ICT – Information and communication technologies

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are a key prerequisite for the provision of vital goods and services. The National Economic Supply (NES) works together with businesses and public authorities to prepare measures that ensure the availability of critical ICT services, even in severe shortage situations, and to minimize the impact of disruptions on Switzerland’s supply and provision of essential goods and services.

Networks and ICT Infrastructures

The unit prepares measures to ensure the availability and resilience of critical telecommunications and ICT infrastructures. Particular attention is given to the resilience of mobile and fixed-line networks, data centers, and other ICT infrastructures that are essential for the supply of vital goods and services. In cooperation with businesses and public authorities, solutions are being developed to ensure that key communication services can be maintained as far as possible, even during electricity shortages or other major disruptions.

Supply Chains

The unit analyzes critical dependencies across digital supply chains and assesses their impact on the supply of vital goods and services. In cooperation with relevant industry stakeholders, criticality analyses and situation assessments are carried out to identify risks at an early stage and prepare appropriate precautionary measures.

Payment Transactions

The unit prepares measures to ensure the continuity of both cash and electronic payment systems during crisis situations. To this end, the National Economic Supply (NES) works closely with the Swiss National Bank as well as stakeholders involved in cash handling and electronic payments. The objective is to safeguard the availability of cash and further strengthen the resilience of electronic payment systems. This includes, among other things, solutions that enable electronic payments even when network availability is limited or disrupted.