On April 20, 2026, the Basel Economic Forum took place at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in Basel, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and data usage. The event explored key questions surrounding the economic and societal impact of AI, including its role in healthcare, data security, verification of AI-generated outputs, and the broader implications for digital transformation.

The forum featured a series of breakout sessions addressing diverse perspectives. Topics included the practical implementation of AI in corporate environments, regional positioning in digitization, ethical considerations regarding the human role in AI systems, and the balance between opportunities and risks in financial institutions.

Insights from Prof. Dr. Bettina Schneider

Reflecting on the breakout session co-moderated with Rolf Dornberger and Florian Schütz, Prof. Dr. Bettina Schneider emphasized the central question of how human agency is positioned within increasingly data-driven systems. Three key conclusions emerged:

1. The AI ecosystem is globally networked.
2. Responsibility of organizations creates trust.
3. Critical thinking is central.

Panelists

• Sarah Wyss, Member of the National Council
• Lukas Engelberger, Member of the Government Council of the Canton of Basel-Stadt
• Jan Leibundgut , Head of Site Operations, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Basel / Kaiseraugst
• Florian Schütz , Director of the Federal Office for Cyber ​​Security (BACS)
• Regula Berger, CEO BKB

Moderator

• Nina Jecker, Editor-in-Chief BAZ 

Session Contributors and Event Speakers

• Prof. Dr. Bettina Schneider – Competence Center Digital Trust, FHNW
• Prof. Dr. Rolf Dornberger – FHNW
• Lisa Brodbeck – Co-Lead AI / AI Champion, Roche
• Monika Brönnimann – Senior Scientist Clinical Systems / AI Adoption & Enablement, Roche
• Lukas Ott – Head of Cantonal and Urban Development Basel-Stadt
• Özlem Civelek – Member of the Executive Board BKB / VR Bank Cler
• Prof. Dr. Paolo Vanini – Head of Corporate Development BKB
• Patricia von Falkenstein – National Councillor, President metrobasel
• Regula Ruetz – Director metrobasel

Source: metrobasel