Blockchain in Switzerland: It seems that blockchain technology is expected to infiltrate Switzerland’s economy even more-so. Already, the Alpine nation has been known as quite the hot-spot for all things cryptocurrency. But this time it seems that the technology behind blockchain specifically, allows for a real push in technological advancement for the nation.

Johann N. Schneider-Ammann on Blockchain in Switzerland

At the Crypto Valley Conference in Bern, Swiss Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, stated:

“Hardly anyone still doubts that blockchain will penetrate our entire economy.”

A transcript from the event was published by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research today, June 21. Schneider-Ammann is one of seven of the countries collective heads of state.

He furthered: “We need to put even greater emphasis on digitalization and technology in schools. We need more IT specialists (not to mention Blockchain experts). And we need more research projects and professorships in this field.”

It seems the reason for his surety lies in the technological advancement blockchain would mean for the country. Though much is still to be discovered about the technology, its educational benefits will be a “decisive factor” for its implementation. 

What’s So Hot About Switzerland?

Switzerland is already known as quite the hot-spot for business and in more recent years; crypto-related business. It has also been somewhat ahead of the crypto-game: Zurich (the nation’s Capital) set up its first Bitcoin (available on Coinbase) ATM four years ago (before 2017’s massive popularity surge), its national rail company has since 2016 allowed the purchase of virtual currency at over 1,000 distributors across Switzerland and according to financial watchdog Finma, in 2017 six of the world’s biggest ICO’s ever took place. Four of those were in Switzerland. 

And then there’s Zug.

Zug is a small city outside of Zurich, which has a very business-friendly taxation scheme and as a result houses tens-of-thousands of companies inclusive of the famous “CryptoValley”. It is currently home to over 200 blockchain companies including Ethereum (available on Coinbase)’s foundation. Zug has also since 2016 accepted Bitcoin (available on Coinbase) payments for council services and its first blockchain-based municipal vote is expected to happen very soon (June 25-July 1 more specifically). 

So it’s clear that Switzerland has been highly supportive of the cryptocurrency sphere and the technology that underpins it – blockchain.