Hexagon Platform - Swiss solution for AI benchmarking & strategy

Authored by

Team CorpIn

May 26, 2025

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just a technical buzzword - it is now considered a decisive factor for the competitiveness of companies. While pioneers are already using AI specifically for automation, data analysis and process optimization, many companies are still facing fundamental challenges: unstructured data, a lack of AI strategy and a lack of internal skills are slowing down the digital transformation. A recent study shows that digital transformation in Swiss companies is often slower than technological progress. Although the first companies are already achieving measurable increases in efficiency and new added value through successful AI integration, true AI readiness requires more than just technology. It requires strategic anchoring, cultural change and a solid data foundation. This is precisely where the strategic relevance of AI maturity measurement comes into play: companies need to know their level of AI maturity in order to identify gaps and derive targeted measures for digital transformation.

According to the Swiss AI Report 2025 study, 46.6% of Swiss companies classify themselves as "medium" in terms of digital maturity; around a quarter (27.5%) still see themselves in the lower segment, and only 25.9% have already implemented advanced AI approaches. This heterogeneous distribution of maturity levels illustrates the need for action: While some pioneers are already exploiting their AI potential, many companies are still in the early stages. For decision-makers - whether CEO, CTO or digital managers - this results in a clear mandate: analyze the current AI maturity level based on data and develop a well-founded AI strategy in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Hexagon platform: Holistic AI benchmarking "Made in Switzerland"

With this in mind, the Swiss start-up CorpIn GmbH, based in St. Gallen, has developed an innovative solution. The Hexagon platform enables companies to measure their organizational AI maturity holistically for the first time. The tool analyzes a company's AI maturity level on the basis of hard data and scientifically sound criteria - and thus provides a clear picture of its own starting position. Although many companies rate AI as important, they only have a vague gut feeling as to how well prepared they actually are. Hexagon provides a remedy here by offering objectivity and orientation where previously there was uncertainty.

The Hexagon platform serves as a holistic benchmarking and strategy tool: It is based on a six-dimensional framework that was developed in close cooperation between research and practice. The findings of more than 1,300 decision-makers were incorporated into the development - making the model based on one of the most comprehensive AI studies in Switzerland to date. Hexagon provides companies with a data-supported assessment of their AI readiness as well as industry-specific benchmarks for comparison with similar companies. Specifically, the platform shows where a company stands in comparison to the competition and provides empirically validated recommendations for the next steps. This combination of self-diagnosis, benchmarking and strategy derivation is unique in the Swiss market and underpins CorpIn's thought leadership position in the field of AI strategy and digital transformation in Switzerland.

Six dimensions of the hexagon model for AI readiness

At the heart of the Hexagon platform is the Hexagon model - a scientifically based maturity model that assesses a company's AI capabilities in six key dimensions. Each of these dimensions highlights a key area of action in AI strategy and digitalization. Together, they provide a holistic picture of AI readiness. The six dimensions of the Hexagon Model are:

  • ‍Data foundation: quality, availability and consistency of the database. Data forms the basis of every AI application - without a solid data structure and regulated access, even the best AI solution will have little added value. The Swiss AI Report 2025 shows a clear need to catch up here: Only 8% of Swiss companies have a fully consistent data structure. A lack of data quality and availability are among the most common AI hurdles (35% of companies). A robust data foundation is therefore essential for AI initiatives to take effect.‍
  • Strategic objectives: Anchoring AI in the corporate strategy and clear target definitions. AI projects must be embedded in the overall strategy and supported by top management. Although 65% of Swiss companies now consider AI to be part of their long-term strategy, only 13% work with clearly defined, measurable goals for AI. Without concrete KPIs and performance measurement (which 51% of companies currently lack altogether), AI integration often remains piecemeal. A strong strategic anchoring of AI ensures that initiatives do not remain isolated, but are based on clear business objectives and measurable results.‍
  • Cultural dimension: Openness of the organizational culture towards digital transformation and AI. The successful introduction of AI requires a cultural change - from the management level to every employee. Companies must promote a culture of innovation, allow experimentation and reduce reservations. In fact, 41% of companies report internal resistance or skepticism towards AI. Without employee acceptance and change management, even technically mature solutions can fail. The cultural dimension of the Hexagon Model therefore evaluates aspects such as willingness to change, leadership commitment and internal communication around AI.‍
  • Technical requirements: IT infrastructure, integration and available technologies for AI. This field examines whether the technical foundations for AI are in place - from data architecture and cloud resources to the integration of specialized systems. Silo systems and a lack of IT integration are a major obstacle in practice: 40% of Swiss companies lack end-to-end IT integration, meaning that business intelligence or ERP systems, for example, are not connected to AI solutions. As many as 64% cite the lack of integration of existing systems as a key AI obstacle. A high level of technical maturity, on the other hand, means that flexible, scalable infrastructures are available and new AI tools can be integrated smoothly into the existing IT landscape.‍
  • Security & privacy: Dealing with data protection, IT security and ethical guidelines for AI. Trust is the basis for the successful use of AI - both with customers and internally. The model therefore assesses the extent to which companies guarantee data protection and IT security and implement AI compliance guidelines. In many cases, there is still room for improvement here: 50% of companies see data protection and security concerns as a major challenge in AI projects. Only a minority already have comprehensive AI guidelines and regular audits. The Hexagon analysis reveals gaps in security, privacy and governance in this dimension and helps to anchor responsible AI use.‍
  • Awareness & competence: employees' knowledge, skills and awareness in dealing with AI. This factor focuses on the people at the center of the AI transformation. It is about whether employees have the necessary know-how and whether further training takes place to continuously increase AI skills in the company. There is currently a gap here: Only 9% of Swiss companies offer mandatory, regular AI training for their employees , even though the need for AI specialists and training is constantly growing. Without a broad internal understanding of AI, the potential of AI remains untapped. Appropriate initiatives - from training to the recruitment of specialized experts - are therefore crucial to make the organization AI-ready.

Each of these six dimensions is evaluated by the Hexagon platform using a detailed list of questions and quantitative scoring methods. The result for the company is a differentiated profile of the strengths and weaknesses of its own AI readiness across all areas of activity. Instead of only looking at specific aspects, Hexagon provides a holistic view - hence the name of the Hexagon model. This comprehensive understanding is the prerequisite for developing customized AI strategies and driving digital transformation forward in a targeted manner.

Scientifically sound and empirically validated

A major advantage of the Hexagon platform is its solid foundation. The Hexagon model was not developed in secret, but is based on extensive research and real company data. It was developed as part of a research project by CorpIn GmbH with a bachelor student from the University of St. Gallen and combines the results of one of the country's largest AI studies(Swiss AI Report 2025 with 1,338 participating managers). This means that the benchmark data is always evidence-based: Each company can interpret its results in the context of the market environment - be it in comparison to the industry average or in comparison to leading digital pioneers in Switzerland. The scientific validation also ensures that the platform's recommendations for action are based on best practices and statistically proven correlations rather than subjective assessments. For CEOs and CTOs, this means confidence in the results and a reliable basis for planning the next steps in AI integration.

The close integration of research and practice is also reflected in the user experience. The Hexagon platform not only provides abstract scores, but also concrete management recommendations derived from the empirical findings. For example, companies with a low score in the Awareness & Competence dimension receive tips on suitable training measures or recruiting strategies. Companies with deficits in the data foundation receive recommendations for improving data quality and integration. This practical approach ensures that strategic actions can be derived directly from the analysis - an important aspect for decision-makers who want to see rapid progress.

Conclusion: AI maturity as the key to the digital future

Think visionary, act pragmatically: For many companies, the path to AI excellence is a fine line between traditional processes and the AI-driven future. The results of the Swiss AI Report 2025 make it clear that companies are at a crossroads. Those who balance the six dimensions of the Hexagon model and continuously integrate them into their corporate strategy have the best chance of achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. Ongoing further development - both technologically and organizationally - is the key to exploiting the full potential of AI and responding to new opportunities and challenges at an early stage. AI readiness is therefore not a one-off project, but an ongoing process of adaptation and improvement.

For decision-makers, this means: take action now. Measure the AI maturity level of your company and set the right strategic course. The Hexagon platform offers a top-class tool for this - scientifically sound, tried and tested in practice and tailored to the needs of the Swiss market. Use this opportunity to position your company for the future: From benchmarking to individual roadmaps - Hexagon provides the necessary transparency and orientation to systematically and successfully anchor AI.

Learn more about the Hexagon platform or download the Swiss AI Report 2025 for free to gain further insights into the AI maturity of the Swiss business landscape. Actively shape the digital transformation - the time for a data-based AI strategy has never been better.

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