UZH Finance Research Project Wins First Place at the SKU Award 2026
For project on "Developing a Digital Dialogue System for the Heuristics-Based Integration of ELSI into Data-Related Decisions at Swiss Companies"
An Innosuisse-funded research project led by Prof. em. Carmen Tanner has received first place at the this year's SKU Award, winning CHF 50'000,- for its practical contribution to integrating ethical, legal and social considerations into data-related business decisions.
The winning project, „Developing a Digital Dialogue System for the Heuristics-Based Integration of ELSI into Data-Related Decisions at Swiss Companies“, was funded by Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency. Conducted between 2023 and 2025, it was a collaboration between the University of Zurich, the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (Prof. Christian Hauser), and four business partners.
The project developed, optimized and validated a digital dialogue system designed to help Swiss companies systematically consider ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) when making data-related decisions. By translating these considerations into practical guidance, the system aims to support companies in addressing the broader implications of data use in their business activities.
The SKU Award recognizes the project's contribution to linking academic research with the practical challenges in the areas of management, organization, digitalization, and sustainability that Swiss companies face.
The award ceremony took place in Zug on 2 November 2026. Two of the project's business partners, PostFinance and Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), were also represented at the event.
We congratulate Carmen Tanner and her partners on this well-deserved recognition! 👏
SKU Award
The SKU Award is a Swiss initiative recognizing innovative, future-oriented research projects that contribute to leadership, organization, and the future of work. The Award is organized by the Stiftung SKU in Switzerland and aims to highlight research projects with strong societal and practical relevance, particularly in areas such as leadership, organizational development, work environments, and future skills.