April 21, 2026 · Media Releases
New MAS Data Economics HWZ for sustainable, data-driven business models
With the MAS Data Economics HWZ, the HWZ University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration Zurich is launching a unique continuing education programme in Switzerland that combines data-driven business models, modern data architectures and data governance within a single programme. This part-time MAS is aimed at professionals and managers who wish to shape data-driven value creation in a holistic manner – strategically, technologically and in terms of regulation.
Swiss companies are increasingly under pressure to generate sustainable value from data and to implement data-driven initiatives more rapidly and in a more coordinated manner. The MAS Data Economics HWZ addresses these requirements and enables participants to integrate company-specific use cases directly into their studies. As Silvana Cucu, head of the Department of Digital Business Management at HWZ, explains, the programme is thus positioned between traditional data science education and purely technology-focused IT continuing education.
The MAS Data Economics HWZ is the only comprehensive continuing education programme in Switzerland that consistently combines the three strategic components – data monetisation, data architecture, and data governance & privacy – into a coherent skills profile.
Regulation as an integral part of data-driven value creation
A particular focus is placed on the early integration of regulatory requirements. Data protection, data sovereignty and industry-specific regulations are not regarded as subsequent restrictions, but rather as integral elements in the design of data architectures and business models. In this way, the degree programme demonstrates how governance structures can enable value creation.
The MAS comprises three thematically coordinated CAS programmes: CAS Data Monetization & Ecosystems HWZ , CAS Data Architecture & Data-driven Business HWZ as well as CAS Data Governance & Privacy HWZ.
Many AI projects do not fail because of the technology itself, but rather due to a lack of data foundations, unclear business models, and insufficient governance. With this MAS, we provide the stable and high-performing data infrastructure required for AI initiatives in organisations to create measurable and sustainable value.
The first intake of the MAS Data Economics programme at HWZ will begin in November 2026.
