Press release

The Federal Council is creating a data science competence centre

Bern, 13.05.2020 - During its session of 13th May 2020, the Federal Council decided to create a national data science competence centre. This centre will support the Federal Administration in solving complex tasks.

Data science is also becoming increasingly important for the public administration. It covers intelligent calculation processes (algorithms) which make it possible to automate solving complex tasks. Thanks to data science, the state is able to provide more efficient services.

The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) will launch this interdisciplinary centre as of 1st January 2021. As the competence centre for official statistics in Switzerland, the FSO has many years of experience in dealing with complex issues and large volumes of data. It has its own methodology service.

This new centre will support the federal administration so it can carry out projects which draw upon data science. It will promote the transfer of knowledge within the Confederation and encourage exchanges with the scientific community, research institutes and bodies responsible for practical application.

This competence centre will notably contribute to producing transparent results while respecting data protection. It will not compete against private enterprises in accordance with the commitment made in the 2019-2023 legislative programme.


 

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The Federal Council is creating a data science competence centre


 

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