Tag: Region

  • Ticino is one of Europe’s most innovative regions

    Ticino is one of Europe’s most innovative regions

    According to the European Commission’s Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025, the canton of Ticino is one of the ten most innovative regions in Europe. In Switzerland, it is in second place directly behind Zurich. The high proportion of small and medium-sized companies that introduce process or product innovations is particularly noteworthy. The canton also occupies a top position nationally in terms of trade mark registration.

    University excellence with international networking
    The Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) strengthens the region’s academic innovative power with over 20 specialised research institutes. It specialises in areas such as biomedicine, computational science and finance. Its close integration into national and international funding networks makes the USI a key player in Ticino’s innovation system.

    Practice-orientated research for companies
    The University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is also a key player in the innovation landscape. It has a high level of expertise in industrial automation, robotics and materials science and is characterised by the highest success rate in accessing European funding of all Swiss universities of applied sciences. Companies benefit from practical co-operation in applied research projects.

    Statutory innovation promotion with a broad impact
    The canton provides targeted support for innovation through the Economic Innovation Act. This offers comprehensive funding opportunities, from support for research programmes and investment projects to participation in trade fairs and internationalisation projects. It is implemented by the Office for Economic Development.

    Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino as a hub
    With the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino, the canton is promoting the transfer between business and science. The emerging centres of excellence focus on key areas such as life sciences, ICT, drone technologies and the leisure industry. The aim is to develop technical and technological solutions that are highly relevant to the canton’s economy.

    https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/performance-indicators/european-innovation-scoreboard/eis#/ris?compare_year=2025&year=2025
  • Five companies are in the final of the Prix SVC Zurich Economic Area

    Five companies are in the final of the Prix SVC Zurich Economic Area

    The finalists for the Prix SVC Zurich Economic Area 2024 have been announced. An independent jury of experts with strong regional roots has decided in favour of Hauenstein AG, Hawa Sliding Solutions AG, Luzi AG, RepRisk AG and Schneider Umweltservices AG, the SVC announced in a press release.

    “I am very much looking forward to the Prix SVC and believe the decision as to who will win the prize has never been as challenging as this year,” said jury president Christopher Blaufelder, Partner at McKinsey & Company Switzerland, in the press release. “We have consistently high-quality companies from a wide range of industries in the final selection.” According to Blaufelder, all of them are characterised by a focus on quality and innovation.

    Hauenstein AG from Rafz ZH relies on the sustainable in-house production of native, hardy plants in its tree nursery and garden centres. Hawa Sliding Solutions AG from Mettmenstetten ZH specialises in sliding solutions for rooms, furniture and façades. Globally active Luzi AG from Dietlikon ZH develops and produces fragrance creations.

    RepRisk AG from Zurich specialises in the identification of business and ESG risks. Schneider Umweltservice AG from Meilen ZH specialises in innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for reuse and recycling.

    The Swiss Venture Club is one of the largest entrepreneurial networks in Switzerland. It awards the Prix SVC in eight regions every two years. The prize honours innovative companies in the region for outstanding achievements that enable sustainable economic success to be realised.

  • Geneva Economic Area – A dynamic centre for international cooperation and a high quality of life

    Geneva Economic Area – A dynamic centre for international cooperation and a high quality of life

    Geneva is at the heart of international cooperation and diplomacy, and plays a key role on the world stage. Home to major organisations such as the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Economic Forum, the city attracts professionals and is a magnet for visitors and business initiatives.

    A diverse economic landscape
    Geneva’s economy is characterised by its diversity, with key sectors such as the financial sector, the pharmaceutical industry and Geneva’s prestigious watchmaking industry. Geneva watches are generally synonymous with quality and innovation, making the city a symbol of precision and craftsmanship.

    A competitive business environment
    Geneva boasts competitive tax rates and a highly skilled workforce, complemented by an impressive capacity for innovation, stimulated by the presence of multinational research and development centres and leading academic institutions.

    Excellent infrastructure and accessibility
    The city is renowned for its solid infrastructure and excellent transport links. Geneva’s international airport offers direct flights to destinations around the world, and the city’s expanding regional rail network makes it easy to travel within Switzerland and to neighbouring countries.

    Natural sites and leisure activities
    Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by majestic mountains, Geneva offers its residents and visitors a multitude of outdoor activities. From hiking to skiing to water sports, Geneva’s natural environment is a paradise for outdoor activities.

    Cultural and educational excellence
    Geneva’s high quality of life is underlined by a rich cultural offering and excellent educational establishments. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, concert halls and theatres offering a broad cultural programme. In addition, renowned educational establishments such as the University of Geneva and doctoral schools specialising in science and international relations are located here.
    Thanks to its many assets, Geneva has established itself as a leading economic centre in the region, offering a perfect balance between professional opportunities and an exceptional quality of life. Visitors and new residents to the city will be seduced by the many opportunities and charming atmosphere of this cosmopolitan metropolis.

  • New member of the Metropolitan Conference Zurich

    New member of the Metropolitan Conference Zurich

    The new statutes were adopted by the association members at the spring conference in mid-June 2023. The revision gives new weight to regional bodies, as they can now apply for full membership alongside municipalities, cities and cantons. The aim is to achieve a greater reach through a larger number of municipalities and to strengthen the regional level in the metropolitan area. The exchange between the various regions contributes to the further development of the area. In contrast to the previous model of sub-regions, the new model also offers financial incentives.

    Baden Regio was the first region to make use of this opportunity and joined as a new full member with all of its 23 towns and municipalities. Previously, only the four municipalities of Baden, Ennetbaden, Neuenhof and Wettingen were members of the association. They will now participate as part of the Baden Regio corporation. Thanks to Baden Regio, the new statutory provisions will be applied for the first time. The regional association, in particular its President Roland Kuster, was already heavily involved in the groundwork and the drafting of the amendment to the statutes. Kuster emphasises: “For the economically strong Limmat Valley and the Reuss Valley with its preferred residential locations, it is of enormous importance how the Greater Zurich Area can position itself nationally and internationally.” Anders Stokholm, President of the Metropolitan Conference, also emphasises: “We are very grateful that the Canton of Aargau and Baden Regio have strongly supported us in this important step.” The existing sub-regions of Frauenfeld and Wil are also applying the new model. Almost all of the municipalities there were already members of the association.

    Aargau cantonal councillor Dieter Egli commented on the new membership: “Cooperation in the Zurich Metropolitan Conference is very valuable, as it encompasses both levels of government, municipalities and canton. I am therefore delighted that all municipalities in Baden Regio can now join the organisation together. Especially in the Ostaargau region, the relationships in the economic area are very intensive – and crucial.”

    Baden Regio is one of twelve planning associations in the canton of Aargau and stands for a well-connected region. The member municipalities work together to promote sustainable regional development. The Baden Regio planning association has been a strong voice for the municipalities in the region for 75 years. It pursues the common goals of the largest and most important residential and economic region in the canton of Aargau. As a planning association, Baden Regio handles assignments in the areas of location marketing, spatial planning & transport, nature & environment and health & social affairs and coordinates these with the municipalities.

    This expertise is also of great benefit to the Zurich Metropolitan Conference and its member cantons, cities and municipalities. As a pilot region, Baden Regio could motivate other regions to work together to strengthen the Zurich metropolitan area.

  • Basel Area a magnet for life sciences and start-ups

    Basel Area a magnet for life sciences and start-ups

    Under the aegis of Basel Area Business & Innovation, the tri-cantonal agency for location promotion and innovation promotion, the region has achieved impressive results in terms of both company relocations and start-ups, which, although slightly below the previous year’s level, are well above the multi-year average. The life sciences sector in particular is showing a strong commitment to the region, which emphasises its position as the leading Swiss location in this sector.

    The Basel Area is characterised by a highly networked ecosystem that provides the basis for the development of innovative solutions. The newly established and founded companies are planning to create around 700 new jobs over the next few years, which will further strengthen the region’s economic dynamism. Companies from 17 different countries, including major biotech start-ups from the USA, have decided in favour of Basel, attracted by the region’s high quality of life and international orientation.

    The Basel Area is thus continuing to establish itself as an attractive destination for future-oriented industries, with the consulting, life sciences and construction sectors standing out in particular. The commitment of Basel Area Business & Innovation is making a significant contribution to positioning the region as an innovative and forward-looking location both nationally and internationally.

  • Image of the future Upper Valais “We grow together”

    Image of the future Upper Valais “We grow together”

    The Upper Valais has been experiencing strong economic growth for several years and with it exceptional immigration. People from 119 nations live in the region today. In 2021 alone, more than 6500 people moved to Upper Valais. The region’s development is additionally influenced by global trends such as the increasing tendency towards urbanisation, new family and life models as well as a transformation of the working world through digitalisation. “In such a phase of change, it is helpful to have a common vision that everyone can orientate themselves by,” says Reinhard Imboden, President of the Upper Valais Region Association. “To ensure that such a vision of the future actually meets the needs of the population and is supported by them, everyone was invited to share their concerns and wishes, but also their priorities. Two broad-based population surveys and a carefully compiled impulse group led to the Upper Valais vision of the future that we have today.”

    Vision for the future
    Throughout the process, the fields of action for Upper Valais became clearer. On the one hand, there were the already strongly felt challenges that many other regions in Switzerland are currently facing: The population is concerned about ensuring basic medical care and coping with the shortage of skilled workers. With regard to the future of education, the population is focusing on digital and language skills and practical teaching. In the area of mobility, the public transport network and non-motorised traffic routes are to be expanded. The people of Upper Valais also see an urgent need for action in dealing with climate change. “The Valais has a high availability of renewable energy sources. The circular economy used to be the rule rather than the exception in our region. We thus have two strong levers for a more ecologically sustainable development of our region. This is something that the population wants to put to good use,” explains Tamar Hosennen, Managing Director of the RWO. The people of Upper Valais also identified the positive development of the mountain villages as an important field of action.

    The vision of the future is made available to all interested actors from politics, business and society as orientation and inspiration for their own strategy processes

  • Winterthur Economic Region – From Industry to Service and Education Stronghold

    Winterthur Economic Region – From Industry to Service and Education Stronghold

    At the 97th immoTable Winterthur, we show what moves the region in cooperation with the City Development and House of Winterthur.

    We shed light on this innovative economic area with speakers from business and politics.

    Take advantage of the opportunity for networking afterwards. Present your company and services to influential guests.

    The 97th immoTable will take place on 1 June 2023, starting at 1.30 pm. Be there and secure your ticket now. We look forward to seeing you.