globally when it comes to ICT (information and communication technology). This is mostly due to the adaptability of its organizations in relation to new ICT solutions and the extensive ICT expertise of its employees. Top-class specialists undergo training in the talent pipeline of the Computer Science departments at the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology - ETHZ and EPFL - the result of which contributes to a thriving startup and spin-off scene. Moreover, international corporations such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, Siemens, Disney, and HP have set up home near these research institutes. Currently, around 18,270 companies are specialized in ICT in Switzerland.
In its latest press release, ICT Switzerland announced that CeBIT would team up with Switzerland in 2016. Organized by Deutsche Messe AG, the event is the world's largest and most international expo focusing on information and communication technology. It gathers each year more than 3,300 exhibitors and 220,000 visitors from 100 countries. The 2016 edition will take place from March 14th to 18th 2016 in Hannover.
Switzerland will be represented by renowned companies, innovative start-ups, universities and schools of applied sciences. Federal Council Johann Schneider-Ammann, who will lead the official opening of CeBIT in 2016, is enthusiastic about this partnership: “Switzerland is a small country but when it comes to digitalization of the economy and society, it is leading in various areas. Innovation is key for competitiveness and employment. We have the will to be at the forefront of digitalization - and we can show this to the world in Hannover.” Earlier this year, Switzerland was ranked 6th in the Network Readiness Index from the World Economic Forum. Still according to WEF, Switzerland is the 5th fastest country in the world when it comes to Internet speed.
For more information about ICT in Switzerland, please refer to the Handbook for Investors (Innovation and Technology).
