No. 165, September
How computerisation is transforming the Swiss labour market
- Innovation
- Digitization
- Labour Market
- KOF Bulletin
New technologies are fundamentally changing the demand for labour in Switzerland and other countries. Is the Swiss workforce about to be replaced by robots, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies?
How computerisation is driving the immigration of highly skilled workers
- Free movement of people
- Innovation
- Migration
- Labour Market
- KOF Bulletin
There is a renewed shortage of skilled labour in Switzerland. A recent study published in the Journal of Population Economics shows how computerisation is driving the Swiss economy’s demand for highly skilled workers. This trend is thus having a significant impact on what sort of people are immigrating to Switzerland.
“COVID has boosted computerisation”
- Innovation
- Digitization
- KOF Bulletin
Martin Wörter and Mathias Beck are examining the digital transformation as part of a research project funded by the National Research Programme (NRP). In this interview the two innovation economists explain why the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated computerisation and why Europe is still lagging behind the United States in terms of technology.
How digital technologies are enhancing modern economic research: a workshop report
- Digitization
- Innovation
- KOF Bulletin
High-resolution aerial photographs – evaluated using machine-learning techniques – can be used to create success indicators for construction projects in Switzerland. Until now it has not been possible to measure whether planned construction projects have been implemented or not. The initial results of a KOF pilot project indicate that many construction projects have remained unfinished – especially in the wake of the 2012 second-home initiative.
What is the employment situation of female graduates who have studied STEM subjects?
- Innovation
- Labour Market
- KOF Bulletin
- Education
Compared with female graduates in fields such as law and psychology, female STEM graduates have higher salaries one year after graduation, are more likely to have permanent jobs and are more likely to hold managerial positions. Even five years after graduation, four out of five female STEM graduates are in jobs that require a degree in their specialist field. Overall, female STEM graduates seem satisfied with their employment situation.
Business activity at Swiss companies continues to slow
- KOF Business Situation Indicator
- Swiss Economy
- KOF Bulletin
The KOF Business Situation Indicator fell in August for the second month in a row. Although the situation is more encouraging now than it was a year ago, it was noticeably more positive this spring and during the earlier summer months. The Swiss economy is clearly showing signs of slowing.