Interview to Patrick Stahl

Despite its small size, Liechtenstein is emerging as a digital pioneer, driven by collaboration and innovation across sectors.
We spoke with Patrick Stahl, Co-founder of digital-liechtenstein.li, to explore how the platform is shaping the country’s digital future and global connectivity.

Digital-Liechtenstein.li is the central platform for digital transformation in Liechtenstein. The platform brings together politics, administration, business, science, and society to address and advance digital topics. A strong focus is on the economy. Digital-Liechtenstein.li brings together more than 50 companies and organizations to make Liechtenstein fit for the future as a digital location. Our activities focus, in particular, on networking, exchanging experiences, public relations, and launching and bundling new initiatives.

Liechtenstein is a strong business location in an innovative region with hidden champions such as the construction technology group Hilti, the audio connector manufacturer Neutrik, the heating manufacturer Hoval, and many more. What all companies have in common is that they are tackling digital transformation to remain competitive. In this way, digital-Liechtenstein invites its members to share experiences and launch new initiatives. Liechtenstein does not have to be at the forefront of this; it is about simpler processes and occupying the right niches. The best examples are the introduction of electronic identification (eID), blockchain law, or comprehensive coverage with fiber-optic infrastructure.

Due to its small size, Liechtenstein depends on close cooperation with other countries. On the one hand, the government is linked to Switzerland through the Customs Treaty, and on the other hand, it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). This close networking guarantees the attractiveness of Liechtenstein as a business location. In the digital age, it is essential that networking is also actively lived. Digital-Liechtenstein.li, therefore, works closely with similar organizations in neighbouring countries to promote the cross-border exchange of experience and knowledge transfer.