immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Wirtschaftsraum

  • Ticino economic area between energy, housing and investment

    Ticino economic area between energy, housing and investment

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    At the 108th immoTable Ticino in Savosa, representatives from the real estate industry, energy, planning and investment discussed the future of the Ticino economic region. The focus was not only on individual projects, but also on the fundamental question of how Ticino can continue to develop as a modern business and real estate location.

    The discussion made it clear that Ticino today is much more than just a vacation and second-home region. A high quality of life, strategic location and exciting development potential meet challenges in terms of processes, living space, mobility and regional cooperation.

    Roberto Fantoni from Volta RE showed how much the energy market has changed. While the feed-in tariff for photovoltaic electricity has fallen massively in recent years, new models for property owners, municipalities and site developments are emerging in the form of energy communities, virtual associations and local electricity communities. The new CLE models from 2026 in particular could have a lasting impact on the real estate market. At the same time, it became clear that owners and administrations are increasingly looking for solutions that reduce energy costs, improve the energy efficiency of buildings and simplify investments.

    Monique Bosco-von Allmen from CASSI focused on the issue of housing. She made it clear that Ticino is lagging far behind the rest of Switzerland in terms of non-profit housing construction and that the discussion about affordable housing, demographic change and sustainable forms of housing is becoming increasingly important. The topics discussed included gentrification, rising rental costs, the low proportion of non-profit housing and the question of how politicians, municipalities and private stakeholders can work together to promote new housing models. At the same time, it was emphasized that housing is much more than just a roof over one’s head, but is closely linked to social balance, intergenerational dialogue and quality of life.

    Manuel Gamper from Leading Investors presented Ticino from the perspective of national and international investors. Ticino remains attractive, but finds itself in a more demanding market environment that requires significantly more professionalism, data competence and strategic thinking. Particularly important are predictability, speed, larger volumes and a professional ecosystem along the entire real estate value chain. At the same time, it became clear that Ticino, despite its limited market size, has interesting returns and considerable development potential if projects are of high quality, flexible and long-term.

    The future of the Ticino economic region will not be decided by individual construction projects or investments alone, but by cooperation, quality, innovation and the ability to think about economic development, energy, mobility and housing together.

    The next immoTable will take place on June 18, 2026 at the StartUp Space in Schlieren.

  • Basel Economic Area – Facts and Figures

    Basel Economic Area – Facts and Figures

    Living and working in the Basel region means being part of one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in Europe. Between the pharmaceutical campus, architectural icons and growing start-up ecosystem, the region is a powerful driving force in Switzerland. The Basel metropolitan region is one of the most powerful business locations in the country. With an exceptionally high export rate and internationally leading companies in the life sciences, medtech, chemicals and ICT sectors. Over 30,000 people work here in the research, development and production of future technologies.

    A new era of value creation is emerging in the Basel region with sites such as uptownBasel and Klybeckplus, which are networked, climate-conscious and internationally oriented. Companies find short distances to research, talented people find new professional horizons and the location promotion programs of the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, as well as Basel Area, accompany companies from the idea to expansion. Whether promoting innovation, developing skilled workers or ESG-compliant new construction projects, the region makes targeted investments in sustainable growth.

    Did you know that..

    • an urban quarter is being created on the bi-cantonal Dreispitz site that combines working, living and culture in a new way?
    • the Klybeckplus site is being developed according to the SNBS standard and will provide space for 15,000 people to live and work?
    • the BaseLink site in Allschwil is attracting worldwide attention as a center for biomedical research?
    • Basel is one of the world’s top regions for life sciences?
    • innovative energy solutions from the region are contributing to the decarbonization of Switzerland?
    • start-ups from all over the world settle here because of the proximity to cutting-edge research and capital?

    Where business and quality of life go hand in hand
    Basel is strong because of its cross-border thinking. The tri-national cooperation with Alsace and South Baden creates a cross-border economic area with a high level of innovation. The region benefits from international connections via EuroAirport, efficient rail logistics and links to the world’s oceans via the Swiss Rhine ports. Behind the scenes, there are dedicated location promotion agencies that assist companies with relocating, finding space, obtaining permits and networking. From start-ups to industrial groups – Basel offers everything from a single source. Basel is not an either-or. Basel is the whole. The future is being created here today.

    The Basel economic area in figures

    Basel-Stadt

    ECONOMY – KEY FIGURES
    Businesses16’000
    Leading sectorsChemicals/pharmaceuticals, life sciences, financial services, trade, logistics, healthcare
    Jobs / employees200’000
    Employees 1st sector (agriculture)100
    Employees 2nd sector (industry/construction)34’000
    Employees 3rd sector (services)166’000
    GDP per capita in CHF (2022)209’782
    Unemployment rate (2024)3,7%
    Start-ups founded1’304 (2024)

    REAL ESTATE – KEY FIGURES
    Vacancy rate apartments0,9%
    Vacancy rate office/commercial properties1%
    Residential units in planning/construction11’000
    Office and commercial properties in planning/construction10-15 projects per year
    New construction projects40-50
    Average construction costs for commercial properties in CHF3’000 – 4’800/m²

    LOCATION – KEY FIGURES
    Area in km²37
    Population (2024)207’515
    Population growth compared to previous year0,58%
    Districts Number3
    Municipalities Number3
    Housing units138’000
    Universities4
    Stops Regional and long-distance public transportationover 100

    Basel-Land

    ECONOMY – KEY FIGURES
    Company21’700
    Leading sectorsMechanical engineering, chemicals/pharmaceuticals, food industry, trade, healthcare
    Jobs / employees142’000
    Employees 1st sector (agriculture)1’000
    Employees 2nd sector (industry/construction)28’400
    Employees 3rd sector (services)112’100
    GDP per capita in CHF (2022)77’693
    Unemployment rate (2024)2,3%
    Start-up foundations1’000 -1’200
    REAL ESTATE – KEY FIGURES
    Vacancy rate apartments1,2%
    Vacancy rate office/commercial properties1%
    Residential units in planning/constructionapprox. 2,000 per year
    Office and commercial properties in planning/construction12-18 projects per year
    New construction projects30-45
    Average construction costs for commercial properties in CHF2’200 – 3’800/m²
    LOCATION – KEY FIGURES
    Area in km²518
    Population (2024)303’285
    Population growth compared to previous year0,70%
    Districts Number5
    Municipalities Number86
    Housing units140’000
    Universities1
    Stops Regional and long-distance public transportationapprox. 215
  • Support for 91 foreign companies setting up operations

    Support for 91 foreign companies setting up operations

    In terms of location marketing, 2024 surpassed previous years in terms of quality, size and excellence. These are the results of GZA ‘s activities in the past year. As the location promoter explains in a press release, the GZA supported a total of 91 international companies in their expansion projects in this “year of top quality” together with the public location and economic development agencies of the joint economic area.

    The GZA describes it as “particularly pleasing” that four out of five of these relocations came from the actively marketed key technologies of cleantech and artificial intelligence, the strategic focus for 2024. “In 2025, sustainability and innovation will become even more of a strategic focus for the GZA,” Managing Director Lukas Huber is quoted as saying. “Since the beginning of 2024, we have been evaluating projects not only in terms of economic aspects, but also from an ecological and social perspective.”

    According to GZA, the most significant new additions include companies such as Revolut, Anthropic, OpenAI, the Robotics and AI Institute, BYD and Estun Automation. The strong international focus of these new companies confirms the attractiveness of the Zurich economic area for companies from the fintech, robotics, electromobility and artificial intelligence sectors.

    The Starlab Space project also deserves special mention. The Greater Zurich Area is thus also positioning itself as a central innovation location in the future sector of the new space economy. “The location factors that make up the success of the Greater Zurich Area – from quality of life and security to tax attractiveness, entrepreneurial-minded administrations, infrastructure and talent pool – must continue to be actively cultivated,” summarises GZA Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr Balz Hösly.

  • Zug Economic Area – Facts and Figures Zug

    Zug Economic Area – Facts and Figures Zug

    Located within the Greater Zurich Area (GZA), Zug is one of the world’s leading economic regions. The location boasts an excellent infrastructure, great potential for young talent and political and economic stability.

    Both the municipalities and the canton of Zug are constantly evolving and adapting to the requirements. With innovative projects, such as a bypass to relieve congestion in the centre of Cham, lake water that will regulate the temperature in the houses in residential areas in the future and exciting projects, such as the Association for Decarbonisation or the Climate Charter Zug, the canton is shaping a modern image with ambition.

    Numerous areas of historical significance are being renovated and converted to create attractive mixed-use developments comprising residential, work and commercial space.

    As a result, Zug remains a canton worth living in, which is also reflected in a high level of life satisfaction.

    Zug is not only appreciated by its 133,000 residents, numerous independent ratings and studies also confirm Zug’s outstanding position. For example, Zug has been ranked first among the Swiss cantons in the Credit Suisse and UBS rankings for 24 years. The basic principles of business friendliness, service orientation and a culture of innovation make the canton of Zug an ideal partner for companies, educational institutions and research institutes.

    Testimonials

    Andreas Klopp
    General Manager Roche Diagnostics International AG

    “Rotkreuz is located in the Zurich-Zug life sciences cluster and offers ideal conditions for driving innovation thanks to its excellent infrastructure and high quality of life. For over 50 years, Roche in Rotkreuz has been contributing to the health of patients worldwide with diagnostic solutions.”

    Dr Katja Buller
    Vice President, Head of Corporate Affairs International, Biogen

    “Local and international specialists,
    “Local and international specialists, a multi-layered infrastructure and professional cooperation with the authorities have made the canton of Zug the ideal location for our international headquarters for more than 20 years”

    Katharina Gasser
    President of the Zug Chamber of Commerce

    “Our members appreciate the business-friendly conditions in the dynamic and innovative Canton of Zug. The authorities are service-orientated, make decisions quickly and work efficiently; the unique “spirit of Zug” is palpable.”

    Hanspeter Rhyner
    Chairman of the Executive Board, Zuger Kantonalbank

    “Zuger Kantonalbank combines tradition and modernity. This is precisely the DNA of the attractive location of the Canton of Zug. Digital AND personal –
    this is how we meet the needs of our customers in line with this DNA. And we can fulfil all needs and accompany you through life.”

  • New career opportunities for career changers in the property industry

    New career opportunities for career changers in the property industry

    A career change opens up exciting opportunities for many career changers. Claudio Kuhn, an experienced business administrator with a Master of Science in Business Administration from HSLU, sees the property industry as his new challenge. Motivated by the prospect of intensive customer contact and diverse marketing activities, he is focusing on a career in property sales, particularly in the Zurich economic area and the Lucerne region.

    Targeted further training for entry
    Despite his extensive specialist knowledge, Kuhn realised that specific basic knowledge was essential for property sales. He therefore decided to enrol on the intensive course for career changers at SVIT Zurich, which he successfully completed. The course provides essential knowledge and skills to gain a foothold in the dynamic property sector.

    Support from SVIT Zurich
    In addition to specialist training, SVIT Zurich offers comprehensive support for professional integration into the property industry. Pascal Stutz, CEO of SVIT Zurich, supports course participants in developing successful job search strategies. As a result, graduates not only acquire in-depth knowledge, but also valuable skills for a successful job application.

    Networking and practical experience
    Kuhn and other course graduates also have the opportunity to present themselves to potential employers via dossiers and personal references such as skills. These documents, which can also be requested by non-SVIT members, enable companies to access qualified candidates directly (mail to: pascal.stutz@svit.ch).

    Outlook for interested lateral entrants
    SVIT Zurich’s current range of courses for lateral entrants in the fields of property management or property sales can be viewed on the svit-bildung.ch website. With targeted programmes and supportive guidance, the SVIT offers ambitious career changers like Claudio Kuhn a solid basis for a successful career start in the real estate sector.

    The intensive training and close support provided by SVIT Zurich offer a promising opportunity to increase the attractiveness of the property industry for career changers and pave the way for a successful career.

  • The heart of Switzerland pulsating with diversity and innovation

    The heart of Switzerland pulsating with diversity and innovation

    Zurich’s geographical and demographic structure contributes to its unique character. With its division into 12 districts and 34 neighbourhoods, nestled between the banks of the Limmat and the Uetliberg, Zurich offers a picturesque backdrop for its 428,700 inhabitants and 1.4 million people in the entire agglomeration. A remarkable 32% of the population, which comes from 172 nations, reflects the city’s international presence and openness.

    Zurich’s economic landscape is characterised by diversity and strength. The financial sector, which represents a quarter of local economic output, and the booming creative industries with 39,000 jobs emphasise Zurich’s role as an economic powerhouse. With a high tourism rate, underpinned by 3.4 million annual overnight stays and a major air and rail transport hub, Zurich is also a key centre of attraction for international visitors. In addition, a diverse cultural scene, with world-class museums and a historically valuable old town, enriches urban life. Festivals, art and music events as well as the natural recreational areas on Lake Zurich and the Uetliberg offer residents and visitors a high quality of life.

    Zurich thus not only stands for a successful combination of cultural diversity and economic dynamism, but also for a progressive attitude towards the future. This city shows how modern urbanity can be designed in harmony with historical heritage and natural beauty, and sets itself as a leading example of innovation and quality of life in a global context.

    Foundations for a vibrant city
    Zurich Urban Development is a division of the Department of the President of the City of Zurich and reports directly to the Mayor. It comprises five areas and its remit is to provide the foundations and strategies for socio-spatial urban development. The team deals with a variety of topics and is committed to an integrated and user-orientated understanding of urban development and planning. This includes, for example, preparing studies and expert reports, conducting impulse projects and representing socio-spatial aspects in projects led by third parties. Urban development also takes on coordination and special tasks. An important focus of the work is the involvement of the population. Participatory processes and workshops are organised in order to incorporate citizens’ ideas and concerns into urban development. In this way, the City of Zurich creates broad acceptance for a number of projects and strengthens the sense of togetherness in urban society. In addition, an intensive exchange with other municipal offices and external partners is maintained in order to ensure holistic and sustainable urban development. The aim is to further develop Zurich as a vibrant, diverse and liveable city.

    Strengthening the location for tomorrow
    Economic development promotes dialogue between politics, administration and business and advocates good framework conditions. It supports young entrepreneurs and projects that strengthen the future viability of the location and make it visible both nationally and internationally. The Economic Development Agency attaches great importance to sustainable urban development. It is committed to ensuring that the business community is given greater consideration and involvement in order to achieve the City of Zurich’s sustainability goals. The targeted promotion of education and innovation is an important building block for strengthening the location for tomorrow. The Economic Development Agency is committed to ensuring that educational programmes are closely linked to the needs of the economy in order to secure qualified specialists for the future. It also supports innovation projects and technology transfer in order to drive the regional economy forward and create new jobs. Through this holistic approach, economic development contributes to strengthening the location in the long term and making it fit for the future.

    Key to promoting growth
    Innovation and digitalisation in companies are actively promoted by economic development. Targeted funding programmes and consulting services support companies in using future-oriented technologies and strengthening their competitiveness. The Economic Development Agency is also committed to the creation of qualified jobs and the training of skilled labour. It works closely with educational institutions and companies to ensure that young talent is trained in a customised way and to combat the shortage of skilled workers in the long term.

    Impetus for the future
    An important aspect of business development is the promotion of start-ups and innovative business ideas. By providing targeted support and advice, young entrepreneurs are encouraged to realise their ideas and lead them to commercial success. The Economic Development Agency regularly organises events and networking meetings to promote the exchange between established companies and start-ups and to create synergies. In this way, Zurich can be further strengthened as an innovative and attractive location for start-ups.

  • 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.

  • GZA draws a positive conclusion for 2022

    GZA draws a positive conclusion for 2022

    The number of new companies from abroad settling in the Zurich economic region has stabilised at a high level in 2022, according to GZA. Together with its location promotion partners, the location marketing organisation supported 108 companies in establishing new branches in the nine associated cantons, the city of Zurich and the Winterthur region, according to the 2022 annual report presented on 30 March. In the previous year, there had been 129 companies, in 2020 only 89, and in 2019 a total of 109.

    The 108 companies newly established last year created 516 jobs, 19 per cent fewer than in the previous year. This downward trend reflects the use of new technologies, the increasing automation of production processes and the cross-border division of labour among international companies, according to the media release accompanying the annual report. However, the companies that have settled in the region are planning to create a further 1292 jobs in the next five years.

    The front-runner among the new settlements in 2022 was the life sciences with 22 companies, followed by 20 companies from fintech and blockchain, 16 from information technologies and 12 from artificial intelligence and computer vision.

    The majority of the newly established companies come from the USA (33), Germany (14) and Italy (9). According to GZA, their internationality increases the networking of the business location and contributes to its resilience. “We want to attract attractive companies to the Zurich economic region that can create something new for a sustainable future here and throughout Switzerland,” says Balz Hösly, Chairman of the Board of Directors, as quoted in the media release.

    The focus of the 2022 Annual Report is the circular economy. GZA AG is a founding member of the recently launched Workshop for the Circular Economy CE123, an initiative from the business community that aims to pave the way for circularity, especially for SMEs. “Alongside digitalisation, the circular economy is becoming a big business prospect,” says Managing Director Sonja Wollkopf. It will “lead to more innovation and prosperity”.

  • High-tech quality in the east

    High-tech quality in the east

    Economic area of technologies
     The economic “core competencies” lie in photonics, textile and material technologies, precision technologies, ICT services and medical technology. Corresponding specialists are also available in large numbers across borders. Their training and further education is guaranteed thanks to the intensive cooperation between industry, vocational and technical colleges and the University of St. Gallen. The ongoing IT education offensive reinforces the already tech-savvy economic atmosphere.

    In the economic region there are still very attractive areas and transformation areas, even in very central locations, which are constantly being developed. They offer a lot of potential for projects and company settlements.

    Innovation park symbolizes departure
    In the city of St. Gallen, the economic center of Eastern Switzerland, the University of St. Gallen and the Cantonal Hospital have supraregional appeal. Empa St. Gallen also positions itself through its scientific excellence. On the basis of these three institutions, the application for “Park Ost” to Switzerland Innovation was successful. In addition, the DNA for ICT, health technologies and start-ups is already developed in the urban location and provides an ideal breeding ground for this.

    City as a center of business and life
    The city of St. Gallen is a center that radiates far and wide, not only economically, but also culturally and urbanly. With over 80,000 employees, it is the labor market center in Eastern Switzerland. Impulses such as the new “School of Medicine” (Joint Medical Master) and the “School of Computer Science” at the University of St. Gallen offer close proximity to specialists for companies in these growth sectors.

    The start-up innovation network “Startfeld” or the networks for ICT and health provide uncomplicated access to local partners and enable joint development.

    The short distances, the compact city and the proximity to the surrounding nature from Säntis to Lake Constance form the basis for the very high quality of life.

    Testimonials

    Josef Brusa
    President of the Board of Directors of Brusa Elektronik AG

    “Everything is right at the Buchs campus. We were able to establish ourselves here thanks to the good cooperation with the cantonal location promotion, the city and local community of Buchs, the university and Lippuner Immobilien. "

    Thomas Harring
    CEO Leica Geosystems

    "Our Heerbrugg innovation factory is the embodiment of Switzerland as a workplace: innovation leadership and high manufacturing quality, which is ensured by well-trained employees and the network of industrial companies and research institutions."

    Roger Dudler
    CEO Frontify

    «Frontify offers a workplace of the future in the heart of St. Gallen. We are continuously working to bring our more than 200 employees (around 180 of them in St. Gallen) together and to offer them the ideal basis to be able to work on something big every day. "

    Roland Ledergerber
    Chairman of the Board of Directors of Switzerland Innovation Park Ost AG

    “In St. Gallen and at the second location in Buchs, experts from research and business will network and jointly create innovative products. The innovation park should be operational from the end of 2022, and it should reach its full capacity from 2025. "

    Portraits and contact details of the heads of location promotion:

    Are you looking for an attractive, competitive and innovative location for your company and would you like to develop further or settle in the canton of St. Gallen? We would be happy to support you personally.

    Daniel Müller,
    Head of Location Promotion Canton St. Gallen | Department of Economic Affairs | Office for Economy and Labor
    Davidstrasse 35, CH-9001 St.Gallen

    T +41 58 229 14 07
    daniel.mueller@sg.ch
    www.standort.sg.ch

    The promotion of the city of St. Gallen actively contributes to the further development of the business and living location of St. Gallen and to positioning it attractively in the competition for locations.

    Samuel Zuberbühler,
    Head of Location Promotion City of St. Gallen
    Poststrasse 28,
    CH-9001 St.Gallen

    Telephone +41 71 224 57 57
    samuel.zuberbuehler@stadt.sg.ch
    www.standort.stadt.sg.ch

  • Canton of Zurich gets its own top-level domain

    Canton of Zurich gets its own top-level domain

    The canton of Zurich has secured the administration of the top-level domain .zuerich. The Internet extension will be available to companies and organizations based in the canton from August 30, the cantonal office for economy and labor ( AWA ) informs in a message . With .zuerich, “the canton wants to position the largest economic area in Switzerland clearly and unmistakably in the digital space and in international competition between locations,” explains the AWA.

    About .zuerich, companies could “benefit from the excellent reputation of the Zurich brand”, according to thewebsite set up by the canton for the new top-level domain. According to her, the canton of Zurich provides “the greatest economic output and added value in Switzerland”. A .zuerich Internet extension thus strengthens one’s own brand and at the same time indicates that it is anchored in the economic area.

    As the registry operator, the canton is responsible for the quality and security of the top-level domain. Sales and support are the responsibility of a number of accredited domain providers. A list of providers and all other information required for registration is provided on the website set up by the canton.

  • Canton of Aargau – your success starts here

    Canton of Aargau – your success starts here

    Attractive economic area
    The economic area between Zurich, Basel, Bern and southern Germany is one of the most successful and attractive locations in Europe for companies. The canton of Aargau makes a significant contribution to the success of this region. Small and medium-sized companies as well as global corporations are successful in various industries in Aargau. Their brands stand for a wide range of expertise and know-how in future-oriented key technologies. The geographical location in the middle of Europe guarantees proximity to national and international markets.

    A network for success
    Renowned research institutions in the canton of Aargau give companies direct and easy access to the latest available technologies and the most modern technical infrastructures. With the High-Tech Center, the Innovaare Park, the Technopark, the Northwestern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences and the Paul Scherrer Institute, companies have highly competent innovation partners at their side who support them in their innovation projects.

    Smart investments in two ways
    There is a business-oriented and entrepreneur-friendly climate in the canton of Aargau. Innovative companies can benefit from tax instruments such as the patent box or maximum deductions for research and development. After the end of the year, the company therefore regularly has more money for new investments.

    The canton of Aargau is not only attractive because of its strategically advantageous location. Compared to the urban agglomerations, you can purchase land and real estate in Aargau much cheaper; there is sufficient space available for future work zones. Aargau companies also benefit on average from lower wage costs.

    Testimonials

    Roger Süess
    CEO Green

    With Lupfig in the canton of Aargau, we have found an ideal location for our first data center campus. Comprehensively and securely developed, it serves discerning corporate customers and international cloud providers alike as a Swiss data hub.

    Dieter Egli
    Government Council
    Head of Department of Economics and Home Affairs (DVI)

    Aargau is a location for growth and development. Important research institutions work here with innovative companies and up-and-coming young companies. We achieve progress – always according to the principle of sustainability, so that our livelihoods are preserved.

    Dr. Martin Schumacher
    Country Managing Director
    Hitachi ABB Power Grids

    Hitachi ABB Power Grids values the innovative, sustainable environment that is offered to companies and their employees in the city of Baden and the surrounding area. Historically, we have had strong roots in the city since the BBC was founded in 1891.

    Suzanne Marclay-Merz
    VRP Merz AG
    VRP Bank Leerau
    Grand Councilor of the Canton of Aargau
    City Councilor Aarau

    Aargau offers companies a business-friendly environment and active, needs-based support. The location is optimally located in terms of transport, has excellent skilled workers, offers good educational opportunities and a high quality of life.

    Contact
    Success needs good partners. Count on our experienced and
    professional team to support you in all aspects of the business location
    Aargau can advise.

    Canton of Aargau, Department of Economics and Home Affairs, Aargau Services Economic Promotion, Rain 53, 5001 Aarau, +41 62 835 24 40, aargau.services@ag.ch, www.aargauservices.ch

  • The Zurich economic area remains attractive for new settlements in the corona crisis

    The Zurich economic area remains attractive for new settlements in the corona crisis

    Together with partners, the location marketing organization Greater Zurich Area AG (GZA) was able to relocate 86 companies despite the corona crisis, which corresponds to a decrease of 21 percent compared to the previous year. According to the GZA, the new settlements have already created 510 new jobs in the region, and 1599 new jobs are to follow in the next five years. GZA published these figures at a digital media conference. On this occasion, GZA managing director Sonja Wollkopf Walt commented: “In view of the global crisis, the result is very solid.” This is due to a well-filled project pipeline at the beginning of the crisis, but also to long-term networks abroad and the sustainable work of GZA and the partner of the location funding. According to Walt Wollkopf, the crisis has digitalized the work of the GZA even more: Existing instruments have been expanded and others newly developed.

    Almost half of the companies located here come from the information and communication technology (ICT) and life sciences sectors, with biotech accounting for the lion's share. Machine industry and financial services take third and fourth place. According to GZA, the origin of the companies by world region reflects the course of the pandemic in 2020. The US remains the leader with 20 companies, but the number of projects here has almost halved. With 14 settlements, Germany remains almost at the previous year's level and there are even two more projects from China than in 2019.

    The successful ICT settlement Speed U Up stands for the digitization boost caused by the pandemic and the strengths of GZA in the digital sector. The digital agency from Austria with a focus on alpine tourism founded a joint venture in Chur GR with the Swiss media company Somedia in October 2020. A technology hub with 75 new jobs is to be created. Somedia CEO Thomas Kundert said: "For us, the joint venture is a further step towards the growth market of digital services." This is playing an increasingly important role in the media company's strategy.

    Sven Thoenes, member of the Board of Directors of Speed U Up Suisse AG , emphasized: "In the Zurich economic area we find excellent talents to further develop our technologies in the areas of speech recognition, artificial intelligence and augmented reality." U-Up customers like Zermatt Tourismus benefit.