Campus - 14.11.2025 - 14:00
The St.Gallen Director of Education recalled the digital education initiative, which was launched by the St.Gallen-Appenzell Chamber of Industry and Commerce, unanimously approved by the Cantonal Parliament and endorsed by a large majority of voters. “The initiative was a promise,” explained Bettina Surber. Today, the School of Computer Science is a symbol of how computer science has become indispensable to the economy and society.
The SCS-HSG stands for the combination of technical understanding and entrepreneurial thinking, emphasised HSG President Manuel Ammann. “The increasing intertwining of business and technology requires a fundamental understanding of both areas. Therefore, offering computer science courses at a business university such as HSG is not only sensible, but necessary.” The combination of technical and economic know-how gives rise to innovative ideas that can establish themselves on the market and have an impact.
Manuel Ammann also discussed the development of the School over the past five years. In the area of teaching, HSG now offers four established degree courses in computer science, from bachelor's to doctorate level. Currently, around 250 students are enrolled, and 64 students have already successfully completed their studies. In the area of research, two institutes have been established. The Institute of Computer Science in Vorarlberg shows that the school is providing impetus beyond the campus. Both the school and the institutes focus on practical research. As examples, the HSG President cited projects in collaboration with companies such as St.Gallen Public Utilities, St.Gallen Cantonal Hospital and Switzerland Innovation Park Ost.
Andreas Göldi, partner at b2venture, spoke about the importance of entrepreneurial computer science. The connection between IT and business has been a focus of his entire professional life. It is crucial for Europe's future. “Understanding both sides is an absolute prerequisite for success,” he said, praising the approach of the School of Computer Science in St.Gallen. Many companies still express difficulties with the introduction of artificial intelligence. The good news, however, is that four major innovation clusters have emerged in Europe. The Alpine region is developing most dynamically, driven not least by strong universities in Lausanne, Zurich, St.Gallen and Munich.
Vincent Lenders, founding director of the Swiss Cyber Defence Campus in Thun, spoke on the topic of “The Cybersecurity Evolution”. Cybersecurity is one of the greatest challenges in our digitalised world. The cat-and-mouse game between attacks and protective measures has been going on since the invention of the Enigma encryption machine and continues to this day. One of the differences from the past is that criminal attacks today cause billions in damage. Artificial intelligence can be used to detect threats. At the same time, however, attackers also use AI for their own purposes.
Vincent Lenders' remarks also included high praise for a Master's specialisation in “Strategic Cybersecurity”, which HSG is adding to its programme at the School of Computer Science. It combines technical depth in cybersecurity with management and social perspectives. “This initiative is a visionary step and unique in Europe,” emphasised the professor of cybersecurity at the University of Luxembourg.
After the short presentations, Simon Mayer, dean of the School of Computer Science, spoke with students, staff and researchers about their experiences in teaching and research at SCS-HSG. Former and current students particularly emphasised their appreciation for being able to contribute to the cultural development of the programme of study.
From the very beginning, an atmosphere has developed at the school in which students and faculty inspire and support each other, added Simon Mayer. The University of St.Gallen also attaches great importance to interdisciplinary degree courses that combine computer science with other disciplines. This allows students from other disciplines to benefit from computer science by integrating relevant courses into their own degree course scheme.
Text: Claudia Schmid
Images: Hannes Thalmann
