The Prosperity of Tomorrow is Artificially Intelligent

Artificial intelligence is changing our work faster than we can react. Those who lose oversight lose their connection. einstAIn, the newly initiated think tank for the future of work in the AI age, brings together companies, employees, academia, and politics to actively, fairly, and sustainably shape the AI transformation in Switzerland. From analysis to action: The think tank translates global and Swiss studies into clear action recommendations and mobilises all actors on an open platform. The goal is to anticipate the unprecedentedly rapid development in time.

Conditions of work under pressure

"At first glance, it may seem unusual for an employee association to establish a think tank. Yet, the dynamics of artificial intelligence challenge established models. Until now, the rule was: work eight hours, get paid for eight hours. But with AI, someone can accomplish in two hours what used to take a full day. If future value is based not on time worked, but on the value generated, we as a community must clarify how productivity gains are distributed so that employees are not left behind," says Alexander Bélaz, President of Employees Switzerland.

With einstAIn, the personnel association takes responsibility and creates a venue where these questions can be discussed and shaped early, factually, and in the interests of employees.

Eight central challenges

The new think tank condenses findings from international and Swiss studies to derive concrete fields of action and frameworks of orientation. The first outcome of this work is a report identifying eight central challenges for Switzerland. It makes clear: For Switzerland, artificial intelligence is not a future promise but a touchstone for its prosperity. In a high-wage country with a shrinking workforce, competitiveness, social security systems, and income can only be secured if productivity increases and the innovation lead is defended – and that's where AI becomes the decisive lever.

"Demographics means: the supply of labour is shrinking, but demand remains. We must seize AI as an opportunity to increase labour productivity – and thus secure prosperity in Switzerland," says Patrick Chuard, Chief Economist, Swiss Employers' Association.

Need for strategy and new skills

At the same time, a dangerous imbalance emerges in many companies. While staff have long been using AI informally and pragmatically, clear strategy and responsibility are missing from many executive levels. It is risky to reduce AI to simple, isolated tools. Those who do not rethink roles and processes waste productivity and increase uncertainty instead of creating value.

"The AI age requires changed ways of working and new skills. Identifying these is crucial – for the self-development of employees, skills management in companies, and education to best prepare current and future workforces," says David Gisler, Talent Acquisition Lead, Siemens.

Loss of job and qualification value

For employees, this transformation means a fundamental paradigm shift: job security is increasingly being replaced by employability. AI does not devalue entire professions at once, but rather tasks, routines, and existing qualifications. Without new competency profiles and a broad, deep 'AI literacy', there is a threat of structural division in the labour market – between those who can productively use AI and those whose work gradually loses value.

"AI will fundamentally change value creation in Switzerland. To shape this transformation autonomously, we need our own research capacities and open technologies that are transparent, legal, and accessible to all. Investments in AI research are investments in the future viability of Switzerland as a location," says Imanol Schlag, AI Research Scientist, ETH AI Center.

Expected political responses

Politically, waiting is not an option either. Unclear regulatory frameworks hinder innovation and investments more than technological limits, while dependence on a few global providers is continuously growing. Those who do not actively shape digital sovereignty, data security, and legal certainty risk losing value creation and shaping power.

"AI is rapidly changing our work and life environment. Clear, fair rules that build trust without slowing innovation are all the more important. With targeted education and awareness, we ensure that AI serves social cohesion and is democratically legitimised," says Dominik Blunschy, Member of the National Council and Advisor for Digital Business & Innovation, ti&m.

AI can boost prosperity

The key insight of the report is clear: Artificial intelligence is not a job killer but a prosperity enhancer – provided it is strategically managed, broadly qualified, and responsibly regulated. Whether AI becomes an opportunity or a burden for Switzerland is decided not in the code, but in the decisions of companies, politics, and society – and that time is now.

Broadly based advisory community

The think tank is supported by an interdisciplinary advisory community that unites employers, employees, politics, and academia. Different perspectives and sometimes contrary experiences are explicitly part of the process - that's exactly where the added value lies. The exchange between current research and practical application is crucial for developing realistic and socially viable guidelines for the AI-driven change.

einstAIn sees itself as a platform for orientation in a phase of profound change. Over the coming months, specific areas of action will be further deepened and the results made accessible in public formats. The advisory community continues to grow in this process.

"All actors from the economy, politics, work, and academia are warmly invited to actively shape the dialogue and jointly take responsibility for the future of work. With a broad dialogue, in-depth knowledge exchange, and courageous action, we increase the chance of continuing Switzerland's success story in the age of intelligence," says Roger Oberholzer, Partner and Academy Lead at co-initiator Kuble - House of Intelligence.

About einstAIn

einstAIn is the think tank for the future of work in the age of AI. Initiated by Employees Switzerland and Kuble - House of Intelligence, einstAIn serves as a dialogue platform that connects companies, employees, research, and politics. The goal is to actively, fairly, and sustainably shape the AI-driven transformation of the working world to the advantage of all.

About Kuble - House of Intelligence

Since 2009, Kuble has translated new technologies into practice. The Kuble ACADEMY provides applicable AI competence and has trained over 800 specialists and managers since 2022. The team advises companies on the transformation into the age of artificial intelligence and offers AI solutions like the SWISS AI DESK for more productivity, growth, and innovation. From Switzerland for Switzerland.

Press Contact:

Kuble - House of Intelligence

Roger Oberholzer

Head of Education & Strategy

roger.oberholzer@kuble.com

+41 78 663 55 75

Employees Switzerland

Alexander Bélaz

President

alexander.belaz@angestellte.ch

+41 79 597 73 53

Christian Vogt

Communication (German)

christian.vogt@angestellte.ch

+41 360 11 26

Laure Fasel

Communication (French)

laure.fasel@angestellte.ch +41 44 360 11 28

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Angestellte Schweiz