Tag: Regionalentwicklung

  • Communities on Lake Zurich strengthen economic networking

    Communities on Lake Zurich strengthen economic networking

    The Gold Coast location promotion agency has published its first annual programme. The association was founded in September 2025 by the eleven municipalities of the Meilen district and the Office for Economic Affairs of the Canton of Zurich.

    According to a press release, members benefit from free participation in events, excursions and background discussions, direct access to decision-makers and increased visibility. The first general meeting will take place on 15 April in Stäfa, Zurich. Dr Moritz Lechner, co-founder and co-chairman of the board of directors of Sensirion, will speak as a guest speaker.

    The press release also mentions a members’ lunch with a workshop visit to Micro Mobility Systems AG in Küsnacht and a members’ morning snack at the Zumikon municipal administration. This will be followed in August by an after-work excursion to Seepark Uetikon, where apartments for around 600 people are being built on the site of a former chemical factory. An excursion to the Zurich Cantonal Council is also planned.

  • Dynamics of the economic future in Ticino

    Dynamics of the economic future in Ticino

    The urbanisation of Pian Faloppia was a strategic project for the future. Modern transport connections, a high-performance electricity network and an advanced water supply system create optimal conditions that are particularly attractive to companies with innovative aspirations. The specific site planning of the Balerna municipal association was developed in close dialogue with owners and entrepreneurs in order to sustainably strengthen the settlement area.

    Innovation dynamics and network expertise
    Companies from the precision engineering, watchmaking, solar technology and advanced logistics sectors operate in the centre. The interaction between research, industry and entrepreneurship is a key success factor. Companies located here benefit from links to research centres and universities as well as access to a qualified workforce, creating a powerful and future-oriented economic dynamic.

    Management with vision and synergies
    With the newly created role of Area Manager, Pian Faloppia is focussing on actively supporting and developing the quality of the location. This position bundles regional development structures and ensures targeted networking between companies, authorities and other stakeholders. This creates synergies that continuously strengthen the economic region and ensure attractive conditions for companies to settle here.

    Quality of life as a location argument
    The location is not only characterised by economic advantages, but also by a high quality of life. A wide range of leisure and cultural activities as well as the natural surroundings guarantee attractive conditions for specialists and managers. The temperate climate and Swiss stability offer additional planning security for long-term developments. The Pian Faloppia development centre is an example of future-oriented regional development in Ticino. The consistent focus on sustainable innovation, networking and synergy creates an attractive economic area that offers prospects for companies and skilled workers alike.

  • Reorganisation of location promotion in Schlieren

    Reorganisation of location promotion in Schlieren

    Christina Doll will take over as head of location promotion in the city of Schlieren from 1 December. According to a city press release, the 44-year-old will take over the position from Albert Schweizer, who is retiring after 27 years with the city.

    The change of position is linked to an intensification of location promotion. Christina Doll will perform the function in an 80 per cent position. Her predecessor Schweizer filled the position with 30 per cent in addition to his work as property manager. The city council believes that the increase in working hours is necessary “to successfully develop Schlieren as a business location”. In future, companies should have a direct contact person for their concerns.

    The economic geographer with a degree from the University of Hanover is considered to be well connected thanks to her many years of experience in location promotion. Most recently, she made a name for herself as deputy managing director in the development of the Zurich airport region as an economic network and location development organisation. As a part-time guest lecturer at various universities, the 44-year-old has taught how organisations can better exploit their development potential through participatory methods and the use of collective intelligence. She is the winner of the scholarship for the EMBA Digital Leadership at the Zurich School of Business 2022.

  • New agenda to strengthen cooperation in the Limmat Valley

    New agenda to strengthen cooperation in the Limmat Valley

    At its Annual General Meeting on 28 August 2025, Limmatstadt AG acknowledged its role as a driving force in regional development. According to a press release, the conclusion of the reorganisation process has sharpened the future mandate for regional location promotion.

    A clear vision has been defined in collaboration with the region’s stakeholders. It is crystallised in the formulation “Together we are shaping a strong Limmat Valley and creating space for more”. Through close cooperation and a consistent focus on the needs of all stakeholder groups, interests can be bundled and projects can be initiated and supported to sustainably promote the successful development of the Limmat Valley.

    Against this background, Limmatstadt AG is taking on a more active role. The development of a joint regional and digital agenda and the Limmat Valley communication channels project are now being launched. Both are intended to increase the visibility of regional offerings and further promote cooperation in the Limmat Valley.

    As part of this realignment, the revised brand identity “Limmattal. Room for more.” was also presented. It is intended to strengthen the region’s identity as a dynamic living and economic area.

    Jasmina Ritz and Josef Bütler have stepped down from the Board of Directors for professional reasons. Roger Bachmann, the mayor of Dietikon, was newly elected. Limmatstadt AG expects his expertise and regional ties to provide valuable impetus.

  • New building for organic vegetable production opened

    New building for organic vegetable production opened

    Terraviva ag is hosting an open day in Kezers on 17 May. The occasion is the official inauguration of the producer organisation’s new premises for organic vegetables, according to a press release from the BioGemüse Seeland association. Terraviva is a member and project organiser of the BioGemüse Seeland regional development project (PRE).

    The programme for the open day includes the inauguration of the premises and a vegetable market with a presentation. This will provide an insight into the processes and preparation. Regular guided tours of the new company building will be complemented by activities for families and children.

    PRE BioGemüse Seeland aims to support and strengthen organic vegetables from the region, from cultivation to marketing. To this end, the umbrella brand PASSION SEELAND bio:logique has been created. Producers of organic vegetables and organic winegrowers from the Seeland region as well as producers of other organic products from the canton of Fribourg have joined forces here.

  • Bernese Oberland economy records successful 2024

    Bernese Oberland economy records successful 2024

    In its recently published Annual Report 2024, the Bernese Oberland Economy looks back on a successful year in which the focus was on networking and projects. According to a press release, the association was able to provide impetus for the further development of the region “despite challenging conditions”.

    Events such as the community forum, the business meeting and the tourism forum contributed to this. At the same time, important projects continued. For example, the digital apprenticeship platform Lehre BeO was reportedly further professionalised and the consultation room model project for basic medical and neighbourhood care was expanded. In addition, initial clarifications have been made on promoting the circular economy in the Bernese Oberland.

    President Marianna Lehmann will lead through the agenda items for the last time at the 105th General Assembly on 8 May in Interlaken. The former mayor of Wilderswil BE has been a member of the Board of the Bernese Oberland Economy since 2019 and its head since 2021.

    The association’s board is proposing Thun councillor and entrepreneur Carlos Reinhard as her successor. He has held the 2nd Vice-Presidency since 2024. Interlaken entrepreneur Patrick Gurtner is to be elected as a new member of the Board of Directors and also take over the 2nd Vice-Presidency.

    “Our strength lies in our diversity,” says Reinhard. “I want to make this visible and develop it further together with all regions. “The Bernese Oberland should remain economically strong, attractive for tourism and a place worth living in – that’s what I’m committed to.”

  • 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.

  • Lara Albanesi is the new Chairman of the Board of Limmatstadt AG

    Lara Albanesi is the new Chairman of the Board of Limmatstadt AG

    The newly constituted Board of Directors of Limmatstadt AG following the Annual General Meeting on 12 March has held its first meeting. According to a press release, it elected Lara Albanesi, Administrative Director of the Kurtheater Baden, as President. Managing Director Jasmina Ritz was also elected as Vice-President and Mario Okle, Mayor of Weiningen and CTO of Weytec, as Delegate of the Board of Directors.

    “The Limmat Valley is an attractive place to live, work and spend leisure time. The population appreciates this and views the entire region beyond municipal and cantonal boundaries. This holistic perspective promotes value creation and strengthens networking. That is why I am committed to promoting Limmatstadt as a business location,” Albanesi is quoted as saying.

    In the coming months, the Board of Directors will explore ways and means of laying the foundations for the continued existence of regional location promotion beyond 2024, according to the press release. To this end, a dialogue will be held with the municipalities and the business community.

    The Zürcher Planungsgruppe Limmattal(ZPL) planning association and four business associations from the region – Industrie, Dienstleistung, Handel(IDH) Spreitenbach, Industrie- und Handelsverein Dietikon(IHV), KMU- und Gewerbeverband Limmattal and Wirtschaftskammer Schlieren – have already expressed their interest in a continuation and joint organisation, according to the press release.

  • 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.

  • Failure of the merger endeavours between Limmatstadt AG and Regionale 2025

    Failure of the merger endeavours between Limmatstadt AG and Regionale 2025

    The plans to join forces in the Limmat Valley by merging the private-sector Limmatstadt AG and the publicly financed Regionale 2025 association have failed. The two organisations, which had previously worked in parallel on the development of the Limmat Valley as a whole, were unable to agree on a joint structure and financing for a future public-private partnership. This development now raises questions about the continuation of location promotion activities in the region.

    The two organisations have existed side by side for a decade with similar objectives but different approaches and funding models. While the Limmat Valley Regional Project Show Association concentrates on the realisation of an exhibition of regional projects, Limmatstadt AG focuses on regional location promotion.

    Last year, Limmatstadt AG initiated a strategy project to develop a sustainable structure for regional development with stakeholders from various sectors. The strategy paper “Together for the Limmat Valley” aimed to merge the two organisations from 2026 in order to tackle regional challenges more efficiently.

    However, these plans were rejected by the board members of the Limmattal Regional Project Show association, which puts the continuation of the project in question. In response to this development, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Limmatstadt AG, Balz Halter, has announced his resignation and will withdraw from the organisation.

    Limmatstadt AG has worked intensively over the last ten years to establish the Limmat Valley as a region and to represent its interests. In view of the current situation, it is now being discussed whether and how location promotion in the Limmat Valley should be continued.

    The early public general meeting on 12 March 2024 is intended to provide the framework for a comprehensive discussion on the future of Limmatstadt AG and location promotion in the Limmat Valley.

  • Schaffhausen extends contract with Generis AG

    Schaffhausen extends contract with Generis AG

    Generis AG will continue to run the economic development agency for the canton of Schaffhausen until 2024. The same applies to the office for the promotion of regional and location development. The government council decided this at its meeting on Tuesday.

    The service contract currently runs until the end of 2022. After that, it can be extended for a further two years for the last time. At the beginning of 2015, Generis AG was awarded the contract to manage both facilities.

    As stated in a communication from the government council, Generis AG has “so far fulfilled its mandate very well. The results achieved to date in the field of business development represent a real success story. ”That is why the service contract is now being extended.