20240530_headerpicture_cas_digital
Join our Info Session Register

CAS Digital Acceleration & AI

Leadership in Digital Transformation, AI, and Transculturation

"AI will not replace us, but humans with AI will." – The CAS Digital Acceleration & AI prepares you for the fifth industrial revolution, the age of artificial intelligence (AI). You will learn about the disruptive digital trends, apply the potential of AI to optimize your business and deal with AI in terms of leadership and corporate culture.

Overview CAS Digital Acceleration & AI →

Study Modules & Class Dates of the CAS →

Benefits of the CAS →

Overview Digital Acceleration & AI

Icon of a Mortarboard – Degree
Degree
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Digital Acceleration & AI
University of Bern
Icon of a Clock – Course Start
Course Start
Kick-Off in December
Modules start in January
Icon of a Location Pin – Venue
Venue
University of Bern
Icon of a Stopwatch – Duration
Duration
3 modules with 2 seminars each
in 6 Months
Icon of a Clock in front of a Schedule – Application Deadline
Application Deadline
Ongoing
(As long as places are avaiable)
Icon von drei Sternen – ECTS Punkte
ECTS
12
Icon of a Speech Bubble – Language
Program Language
German

Program Details

Goals & Benefits

Those who do not engage with digital transformation and artificial intelligence are missing out on opportunities to optimize and accelerate their core business, as well as strengthen the innovative capacity of their company. The Digital Acceleration program aims to counteract this.

The aim of the course is to provide participants with a broad understanding of the topics, drivers, barriers and opportunities of digital transformation and to equip them for the AI age. After successfully completing the CAS, participants will be able to develop a transformation strategy for their own organization or area of work, create an implementation concept and implement it together with their teams. The following are the benefits of the course for participants.

The participants…

  • acquire skills and tools to successfully master practical problems in the field of digital transformation,
  • understand how to identify, assess and exploit innovation potential in the area of digital transformation in their own or other companies,
  • know the challenges and potential for process optimization and competitiveness in relation to data management and artificial intelligence
  • deal with ethical AI responsibility and can contribute to an agile corporate and leadership culture in the digital age
  • promote the success factors for transformation against the backdrop of customer centricity, company performance and employee motivation
  • solve practical problems in the field of digital transformation and professionalize their digital actions / leadership
Modules, Dates & Professors
Kick-Off
04.12.2025
Marc K. Peter
Professor Marc K. Peter
Rochester-Bern Executive Programs, Switzerland
Seminar 1: Digital Competitiveness and Ecosystems
29.01. – 30.01.2026
Marc K. Peter
Professor Marc K. Peter
Rochester-Bern Executive Programs, Switzerland
Seminar 2: Innovation and Co-Creation
12.02. – 13.02.2026
Marc Gruber
Professor Marc Gruber
EPFL, Switzerland
Seminar 3: Technologies and Cyber Resilience
26.03. – 27.03.2026
Marc K. Peter
Professor Marc K. Peter
Rochester-Bern Executive Programs, Switzerland
Seminar 4: Data Management and Artificial Intelligence
23.04. – 24.04.2026
Marc Pouly
Professor Marc Pouly
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Switzerland
Seminar 5: Ethical Responsibility and Societal Change
21.05. – 22.05.2026
Professor Peter Kirchschläger
Professor Peter Kirchschläger
University of Lucerne, Switzerland
Seminar 6: Digital Leadership and Culture
18.06. – 19.06.2026
Jutta Rump
Professor Jutta Rump
Fachhochschule Ludwigshafen, Germany
Presentation of selected Practical Concepts followed by overhanding Certificates
27.08.2026
Marc K. Peter
Professor Marc K. Peter
Rochester-Bern Executive Programs, Switzerland

Please note that courses and dates can be subjects to change.

Practical Concepts as Applied Assignments

Instead of a thesis, participants complete a practical knowledge transfer task after each of the three modules. In combination, these tasks form a comprehensive practice concept for digital transformation within their own organization.

  • The corresponding partial tasks serve to deepen and directly apply the module content in their own environment. This allows participants to implement what they have learned directly in their professional lives immediately after the modules.
  • The three partial tasks are continuously integrated into a comprehensive practice concept, supplemented with an introduction and conclusions.
Target Audience/Requirements

The composition of the class is of great importance, as participants also benefit from best practices from various industries and perspectives. The program is aimed at the following target group:

  • Managers and board members with a basic knowledge of business administration and the aim of cultivating a professional approach to digital transformation and AI as well as gaining effective tools for management in an increasingly digital world.
    For example 1) active board mandate or 2) department management and/or project management/staff responsibility in the area of corporate/product/technology development or in innovation/information management
  • University degree (exceptions regarding admission requirements may be approved by the program management sur dossier)
Program Fees

The regular program fee is CHF 12,900, which covers program participation, electronic course materials, refreshments during coffee breaks, examination fees, and the certificate from the University of Bern. Course materials are provided electronically, and participants use their own laptop (or tablet) in.

If you are interested, individual modules/-seminars can also be booked: CHF 2 450 per two-day seminar). The program management will be happy to discuss the details with potential participants.

DAS/MAS Upgrade

It is possible to combine this degree program in a modular way with other Rochester-Bern programs. In this way, a "DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies) in General Management" can for example be acquired with another CAS degree program and/or individual modules (as well as a final thesis) or a "MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) in General Management" or with two further CAS programs and individual modules (as well as a final thesis). The program management will be happy to discuss the details with potential participants.

Application

Icon of an Application Form with a pencil next to it
Step 1
Online Application
Icon of two Speech Bubbles – Initial Meeting
Step 2
Admissions Interview

A personal interview will be conducted to determine if your qualifications and specific needs match the program.

Icon of an Application Form with a Check Mark – Admission Decision
Step 3
Admissions Decision

The admissions decision is made after the interview.

Study Modules

With the application-oriented Digital Acceleration program, you will master current challenges in connection with AI, digital transformation, and the associated cultural change in companies and society. It is not about mastering the technical details, but about gaining the necessary contextual competence to make the relevant connections. The course equips you with tools to professionalize digital action and leadership. To develop your personal digital roadmap, you will continuously examine the topics of data and AI together with fellow participants from a wide range of organizations and industries.

Class Dates of the CAS →

Kick Off

The kick-off day provides fundamentals on on the three pillars of the study program: Digital Transformation, AI and cultural change.

Kick-Off

  • Welcome, introduction, and overview of the program
  • Assessment of the current state
  • Inspiration for the indivudal practice concept

Learning Objectives

  • Gain an overview of the CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) and its content/modules
  • Define the goal of your own practice concept by determining the current situation and providing thematic input
  • Apply initial findings to your own organization: 1) Digital transformation, ecosystems, innovation and co-creation 2) Digital technologies – focus on AI 3) Working world 4.0 and corporate cultural change
Module 1 Digital Transformation

To maintain or strengthen one’s competitiveness in the accelerated and digital age, it is important to continuously identify and analyze technology trends as well as market participants. The insights gained, combined with knowledge of customer needs and competitor offerings, lead to adjustments and innovations in products, services, and business models. The resulting digital transformation is anchored in the company’s strategy and enables sustainable and successful enhancement of (international) competitiveness in markets increasingly dominated by digital platforms and channels.

The module consists of two seminars:

Seminar 1: Digital Competitiveness and Ecosystems

  • Digital Transformation: Drivers, Challenges, and Implementation
  • Developing Digital Competitive Advantages
  • Digital Ecosystems: Concepts, Examples, Planning, and Development Steps
  • Best Practices in Digital Business

Seminar 2: Innovation and Co-Creation

  • Innovation Management in the Digital Age: Concepts and Methods
  • Entrepreneurship: Accepting Risks, Developing and Marketing Ideas
  • Customer Centricity: User Experience and Co-Creation
  • Best Practices in Digital Business

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize and evaluate potential ecosystems,
  • Strategically utilize innovation management,
  • Assessing growth opportunities through digitalization/AI,
  • Anticipate customer needs and develop services in collaboration with customers (Co-Creation),
  • Develop digital innovations and initiatives,
  • Identify and describe digital market potentials,
  • Utilize best-practice examples for one’s own organization,
  • Create a digital master plan and embed it in the corporate strategy to enhance competitiveness,
  • Direct application in the practical concept to increase competitiveness in your own company.
Module 2 Digital Technologies

New technologies and data are central fields of action in digital transformation. Alongside AI and other emerging technologies (such as sensors), they serve as sources of innovation and infrastructure for strategy implementation. Data strategies support both the operational (e.g., process optimization using AI) and strategic (e.g., leveraging AI to build strategic partnerships) transformation of organizations. Cybersecurity plays an important role in protecting technologies/infrastructures and data. All four areas (technologies, data, AI, cybersecurity) challenge organizations to acquire specialized knowledge and methodologies to ensure their competitiveness.

The module consists of two seminars:

Seminar 3: Technologies and Cyber Resilience

  • Digital Technologies (Technology Radar): Opportunities and Risks
  • Technology Spotlight: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity and Resilience, and Data Privacy
  • Best Practices for New Technologies

Seminar 4: Data Management and Artificial Intelligence

  • Data Strategy/Concept for AI and Data Science
  • AI Application Areas (Data Concepts, Processes, and Business Models)
  • Legal AI Framework and Data Protection Law
  • Best Practices for Smart Data

Learning Objectives

  • Identify use cases as well as the innovation potential of new digital technologies,
  • Develop data concepts for operational and strategic use,
  • Understand and embed AI for operational and strategic use within the organization,
  • Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (national and international),
  • Recognize and plan cybersecurity/resilience as a strategic success factor for transformation,
  • Utilize international best-practice examples for the organization,
  • Expand the practice concept with concrete initiatives from the areas of technologies, data, and cybersecurity/resilience.
Module 3 Entrepreneurial Culture Change

For the sustainable implementation of innovations and competitive strategies in the accelerated digital age, employees are a critical success factor. Organizations invest in culture development, corporate climate, leadership skills, and digital capabilities to meet market and strategy requirements. The internal digital transformation thus leads to the transformation of the working world, making the organization attractive to talents, optimizing internal collaboration, and modernizing the workplace. The digital, strategic transformation requires strong teams and strong leadership, fostered by agile methods (e.g., Scrum).

The module consists of two seminars:

Seminar 5: Ethical Responsibility and Societal Change

  • Society, sustainability and responsibility in the digital context
  • Organizational structures in the digital age
  • Regulatory and ethical management challenges of AI technologies
  • Best Practice Digital Business

Seminar 6: Digital Leadership and Culture

  • Digital culture development
  • Agile and digital leadership
  • Digital competencies
  • Best Practices in Digital Business

Learning Objectives

  • Take ethical considerations into account in the development of AI,
  • define and develop corporate and leadership culture
  • plan and implement modern working environments (New Work),
  • identify necessary digital skills and define training measures,
  • get to know agile project and product development methods,
  • define success factors for the transformation in your own organization and plan and measure their implementation.

Your Benefits

Icon of Two Users with a Globe – Communication, Leadership & Diversity
Direct Application

The degree program shows ways to act and lead professionally in an environment of modern technologies, transformation, and cultural change. To support the direct use of the learnings, the focus lies on application, i.e. theoretical models and concepts form the basis for direct implementation in practice, in your own working environment.

Icon of a Gear Wheel with Three Data Folders – Data Management
AI Focus

The topics Data and AI run continuously through all modules. Because After all, data used with AI forms the basis for efficiency gains and new business options. The course addresses strategic components as well as cultural challenges and opportunities in order to shed light on the influence of AI on the entire company and society.

Icon of Two People With a Light Bulb – Coaching & Mentoring
Change of Perspective

Customer centricity, company performance and employee engagement are key challenges of our time. The different perspectives are examined in each module and deepened with examples. This gives ideas to optimize your own business and strengthen your innovative power and corporate culture

Icon of Three Men in a Row – Refresher
Best Practices

The program focuses on teaching well-established concepts and models for immediate implementation in professional practice. The practical orientation is reinforced by examples, guest lectures and workshops in combination with peer coaching. This way, you also benefit from the experience of your fellow students.

Icon of a Man Standing Behind a Presentation Desk – Program Delivery
Expertise

Main professor Prof. Dr. Marc K. Peter brings expertise in digital growth, strategy, and transformation, as well as consulting experience from SMEs, public administration, and large companies. His teaching will be complemented by other experienced experts from various fields sharing their specialist knowledge and ensuring exciting dialogues based on tried-and-tested concepts.

Icon of a Network Symbol – Community
Network

In addition to the experienced lecturers and guest speakers, the participants from various organizations and industries guarantee a stimulating exchange in and outside the classroom. After graduation, the valuable network lives on through regular meetings within the alumni/ae organization

Why choose Rochester-Bern?

Prof. Dr. Marc K. Peter and the students give you an insight into the CAS Digital Acceleration & AI.

Next Info Sessions and Events

What Our Clients Say

Lorenz Nufer
Lorenz Nufer
Co-founder and partner at www.beweggrund.ch

In a rapidly changing world, digital transformation and the strategic use of AI are crucial to a company’s success. The CAS offers me the opportunity to acquire practical skills in these areas, which I can use in my role as a consultant for my clients.

Tanja Passow
Tanja Passow
Communications Director People & Culture, Zurich Insurance Group

The success or failure of digitalization projects is often determined by strategic and organizational questions such as: Which core competencies do we have – and which will we need in the future? Or: What risks are we prepared to take? In the CAS Digital Acceleration & AI, we look specifically at the interplay between strategy, technology and culture and combine theory and practice to effectively drive forward the digital transformation in the company.

20250707_picture_testimonial_marti_patrick
Patrick Marti
CEO Mineralquellen Adelboden AG

This further education programs helps me to pick up on the latest technological trends and bring them to the teams in order to promote innovation potential and thus advance the entire company.

20251002_picture_testimonial_suter_juerg
Jürg Suter
CEO Insent AG

The CAS Digital Acceleration & AI was a valuable experience for me as an entrepreneur, as a manager, and also as a private individual. I look back on three intensive, content-rich, and personally enriching modules that not only taught me new tools and concepts but also further developed my entrepreneurial thinking. Rarely has continuing education been so practical and inspiring.

Gasche Michel
Michel Gasche
Geschäftsführer Genossenschaft Elektra

Are you ready to play an active role in shaping the digital future? If so, CAS Digital Acceleration & AI is the perfect programme for you. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from top lecturers from academia and industry, engage with fellow students from a wide range of sectors, and bring my own challenges to the course.

Get in touch with us!

Do you have any questions about the program? Our team is happy to answer them.

Explore our Blog for Further Insights