The rise of digital platforms is reshaping many areas of our society, and public services are no exception. A policy paper from the EPFL Center for Digital Trust offers valuable recommendations to help maintain the quality of public services in Switzerland amidst this digital transformation.
The Shift to Digital Platforms
Traditionally, public services were provided directly by the government in physical locations. Nowadays, many of these services are available through digital platforms. While these platforms can make services more efficient, they also present new challenges.
Key Concerns
- Loss of Direct Contact: Digital platforms can reduce face-to-face interactions, potentially affecting service quality.
- Data Privacy: With private companies collecting user data, there is a risk of misuse, especially outside Swiss or European jurisdictions.
- Service Quality and Cost: Private intermediaries may increase costs or reduce service quality as they seek profits.
Expert Insights
EPFL Emeritus Professor Matthias Finger and Melanie Kolbe-Guyot, Head of Digital Policy at C4DT, highlight several important points. Prof. Finger notes that sectors like transportation, communication, energy, education, and public media are particularly affected by platformization.
“Platforms find it easier to enter industries that are more fragmented,” comments Prof. Finger.
Recommendations for Maintaining Quality
To address these challenges, the policy paper provides several recommendations:
- Data Sharing: Enforce private platform operators to share user data with public service providers.
- Fair Profit Sharing: Negotiate fair profit-sharing between companies and administrations to fund the necessary infrastructure.
- Accessibility and Continuity: Ensure public services remain accessible and continuous, both physically and digitally.
- Price Transparency: Enforce clear pricing to avoid unfair charges.
- Equal Treatment: Establish regulatory frameworks to ensure all citizens are treated equally.
- State-Owned Alternatives: Explore government-favored private platforms or state-owned options.
- Strategic Data Spaces: Investigate data spaces in key sectors to safeguard information.
Implementation Challenges
Implementing these measures requires a coordinated effort from both cantonal and federal administrations in Switzerland. Creating a dedicated federal unit for digital policies and public service regulation is crucial.
“My approach is very pragmatic. If we want to maintain the quality of public service, we must define a regulatory framework where platform providers must share users’ data. This requires political will,” concludes Prof. Finger.
Moving Forward
As digital platforms continue to evolve, it is vital for Swiss authorities to develop and implement strategies to preserve the high standards of public services. By addressing the challenges of data privacy, cost, and service quality, Switzerland can ensure its public services remain effective and equitable in the digital era.
Conclusion
The digital age brings both opportunities and challenges for public services. With thoughtful regulation and collaboration, we can harness the benefits of digital platforms while maintaining the quality and fairness of public services. It is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, adaptability, and a commitment to the public good.
