immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

  • Switzerland needs a new awareness of its industry

    Switzerland needs a new awareness of its industry

    With an export share of over 80%, the manufacturing industry contributes around 18% directly to Switzerland’s gross domestic product. With industry-related services, the share rises to more than 25 percent or CHF 230 billion annually. Industry not only ensures high added value and low youth unemployment, but also directly and indirectly finances infrastructure, education and social security.

    Global trade relations are indispensable
    Current US punitive tariffs of 39% on Swiss goods threaten exports and thus fundamental pillars of economic performance. Switzerland’s prosperity and crisis resilience are traditionally based on open, reliable and comprehensive trade relations, especially with the EU as the most important sales market. The rapid ratification of the Bilaterals III and new free trade agreements is key to breaking down barriers and securing long-term competitiveness.

    Further develop framework conditions
    Low unemployment and the continued strength of the industry are based on factors such as the dual education system, lean bureaucracy, flexible short-time working and a liberal economic order. Extending the duration of short-time work and maintaining the liberal labor market are key instruments in this regard.

    Need for political action
    The industry needs a policy that takes its economic importance seriously. The “Swiss export nation” model will remain successful if companies can pursue innovative paths and politicians consistently provide the reliable framework conditions for this. This must be done without blockades and with a clear focus on maintaining international competitiveness.

    Secure industrial strength politically
    Switzerland must become aware of its industrial strengths and develop them further with courage. Only with better networking, political will to make decisions and optimal framework conditions can the international success of industry be secured in the long term.

  • Digitalisation in the construction industry low investment, big impact

    Digitalisation in the construction industry low investment, big impact

    The construction industry is increasingly facing the challenge of making its processes sustainable and efficient. According to Moritz Lüscher, digitalisation plays a key role in achieving these goals. By optimising construction processes with digital tools, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also strengthen their competitiveness without having to invest in large purchases.

    Digitalisation is increasingly influencing the awarding of construction contracts, with sustainability and digitalisation skills coming to the fore. SBV supports its members in harmonising the requirements of clients with their own skills and thus effectively implementing the digital transformation.

    The trend towards a sharing economy also offers new opportunities in the construction industry. Construction companies can efficiently share machinery and equipment, thereby saving costs and resources. Digital platforms, such as Faroo, make it easier to rent and hire construction equipment and promote the shared use of resources.

    In order to approach digitalisation strategically, it is crucial for construction companies to determine their level of digital maturity and develop a suitable strategy based on this. SBC supports this with personalised advice and tools for self-assessment and strategy development. The aim is to achieve a customised digital transformation, which can range from pure process automation to comprehensive digital master plans.

    Finally, the involvement of employees in the digital transformation process is of central importance. Promoting digital skills and creating a common understanding are essential in order to utilise the new technologies effectively and secure the company’s long-term success. Digitalisation in the construction industry will continue to gain in importance in the coming years. New technologies and requirements, such as AI and BIM, will drive the industry forward and model-based construction could become the new standard in ten years’ time. The SBC is endeavouring to prepare its members for this future and accompany them on the path to digital transformation.

  • Canton of Zurich initiates pilot project for innovation potential of SMEs

    Canton of Zurich initiates pilot project for innovation potential of SMEs

    In a press release , the canton of Zurich announced the pilot program for SMEs and innovation to strengthen innovative strength in SMEs. It was developed over a three-year period by the cantonal location promotion department on behalf of Economics Director Carmen Walker Späh and in conjunction with the Canton of Zurich Location Promotion Network and the Zürcher Kantonalbank , the Zurich Chamber of Commerce ( ZHK ) and the Canton of Zurich SME and Trade Association ( KGV ) . The location support program provides for SMEs to receive guidance and support from specialists, especially from the private sector, and from innovation specialists in the early stages of planned innovations, so that they can apply for national funding.

    The innovative strength in companies with fewer than 100 employees harbors potential for improvement and is showing a downward trend compared to large companies and start-ups that are showing innovative activities. A lack of access to knowledge and low resources for the implementation of planned projects are given as reasons for the backlog. Many SMEs are also reluctant to join forces with other companies and universities. According to a study by the economics department in the Office for Economics and Labor in the Economics Directorate, there is also room for improvement in “networking and collaboration between SMEs”. The Corona crisis has additionally weakened the innovative power.

    Economics director Carmen Walker Späh wants to ensure that SMEs make a step forward in their innovation activities and thus ensure the diversity of industries “especially in times of crisis”. “Switzerland is an SME country. It is all the more important that our SMEs continue to provide jobs and training positions,” she is quoted as saying in the media release. heg