Key facts
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Federal Administration using chatbot solutions as an example. The aim was to evaluate whether synergies between the projects could be utilised and to what extent the hoped-for benefits could be achieved. The role of the Competence Network for Artificial Intelligence (CNAI) was also to be evaluated. The SFAO identified 21 AI chatbot solutions in the Federal Administration. These include both operational applications and projects at various stages. The majority are chatbots on public websites with low costs and risks. More complex solutions, which require a high level of data sovereignty and security standards, are in the minority and are all still in the development phase. The implementation costs of the projects are currently between CHF 9,000 and 3 million.
The audit showed that knowledge is shared between projects and that this also helps to identify possible synergies and utilise them. The CNAI played more of a facilitating role. It did enable initial contact between those in charge of the project, but was no longer involved as it progressed. With severely limited resources, the CNAI has not yet been able to fulfil its mandate in full. This was previously demonstrated by the FSO in an independent evaluation. Based on this, the Federal Council ordered measures to be taken.
