Topics: Data protection, compliance, continuing education, data protection law, data protection expert, law and technology, CAS Data Protection & Technology, HSLU.
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Good morning, Mr. Egli. As an expert in data protection and compliance, you lead the Compliance & Privacy division at SWICA, a Swiss health organization, and you are also Co-Program Director of the CAS Data Protection & Technology at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). What fascinates you about the interface between practice and academia?

Exclusively working within a company inevitably leads to a one-sided perspective over time. In this professional "microcosm," operational blindness develops, while alternative approaches fade into the background. New impulses are missing to broaden one's horizon. Through my involvement in continuing education at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, I gain insights into other industries and fields of activity—it opens up a panorama of new perspectives.

The exchange with experts from diverse sectors enriches my professional practice: it catalyzes creative solutions, inspires new ways of thinking, sharpens one’s skills, and expands subject-matter expertise. At the same time, teaching offers a platform to share knowledge. Particularly at the intersection of law and technology—as in data protection law—there is a great demand for professionals who can understand and translate both worlds. Where practical application and academic reflection meet, we create added value for all stakeholders.

How has the role of data protection professionals changed in recent years, and what trends do you foresee for the future?

The work has become significantly more technical due to digitalization. The transformation of our working environment has fundamentally changed how we process and protect information. What used to be stored in binders now resides in complex digital systems. In my view, a purely legal education is no longer sufficient to fully grasp data protection law. Modern data protection practice requires an interdisciplinary approach. Data protection professionals must understand technical architectures and grasp the complex interplay between technology and law. Artificial intelligence has exponentially reinforced this requirement. The pace of development is so rapid that everyone must now engage and stay up to date: continuous learning is essential.

Looking ahead, I believe data protection professionals will increasingly become interface managers between various disciplines. The modern data protection officer acts more and more as a bridge-builder between law, IT, compliance, and risk management. A holistic view is becoming ever more important. In a world where data has become one of the most valuable assets, data protection is an integral component of corporate governance strategy.

What are the core topics of the CAS Data Protection & Technology, and how is the program structured?

The CAS Data Protection & Technology bridges the gap between technology and data protection law. In an increasingly digitalized world, it is crucial to understand and connect both domains. The program is about bringing these two disciplines together and translating legal requirements into practical implementation. Technology is evolving rapidly—and so are the legal challenges. That’s why it’s essential to understand the technologies involved—whether it’s cloud computing, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, or blockchain.

The CAS Data Protection & Technology bridges the gap between technology and data protection law. In an increasingly digitalized world, it is crucial to understand and connect both domains. - Jérôme Egli

Only once the technological foundations are clear can the legal questions be properly addressed: How do I implement data protection correctly? What compliance requirements must be met? The continuing education program is modular in structure: it combines technical fundamentals with legal expertise, supplemented by practical case studies and implementation examples from various industries. Thanks to this format, participants acquire both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that can be applied immediately (literally the next day) in their professional work. This CAS program is aimed at those working at the interface between innovation and regulation who wish to navigate both worlds with confidence.

Which skills and professional competencies are particularly in demand in the field of data protection, and how are these taught in the CAS?

First and foremost, a basic understanding of legal principles is required, along with a sound grasp of technology. This symbiotic relationship is at the heart of modern data protection expertise: without one, the other becomes increasingly difficult to manage. In our digital age, we operate in a tension field that demands both legal precision and technological depth. These two areas of knowledge form the pillars of the CAS Data Protection & Technology. The program was developed to address precisely this critical interface between legal reasoning and technological understanding—an interface that is essential in today's data protection landscape. In addition, strong business management competencies such as strategic thinking and precise process management are now indispensable for data protection professionals. The CAS Data Privacy Officer lays the foundation for this expertise—a base upon which specialized knowledge can be built. The CAS Data Protection & Technology deliberately goes beyond the legal level. In a world where data protection issues arise anew every day, we work intensively with real-life case studies, interactive workshops, and inspiring expert dialogues. This practical, experience-driven methodology sharpens the application skills that make a decisive difference in professional practice.

Who is the CAS program in the legal sector especially recommended for?

This continuing education program is generally aimed at anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge in the field of data protection. It is particularly valuable for professionals who encounter data protection issues in their daily work and want to expand their technical knowledge. This includes lawyers who wish to improve their technical understanding, as well as IT specialists who need a solid legal foundation. Compliance officers, project managers, and executives working at the interface between law and technology also benefit from this program. The training bridges the gap between legal requirements and their technical implementation – an essential skill in the increasingly digitalized business world.

What practical benefits does the CAS Data Protection & Technology offer legal professionals, and how does it differ from other continuing education programs?

The CAS stands out for its exceptionally practice-oriented approach. It's not about theoretical models, but about applying what you've learned right away: what you learn today, you can implement tomorrow. Participants receive tools and methods they can immediately use in their daily work. The program provides in-depth knowledge and subject-matter expertise directly drawn from real-world practice. The instructors are experienced professionals who share current challenges and pragmatic solutions from their everyday work.

What you learn today, you can implement tomorrow. - Jérôme Egli

What differentiates this CAS from other programs is precisely this strong practical focus, combined with an interdisciplinary approach. Participants benefit from a holistic perspective that connects different areas of expertise. In addition, the program fosters a network of professionals that offers long-term value for participants' careers. Networking with like-minded peers proves to be just as valuable as the content itself.

You are a co-founder of the Data Privacy Community. What goals are you pursuing with this initiative?

In a time when data protection is becoming increasingly important, the Data Privacy Community positions itself as a pioneering organization for data protection professionals. We see ourselves as a dynamic network that brings together both internal and external data privacy consultants, providing them with a home for professional exchange. Our vision goes beyond the borders of Switzerland. As a proud member of the European Federation of Data Protection Officers (EFDPO), we maintain a strong international dialogue. We have particularly close partnerships with our sister organizations: the German Association of Data Protection Officers (BvD), the Privacy Officers from Austria, and the Data Protection Association of Liechtenstein (DSV). These cross-border collaborations allow us to anticipate and shape developments in the European data protection landscape. At the heart of our community is the continuous professional development and networking of our members. Through targeted events on current topics, practice-oriented workshops, and a dynamic online community, we provide various platforms for expert discourse. This is where experiences are shared, best practices are exchanged, and innovative solutions are developed for the challenges of an increasingly digital world.

What advice would you give to legal professionals aiming for a career in data protection and technology?

A solid legal foundation, complemented by advanced IT knowledge, is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for a successful legal career – at least in certain fields. The merging of both disciplines is especially evident in data protection, where personal data is almost exclusively processed through technical systems. Without an understanding of these processes, legal evaluations become not only more difficult but can also lead to incorrect assessments. This trend also affects copyright law, AI regulation, smart contracts, and cybercrime – everywhere, legal issues are merging with technological ones. The ability to understand both areas is becoming a crucial competitive advantage. I therefore recommend continuous education beyond traditional legal boundaries and the building of interdisciplinary networks. The most innovative career paths emerge at these intersections. Those who are willing to look beyond their own discipline will not only provide better legal services but also act as valuable mediators between these intertwined domains.

Thank you for these insightful perspectives on data protection and the study program. We wish you continued success and all the best for the future!

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