Concentrated expertise for future-focused solutions

A player like SWITCH has the networking strength required to bring together the swarm intelligence of its partners from a wide variety of disciplines. SWITCH and its communities moderate around twenty expert and working groups. The importance of networking and knowledge sharing is shown by the example of eduhub, the Swiss universities’ e-learning community. eduhub brings together experts and interest groups in the field of e-learning. Gudrun Bachmann, Head of the Learning and Teaching Department at the University of Basel, sums it up: ‘Learning increasingly takes place in open, virtual environments. eduhub offers the ideal platform for joint discussions about how we can deal responsibly with issues such as data security, copyright and privacy protection.’

Computer Emergency Response Teams show that networking is also critical at international level. CERTs are teams of IT security experts working to protect internet users against cyberthreats. ‘To combat the attackers effectively, international cooperation in trusted communities is essential,’ says Frank Herberg, Head of SWITCH-CERT (Commercial Sectors).

SWITCH is actively involved in many other communities: in the field of open research data, for example, SWITCH brings partners together to network research data and improve its usability. With regard to security awareness, SWITCH networks experts and raises awareness among internet users through campaigns and training. For customised contractual conditions in the procurement of software licences, SWITCH networks with universities and negotiates the optimal conditions together with its sister organisations in the DACH region.

For many years, SWITCH has been moderating and networking communities in a wide variety of disciplines and brings together partners at different levels. This commitment will soon be strengthened even further: SWITCH’s networks in Switzerland and internationally will contribute to creating future-focused solutions.