Matthew Allen

Science journalist, English department

I write about the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technology and its possible impacts on society. Originally from England, I spent some time at the BBC in London before moving to Switzerland to join SWI swissinfo.ch.

English Department

Mimic's robotic hands performing production task

Research frontiers

A new generation of robots is taking shape in Switzerland

This content was published on Sep 11, 2026 Swiss start-ups are developing cutting-edge robots that combine novel hardware with AI.

Macroeconomics

Why the Swiss federal budget is so hard to predict

This content was published on Sep 10, 2026 A late boost to company taxes helped push 2027 Swiss federal budget forecasts into the black.

The Swiss-China FTA entered into force in 2014

Foreign Affairs

Swiss seek China business boost as old trade links unravel

This content was published on Aug 31, 2026 A beefed-up Swiss-China free trade agreement could compensate for unreliable US/EU trading partners.

The US mid-term elections could prove contentious

Election, trade and AI chaos

This content was published on Jul 22, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

How artificial intelligence is shaping the Swiss job market

This content was published on Jul 22, 2026 AI experience is fast becoming an essential skill for hiring companies.

The Iran conflict is being felt at the petrol pumps

The cost of NATO, the Iran war and AI bubbles

This content was published on Jul 15, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

What the US soul means for the economy, and football

This content was published on Jul 8, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

AI and social media platforms have accelerated deepfakes

Swiss AI

How Switzerland is tackling the AI deepfake menace

This content was published on Jul 7, 2026 Online deepfakes intend to vilify, mislead or sow confusion and Switzerland is one of many countries seeking to contain the growing problem.

A Falcon 9 SpaceX heavy rocket lifts off

Gulf peace prospects, SpaceX shares lift off and digital sovereignty

This content was published on Jun 17, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Swiss AI

Swiss bankers wary, but not spooked by Mythos AI threat

This content was published on May 1, 2026 The Swiss financial sector is assessing the potential threat posed by frontier artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Alienating Europe’s far right, alien conspiracy and tariff attack

This content was published on Apr 29, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

US military leans heavily on Silicon Valley

A God complex, Apple’s leadership change and tech goes to war

This content was published on Apr 22, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Will Trump carry out his threat to remove US troops from Europe?

AI armageddon, NATO alliance wobbles and SpaceX going public

This content was published on Apr 15, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Research frontiers

Science podcast: cracking the chip code

This content was published on Mar 27, 2026 Unpacking semiconductors, Switzerland's chip strategy, and the high-stakes global race for tech dominance in our latest podcast.

AI has increased global appetite for semiconductors

Swiss AI

How Switzerland could shape the chip industry’s power balance

This content was published on Mar 12, 2026 Swiss-based RISC-V open-source movement frees chip designers from extra cost and restrictions.

Universities use open-source technology to design chips

Swiss AI

Switzerland hosts ‘CERN of semiconductor research’

This content was published on Mar 12, 2026 Swiss universities rely on open-source technology to design more efficient chips.

The Swiss media industry is demanding greater IP protection

Swiss AI

Switzerland considers AI data ‘theft’ defence

This content was published on Dec 19, 2025 Swiss lawmakers seek balance between copyright protection and technological innovation.

An office space with many computer screens displaying news and information and a few employees

Swiss AI

Innovation versus protection: How AI poses unique copyright challenges

This content was published on Dec 19, 2025 Global legislators and courts scramble to apply copyright laws in the face of face AI.

Apertus LLM is intended as a trustworthy and inclusive AI Large Language Model

Swiss AI

Switzerland launches transparent ChatGPT alternative

This content was published on Sep 2, 2025 Swiss Apertus LLM aims to compete in a crowded field with openness and accessibility.

A man standing in front of an image of a smartphone

Research frontiers

How semiconductors are made

This content was published on Aug 4, 2025 Making semiconductor chips for computers, machinery, transport and other devices is a costly and a lengthy process. How exactly is it done?

Debates

Is closer trade with China worth the risk of annoying the US?

Switzerland plans a free trade upgrade with China. What do you think - is it worth the risk of US reprisals?

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Aug 31, 2026

8 Likes

7 Comments

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How can we avoid AI being monopolised by powerful countries and companies?

AI has the potential to solve many of the world's problems. But the wealthiest countries and tech firms may seek to hoard these benefits.

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Nov 7, 2024

41 Likes

26 Comments

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Does a giant UBS offer more risk or reward?

UBS is targeting growth after taking over Credit Suisse. Does that offer more prosperity or risk to Switzerland'

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Mar 27, 2024

2 Likes

21 Comments

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Why should taxpayers foot the bill for rescuing Credit Suisse?

Following the forced takeover of Credit Suisse, how can we make the Swiss banking system safer?

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Mar 20, 2023

134 Comments

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Does Swiss banking secrecy help or harm society?

The Swiss Bank Secrecy Act has been criticised for being too draconian.

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Feb 20, 2023

7 Likes

34 Comments

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Matthew Allen

More

A new generation of robots is taking shape in Switzerland

More

Why the Swiss federal budget is so hard to predict

More

Swiss seek China business boost as old trade links unravel

More

Election, trade and AI chaos

More

How artificial intelligence is shaping the Swiss job market

More

The cost of NATO, the Iran war and AI bubbles

More

What the US soul means for the economy, and football

More

How Switzerland is tackling the AI deepfake menace

More

Gulf peace prospects, SpaceX shares lift off and digital sovereignty

More

Swiss bankers wary, but not spooked by Mythos AI threat

More

Alienating Europe’s far right, alien conspiracy and tariff attack

More

A God complex, Apple’s leadership change and tech goes to war

More

AI armageddon, NATO alliance wobbles and SpaceX going public

More

Science podcast: cracking the chip code

More

How Switzerland could shape the chip industry’s power balance

More

Switzerland hosts ‘CERN of semiconductor research’

More

Switzerland considers AI data ‘theft’ defence

More

Innovation versus protection: How AI poses unique copyright challenges

More

Switzerland launches transparent ChatGPT alternative

More

How semiconductors are made

Debates

More

Is closer trade with China worth the risk of annoying the US?

More

How can we avoid AI being monopolised by powerful countries and companies?

More

Does a giant UBS offer more risk or reward?

More

Why should taxpayers foot the bill for rescuing Credit Suisse?

More

Does Swiss banking secrecy help or harm society?

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