{"id":236967,"date":"2026-06-19T15:33:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swissfederalism.ch\/ai-art-media-zurich\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T16:17:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T16:17:39","slug":"ai-art-media-zurich","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swissfederalism.ch\/en\/ai-art-media-zurich\/","title":{"rendered":"Artificial intelligence and the future of society"},"content":{"rendered":"

Artificial intelligence and the future of society<\/span><\/h1>\n

From centralization to intelligent decentralization: exploring how AI can enhance local autonomy, foster Innovation, and promote economic freedom.<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n
\n
\"AI,
AI, Art & Media: Zurigo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On June 11, 2026, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals gathered in Zurich to discuss one of the most important questions of our time: how will artificial intelligence transform our economy, our institutions, the media, creativity, and ultimately society itself?<\/span><\/p>\n

The occasion was the event AI, Art & Media and the New AI Economy<\/em>, organized by the Italian Cultural Institute of Zurich (Italiano di Cultura di Zurigo<\/a>), part of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).<\/span><\/p>\n

The speakers included Professor Massimiano Bucchi<\/strong>, a member of the Accademia dei Lincei and Professor of Science, Technology and Society; Dr. Philip Di Salvo<\/strong> of the University of St. Gallen; artist Stefano Cagol<\/a><\/strong>, who has participated in the Venice Biennale; Dr. Andrea Schenone<\/strong>, author of the book AI Wealth Machine<\/a>; and Dr. Raffaele Pentangelo<\/strong>, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Zurich, who moderated the concluding discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the evening, participants explored some of the most significant issues of the digital age: artificial intelligence and democracy, investigative journalism, information security, economic growth, entrepreneurship, public governance, and the future of work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the many topics discussed, one in particular attracted considerable attention: the relationship between artificial intelligence and federalism.<\/span><\/p>\n

The historical logic of centralization<\/span><\/h2>\n

To understand the potential impact of AI on institutions, it is useful to begin with a simple historical observation.<\/span><\/p>\n

For centuries, administrative centralization was justified by economies of scale. Managing information, coordinating public services, collecting data, and making decisions on a large scale required extensive bureaucratic structures and highly centralized organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n

In many cases, centralization was not an ideological choice but a technical necessity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Modern states expanded precisely because the efficient management of complex systems appeared to require a single decision-making center capable of processing information and coordinating activities across large territories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Artificial intelligence changes the rules of the game<\/span><\/h2>\n

Artificial intelligence has the potential to fundamentally alter this equation.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time in history, the cost of information processing, data analysis, organizational coordination, and public service delivery can be dramatically reduced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intelligent systems and AI agents can assist governments, businesses, and organizations in performing tasks that, until only a few years ago, required entire departments.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the primary advantage of centralization was the ability to process and coordinate vast amounts of information, AI significantly reduces that advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, smaller and more decentralized structures may become increasingly competitive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/h2>\n

The possible advantage of Switzerland<\/span><\/h2>\n

In this context, Switzerland occupies a particularly interesting position.<\/span><\/p>\n

Swiss federalism represents one of the most decentralized governance systems in the world. Cantons and municipalities have extensive fiscal, administrative, and political powers, encouraging experimentation, innovation, and local accountability.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditionally, some critics have argued that decentralization entails higher administrative costs compared to centralized systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, artificial intelligence could overturn this assessment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to intelligent automation, even relatively small administrations could deliver highly efficient services without increasing their size or organizational complexity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The combination of local autonomy and technological capability could enable:<\/span><\/p>\n