Digital MasterClass Geneva - A successful conclusion of crossing the Röstigraben
The Geneva Digital MasterClass came to a close with two events at the end of March 2025 in Geneva and Zurich. It was planned and held jointly with the University of Geneva, a strategic partner of the University of Zurich.
The Digital MasterClass, which the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) of the University of Zurich (UZH) has been offering for several years in various cantons and currently on an ongoing basis at national level, aims to provide politicians with neutral information on relevant digital transformation topics.
The format has developed into a successful model, which was particularly evident at the MasterClass in Geneva. The events were led by the State Councillor for Digital Affairs, Carole-Anne Kast, and the President of the Grand Council 2023-2024, Céline Zuber-Roy. At times, more than 30 people from the Grand Conseil and the Geneva administration took part in the MasterClasses on the five topics – which were selected together with the politicians.
Two final events have strengthened ties across the Röstigraben. On Friday, March 21, 2025, a delegation from Zurich consisting of representatives from the Zurich Cantonal Council, the cantonal administration and UZH visited the Grand Conseil. Among other things, the evaluation of the two MasterClasses in Geneva and Zurich was presented (the latter was completed in March 2025). The feedback clearly indicates a desire for continuation.
Ties between the cantonal administrations were also strengthened. For example, knowledge transfer is to be expanded in the area of open data. Further ideas for follow-up projects are currently being developed.
A week later, on March 28, 2025, a delegation of researchers from the University of Geneva visited the DSI and spoke with UZH scientists about possible collaboration projects. This visit also led to several concrete ideas for follow-up projects.
Crossing the Röstigraben proved to be very fruitful.
The series of events was supported by the UZH Global Strategy and Partnerships Funding Scheme and the Stiftung Mercator Schweiz.
Further information on the content of the Digital MasterClass 2024 for the «Grand Conseil» of the Canton of Geneva can be found here.
