The Canton of Zug is contributing a total of 39.35 million over five years to the development costs of the "Blockchain Zug - Joint Research Initiative", a joint innovative project of the University of Lucerne and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. This will make the Crypto Valley an international center for blockchain research.
After the Cantonal Council passed the bill on February 29, 2024, the referendum deadline expired unused on May 6, 2024. This clears the way for the establishment of a Zug Institute for Blockchain Research at the University of Lucerne with nine new chairs. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) will have the opportunity to strengthen its long-standing activities in blockchain research. In addition, a cooperation and communication platform, a so-called hub, will be created. While HSLU will contribute its expertise in the fields of computer science, finance and technology to the cooperation, the University of Lucerne will contribute the humanities perspective, for example law, politics, macroeconomics, philosophy and sociology.
Educational project with international appeal
The aim of the initiative supported by the canton is to make Zug a world-leading center for blockchain research. "We believe that blockchain technology has the potential to change many areas of our lives and we want to ensure that we are at the forefront of this development," says Finance Director Heinz Tännler. With Blockchain Zug, an innovative flagship project with international appeal is being launched. "With this educational project, we are further strengthening Zug as a business location, also against the backdrop of the OECD minimum taxation introduced on January 1, 2024," adds the Director of Finance. This is a measure that will help to secure the competitive position of the canton of Zug as a successful residential and business location despite the introduction of the minimum tax.
Globally unique initiative
The research will take a broad approach and will not be limited exclusively to technological issues. Instead, it will also examine in detail the far-reaching effects of blockchain technology on society, the economy and politics. The "Blockchain Zug - Joint Research Initiative" will play a key role in this context. Its aim is to promote research from a broader perspective and also integrate aspects of the human sciences.
The initiative aims to anticipate future developments in blockchain technology and the resulting effects on the economy and society. The canton of Zug aims to strengthen its leading position in blockchain innovation and consolidate its international reputation. The "Blockchain Zug - Joint Research Initiative" is a decisive factor in expanding research approaches and gaining a complete insight into the social, economic and political effects of this technology. The aim is not only to achieve technological progress, but also to understand its social impact. In this way, the research field of blockchain is to be advanced in a globally leading and unique way.
University of Lucerne establishes a research institute
The Zug Institute for Blockchain Research at the University of Lucerne will address the human scientific challenges of blockchain technology. It is set to become one of the world’s leading research institutes investigating the social impact of this technology in the context of digitalization.
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts intensifies research
Blockchain technology could bring about significant changes in numerous industries. At the same time, it ensures that technological developments meet social requirements.
Sustainable financing
Once the cantonal start-up funding has expired, the initiative is to be placed on a sustainable financial footing. In this context, an evaluation will be carried out by external experts after three years.
