Key facts
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) has audited the extent to which the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) is managing the digital transformation of the 1st pillar strategically, and implementing it operationally. Digitalisation of the 1st pillar is politically desirable, but implementation is being delayed due to structural deficits and a lack of coordination between the stakeholders. It can only be successfully implemented if all the stakeholders, in particular the FSIO and the implementing bodies, work together and in a coordinated manner. With its digital transformation and innovation strategy, the FSIO has laid a foundation based on standardisation, data management and governance, which encompasses legal adjustments as well as the introduction of new digital processes and services. Despite this, progress is being hampered by complex implementing structures, institutional demarcation and a lack of trust between the FSIO and the implementing bodies – this is a major obstacle for digitalisation. Instead of rigorous and coordinated implementation, the situation is being dominated by individual interests, protracted decision-making processes and insufficiently used management tools. A lack of economic incentives and incomplete benefit analyses are further hindering efficient digitalisation. Without clear steerage and consistent collaboration between the stakeholders, potential will remain untapped.