Artificial Intelligence in Lombardy and Its Impact on Cross-Border Work in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The new Lombardy law on AI aims to modernize businesses and public administration. For Ticino cross-border workers, new challenges and opportunities arise in the job market.

Contesto

TL;DR - Lombardy approved a new AI law on February 28, 2026 - The law aims to bridge the AI gap for SMEs and public sector - New AI skills will impact cross-border workers in Ticino - Ticino institutions like SUPSI and USI are updating training ## Key facts - Approval Date: February 28, 2026 - Approving Body: Regional Council of Lombardy - Presenter: Councillor Alessandro Fermi - Target Groups: SMEs, Public Administration, and research sectors - Key Border Areas: Brogeda and Gaggiolo - Ticino Impact: Cross-border workers represent 30% of industrial/tech sectors - Training Partners: SUPSI, USI, PoliMi, and University of Milan - Monitoring Agency: Ticino Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) On February 28, 2026, the Regional Council of Lombardy approved an important law regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research, innovation, and sustainable development. Councillor Alessandro Fermi presented the project, highlighting that AI is currently primarily utilized by large companies in Lombardy, while small and medium-sized enterprises and public administration (PA) only marginally exploit its potential. This new regulation aims to bridge the technological gap, providing incentives and guidelines for the responsible and ethical adoption of artificial intelligence, with special attention to the public sector. From a geographical and socioeconomic perspective, this law is particularly significant for the Canton of Ticino and the cross-border workers who daily cross the Brogeda and Gaggiolo borders to reach their workplaces in Switzerland. Lombardy, as a neighboring region and industrial powerhouse, directly influences the economic and employment fabric of Ticino, especially in the areas of Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Lugano. The surge in AI usage among Lombard...

Dettagli operativi

The Lombardy law on artificial intelligence, approved in February 2026, fits into a regulatory framework consistent with European and national provisions, placing particular emphasis on ethics, transparency, and sustainability. The legislative text outlines a series of concrete measures: - Introduction of ethical standards for the development and use of AI systems, with periodic monitoring and checks. - Public incentives for Lombard SMEs to adopt AI solutions to improve productivity and competitiveness, through grants and non-repayable contributions. - Promotion of AI in the regional Public Administration to optimize processes, services, and communication with citizens. - Collaboration with universities and research centers, including PoliMi and the University of Milan, for technology transfer and specialized training. These provisions mark a framework that can also influence the cross-border job market. In the Canton of Ticino, indeed, due to geographical proximity and close economic ties with Lombardy, companies and public entities are keenly interested in Lombard innovations. The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (SEFRI) and the Ticino Department of Finance and Economy are assessing how to integrate these novelties into the local context, especially concerning cross-border workers, a category that represents about 30% of workers in the industrial and technology sectors of the Canton. Practically, cross-border workers will need to familiarize themselves with new digital skills required by AI: programming, data analysis, machine learning, and management of automated systems. SUPSI and USI are already enhancing their training offerings and update courses to meet this growing demand. From a regulatory standpoint, the Canton will also need...

Punti chiave

For Ticino cross-border workers in Lombardy and neighboring areas, the revolution of artificial intelligence is not just a technological issue but a concrete opportunity to improve their professional and salary position. Investment in continuous training is essential: even today, sectors such as mechatronics, ICT, and biotechnology require basic and specialized AI skills. 💡 Practical tip: cross-border workers can take advantage of bilateral agreements and joint training programs between SUPSI, USI, and Lombard universities to participate in in-person or distance courses, updating their resumes with certifications recognized both in Switzerland and Italy. Moreover, Ticino companies with a strong technological focus, such as those in Lugano and Mendrisio, are integrating AI systems to optimize production and services. This leads to a growing demand for qualified personnel who can benefit from experience gained in Lombardy or directly in the workplace. On the administrative front, the Ticino PA has begun to closely observe the application of Lombard standards for AI, evaluating how to apply them in the Canton as well. This could lead to accelerated digitization of public services, from managing paperwork to security systems, improving quality of life and administrative efficiency, especially in border areas where Italian-Swiss cooperation is crucial. ⚠️ It is essential for cross-border workers to closely follow regulations and updates regarding work permits and professional recognition, which are particularly significant in a context of rapid innovation. To monitor how these transformations impact salary, cost of living, and permits, we recommend using our salary calculator, an updated tool designed for cross-border workers who want to navigate the complex cross-bord...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the law approved by the Regional Council of Lombardy in February 2026 and how could it affect Ticino border workers?
The law regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research, innovation and sustainable development. The aim is to close the technological gap between large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises, including the Public Administration, by encouraging the responsible and ethical adoption of AI.
How can Ticino border workers in Lombardy take advantage of the AI law to improve their professional position?
They can invest in continuous training on AI skills, taking advantage of joint programs between Swiss universities (SUPSI, USI) and Lombards, to acquire certifications recognized in both countries.
How can the AI law in Lombardy affect the training opportunities of Ticino border workers?
The legislation favours joint training programmes between Lombard and Ticino universities, offering specialised courses in AI, data analysis and programming, which improve the skills of border workers and increase their chances of entering the technology market.

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