The economist Daron Acemoglu sees a dangerous loss of trust in Western democracies. He believes that social networks are strengthening extremism.

Artificial intelligence has lately been reshaping nearly every sector of the economy, raising profound questions about the future of work, wealth, and power. Will these advancements enhance the intelligence and performance of human beings, or will they deepen inequality and keep on establishing power among a privileged few? In his lecture at UZH, Nobel laureate Daron Acemoğlu highlights the necessity of implementing suitable AI regulations to benefit society.

As protectionism is gaining ground, global trade is facing a crisis. According to the Chief Economist of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ralph Ossa, less trade does not make countries safer but weaker.

Which topics have shaped your thinking over the past 12 months? At the UBS Center, we have delved into some of the most critical societal questions of our time: from the challenges facing Europe and Switzerland to the opportunities and risks of AI, all the way to the origins of prosperity. Our annual review brings together key insights and highlights for you.