2024
"Providing companies with free access to research findings can significantly boost interest in strategic partnerships"
(18.12.2024) Switzerland aims to make publicly funded research results freely accessible to everyone. What does this strategy mean for academia and the economy? Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research, and Innovation, shares her insights.
"Entrepreneurs should plan their succession well in advance"
(04.12.2024) Understanding the process of external business transfers is often challenging. How can this topic be made more accessible? This question inspired Fabian Rudin and Yves Süess, co-founders of Business Transaction, to create a dedicated knowledge portal.
"There is a need to cultivate a culture of learning and continuous training in companies"
(20.11.2024) Employees must continually adapt their skills to keep pace with the evolving job market. Sofie Gollob, project manager at the Swiss Federation for Continuing Education, shares insights on effectively identifying and meeting these needs.
Anina Hille, project leader of the "Generations Barometer"
(06.11.2024) The challenge of intergenerational management lies in encouraging and harnessing collaboration between different age groups within a company. Anina Hille, a lecturer at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and project leader of the "Generations Barometer," offers her insights.
"Innovation remains the key to success"
(16.10.2024) The automotive industry holds a significant yet discreet place in the Swiss economy. Anja Schulze, Director of the swiss Center for Automotive Research at the University of Zurich, analyzes the challenges and opportunities facing a sector in the midst of transformation.
"Investors can invest in local companies thanks to tokenisation"
(02.10.2024) Blockchain presents a wealth of opportunities for SMEs, especially through the issuance of digital tokens. This process of 'tokenization' not only simplifies access to capital but also streamlines business transfers and shareholder registry management, explains Claudio Tognella, a decentralized finance expert and head of sales and development at BX Digital.
"Fintechs help SMEs automate key processes and innovate"
(18.09.2024) The digitization of the financial sector is a key challenge for the Swiss economy. Stephanie Wickihalder, President of Swiss Fintech Innovations, discusses the sector's strong potential for innovation and the benefits of certain tools for SMEs.
"Staff health and safety are paramount"
(04.09.2024) From fall protection systems to UV safeguards, construction SMEs must implement various measures to protect their employees from the risks of accidents or illness. Thomas Rosenberg, Operations Director at Hector Egger Holzbau, explains how this "systematic prevention" approach works.
"Optimizing resources can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs"
(21.08.2024) The circular economy requires rethinking the entire production system. In the Lake Geneva region, the support organization 'La Fabrique Circulaire' is dedicated to helping SMEs tackle this major challenge. We interviewed its technical coordinator, Benjamin Herbreteau, who is also an expert in industrial ecology.
"Women should be encouraged to talk about money"
(07.08.2024)"Only one in ten Swiss women reportedly manages her own finances.” Nannette Hechler-Fayd'herbe, a renowned banker in Zurich for over twenty years, believes it's time for this to change.
"Digital responsibility safeguards SMEs from reputational risks"
(03.07.2024) Digital transition poses numerous challenges for companies, including security, reputation, and operational issues. Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) principles are designed to help mitigate these risks. Vincent Kaufmann, director of the Ethos Foundation, explains.
"Many SMEs are unaware of how to improve their access to credit"
(19.06.2024) Swiss companies are increasingly turning to bank financing. How can they secure loans on favorable terms? Expert advice below.
"Pay equity improves work culture, innovation, and productivity"
(05.06.2024) A lack of time, financial resources, and transparency frequently contributes to the persistent pay disparities between men and women in SMEs. Lisa Rubli, director of the Equal-Salary Foundation, outlines strategies to address this issue.
"More and more Swiss want to work remotely from abroad"
(15.05.2024) Employers need to adjust to changes in employees' lifestyles, including the growing trend of telecommuting and working from abroad. However, the legal and administrative risks associated with this practice often act as a deterrent for employers. Insights below from Isabelle Wildhaber, a specialist in commercial and digital law.
"The clientele has grown more discerning"
(01.05.2024) In recent years, the changing demands and increasing operational costs have presented a significant challenge for restaurateurs. How can they maintain competitiveness amidst these pressures? Insights from Hans Haueter, head of business consulting at Gastroconsult, offer valuable guidance.
"To do business in Panama, patience is key"
(16.04.2024) Over the past decade, Switzerland and Panama have enjoyed streamlined trade thanks to a free trade agreement. The local chamber of commerce provides insights into the market's specifics and advises on precautions that should be taken before venturing into it.
"Following OECD principles give SMEs a strategic edge"
(03.04.2024) Recognized in more than 50 countries, including Switzerland, the "code of conduct" for responsible multinational corporations has been updated. What's new, and why does it matter for SMEs? SECO expert Nadja Meier weighs in.
"Companies are ignoring opportunities offered by artificial intelligence"
(20.03.2024) Are SMEs adequately equipped to harness the full potential of tools like ChatGPT? Here are the insights from Sophie Hundertmark, a researcher and author of two books on the topic.
"The four-day workweek has boosted our attractiveness"
(06.03.2024) The increase in productivity linked to technological progress has led some Swiss companies to reduce their workweek to four days. However, this change implies ensuring certain conditions. Stefan Planzer, director of the digital marketing firm Addvanto, shares insights after successfully implementing this change.
"In terms of cybersecurity, Switzerland is less agile than other countries"
(19.02.2024) In 2023, Swiss businesses faced a 61% increase in cyberattacks. How can one guard against such a threat? We discuss this with Sandro Nafzger, an "ethical hacker" and co-founder of Bug Bounty Switzerland.
"Climate change impacts the entire tourism industry"
(07.02.2024) Tourism plays a vital role in the economies of Swiss mountain regions. How can the lasting success of this industry be ensured? Jürg Schmid, an industry expert and president of Grisons Tourism, shares his insights.
"Work flexibilisation: it’s sometimes necessary to push back against individualization"
(24.01.2024) Working 100% in the same location is no longer in line with the preferences of a growing number of employees. What solutions should be considered in response to this trend? Expert advice follows.
"SMEs should leverage the potential of digital technologies more effectively"
(03.01.2024) How can you successfully achieve the digital transformation of your SME? Here is some advice from Marc K. Peter, author of a recent guide on the subject.