Forum Forward: Cybersecurity, AI & Digital Sovereignty for SMEs | EPFL

The Swiss SME landscape will focus on digital transformation at the FORWARD Forum on March 5th at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne. Organized by Le Temps, the event aims to provide pragmatic insights into artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

FORWARD, established as a key event for Swiss SMEs, seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical discussions and practical application of new technologies. EPFL, in partnership with Le Temps and PME Magazine, initiated the forum to address the unique challenges faced by SMEs in navigating the digital age. According to EPFL Vice President for Innovation, Professor Marc Gruber, SMEs often lack the internal resources needed for innovation, a situation exacerbated by the complexities of the digital landscape.

The 2026 forum will dedicate significant attention to the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Discussions will center on balancing the potential benefits of AI with associated risks, including workforce implications. The program will feature perspectives from both employers and labor representatives, addressing questions of employee training, the selection of appropriate AI solutions – with a particular focus on Swiss and European providers – and the potential for efficiency gains.

Cybersecurity will also be a central theme, addressing a growing concern for many SMEs. The forum will analyze a real-world cyberattack case, providing insights from a cybersecurity specialist and outlining legal recourse available to businesses. This comes as the number of cyberattacks against Swiss businesses continues to rise, with many incidents going unreported due to the sensitive nature of the breaches and the significant damage they cause.

The FORWARD Forum builds on previous iterations, including a 2024 event at the same location that explored the integration of AI into SME processes, governance models, and the challenges of domestic production in Switzerland. Attendees at the 2024 forum, as reported by Le Temps, largely favored a policy of industrial support within Switzerland, acknowledging the increasing difficulties of competing with heavily subsidized foreign industries.

Registration for the March 5th event is available at www.forumforward.ch.