Whether it’s handing in a prescription, applying for a job online, or issuing a power of attorney: Many everyday processes are still characterized by paperwork, long waiting times and error-prone processing. Even digital offers often end with the scanning and uploading of documents.
With a state-issued e-ID and modern digital credentials (verifiable credentials, VCs), many of these processes could not only become faster and more efficient, but also more secure and user-friendly.
Image source: https://www.eid.admin.ch/de/
Using five examples, we show how the transition from paperwork to a seamless digital experience could look.
Healthcare
Today: Patients must present their health insurance card when visiting a doctor or confirm separately that treatment will be paid for. Approvals of assumption of costs are often made via letters or proprietary portals. Prescriptions are forwarded on paper or as a QR code – a fragmented and sometimes insecure process.
Tomorrow: Insurance companies issue VCs for «valid insurance cover» or «approval of assumption of costs for treatment XY». Doctors and pharmacies accept these digitally without media discontinuity. Prescriptions are also issued as VCs. They are stored directly in the patient's wallet and can be checked in any pharmacy.
Advantages:
- Smooth and direct processes between doctor, patient, insurance company, and pharmacy
- Less fraud and therefore lower healthcare costs
- More data sovereignty for patients, as they only share the necessary credentials
Online job application
Today: Applicants upload PDFs of certificates, diplomas, and references. Companies have to check their authenticity manually, which takes time and enables misuse.
Tomorrow: Applicants share VCs for education, work experience, or language certificates directly with the employer, who can validate them automatically.
Advantages:
- Faster, trustworthy application processes
- Less effort for both sides
- Better protection against forgery
Admission to examinations / University enrollment
Today: Certificates are scanned and uploaded. Universities and employers check them manually, which is time-consuming and prone to manipulation.
Tomorrow: Schools and universities issue VCs as proof of education that other institutions can immediately check digitally.
Advantages:
- Faster
- Secure application and enrollment process
- Less bureaucracy
Proof of age
Today: Age is verified by checking a piece of ID in the store or online via unsecured self-disclosure. A person often has to disclose more data than necessary (name, address, date of birth).
Tomorrow: With a pure «over 18» VC, the age can be confirmed digitally immediately – without unnecessary additional information.
Advantages:
- Privacy-friendly
- Forgery-proof
- Simple for users and retailers
Signature and power of attorney
Today: Contracts require uploads of copies of ID cards or proprietary e-signature solutions. Powers of attorney are often requested in paper form.
Tomorrow: With the e-ID and digital signature credentials, contracts can be signed anywhere with legal certainty. VCs for roles such as parent or managing director enable digital powers of attorney.
Advantages:
- Standardized
- Legally certain
- Valid immediately – for all types of contracts and agencies
Ideal conditions for heralding the digital era
These five examples are just a small selection. There are already many more ideas: VCs for event tickets, building permits, commercial processes, etc. If word gets around about the possible applications, there will certainly be more.
This clearly shows that the digitalization of everyday and government processes is at a turning point. With the e-ID and the trust infrastructure, people in Switzerland could transition from cumbersome paperwork or PDFs to fast, secure, and user-friendly digital processes.
The vision: an administration that no longer relies on copies and forms, but on the digital trust infrastructure – where people are the focus and can manage their data securely and independently. Plus an economy that is enabled by advanced technology to create new offers through the direct exchange of trustworthy data.
Switzerland now has the opportunity to take on a pioneering role. For a digital future that works.
