The canton is currently procuring various IT services, including in the area of innovation. There is not yet a central overview, but the Digital Innovation Hub aims to change that.
From March 1, 2024, the canton of Zurich will boast its very own Digital Innovation Hub. The cantonal laboratory will be headed by Maren Kottler, who previously worked as the Manager of Foresight & Open Innovation at Swiss Post. This confirmation comes from the Department of Finance, where the Office for Informatics (AFI) is based, in response to inquiries. Under her leadership, four experts will work to establish a community platform and intertwine and connect ongoing initiatives, such as the AI Sandbox, with stakeholders from education, business, and administration.
At the moment, the canton is actively seeking IT services in over 14 areas for application management, covering aspects like Virtual and Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Blockchain. As of now, there is currently no central overview of innovation topics, as stated by a spokesperson from the Finance Department. The Digital Innovation Hub aims to change this. The community platform is intended to provide an overview of the administration's innovative projects and facilitate technology transfer among them.
The canton is looking for providers for blockchain applications who can handle up to 300 person-days annually by 2027, as needed. This includes projects for applications, as well as feasibility studies, consulting, and training for the canton's employees. Additionally, support and assistance in operation are also required.
However, it's more of a preventive procurement in this case. The press office states that there are currently no known concrete projects where blockchain is being used for business transactions, or at least under consideration. However, it cannot be ruled out that the technology may be utilized in products from suppliers.
It's a different story when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. The technology is already being used in voice and chatbots, where it aims to recognize user intent and provide appropriate responses. Other examples of AI projects include the 'Digital Learning Hub' from the Middle and Vocational School Office and the 'Innovation Sandbox' from the Department of Economic Affairs. The use of AI is outlined in a cantonal guideline, and current projects are listed on the canton's website.
Moreover, IoT devices are already in use in the canton as well. The Office for Informatics for instance utilizes sensors installed under desks. These generate data on the occupancy of the workstations. Additional sensors generate information on the indoor climate and acoustics. Research on augmented and virtual reality is being conducted at the Strickhof Institute for Education and Research. At the Olma fair, the Strickhof booth, according to the press office, demonstrated using VR glasses how the internal organs of a cow look and how digestion is influenced by different feeding strategies.
Author: Thomas Schwendener