Interview

In interviews published bi-weekly, experts and decision-makers give SMEs advice on how to succeed.

The interviews cover topics as diverse as business creation and development, innovation and strategy in the face of competition.

The most recent interviews are also posted on the SME Portal homepage.

Andrea Vezzini, Head of the CircuBAT project

"The Swiss CircuBAT program aims to optimize the lifecycle of batteries to reduce their ecological footprint and enhance the sustainability of electric mobility"

(30.04.2025) In Switzerland, the CircuBAT program – supported by the federal government – aims to reduce the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries used in the electric mobility sector, explains its director, Andrea Vezzini.

How Swiss SMEs are embracing artificial intelligence

(22.04.2025) Many Swiss SMEs have begun to integrate artificial intelligence into their processes. However, very few have developed an overarching strategy to systematically address both the opportunities and risks that AI brings. As a rule, SMEs cannot create such strategies on their own – they need external expertise. To help SMEs find suitable partners for their AI projects, the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW has joined forces with numerous partner organisations to develop SAIROP, a platform providing an overview of key AI players in Switzerland.

"Continuous training increases employee satisfaction and retention"

(09.04.2025) Companies are facing an increasing labor shortage across many sectors. Marcel Keller, head of Adecco Switzerland, believes that developing employees' skills plays a crucial role in enhancing companies' competitiveness and attractiveness.

Riccarda Mecklenburg, president of Verband Frauenunternehmen

"Women exercise more caution in their decision-making"

(19.03.2025) The number of female entrepreneurs has grown in recent years, but it is still lower than that of their male counterparts. Riccarda Mecklenburg, president of the "Verband Frauenunternehmen," confirms that women tend to be more reluctant to take risks than men.

Annemarie Büttner, Lead Climate Risk Solutions at Swiss Re

"Companies must take a proactive approach to natural hazards"

(05.03.2025) Global warming is making extreme weather events more frequent and intense. The damage they cause also poses new challenges for SMEs and insurers, says Annemarie Büttner, Lead Climate Risk Solutions at Swiss Re.

Sabrina Konrad, Deputy Head of the Copyright Law Legal Service at the IPI

"It is essential for companies to read the terms of use of generative AI platforms"

(19.02.2024) Generative artificial intelligence tools present tremendous opportunities for businesses but also raise legal uncertainties. How can companies mitigate risks, particularly regarding copyright compliance? Sabrina Konrad, legal expert at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, shares her insights.

"Payrolling adapts to the changing labor market"

(05.02.2024) The shortage of skilled labor and the growing demand for flexibility are pushing Swiss companies to turn increasingly to payrolling. This employment model allows businesses to work with specialized professionals without hiring them directly. Fabien Baiata, CEO of Helvetic Payroll, explains.

Hans Gersbach, co-director of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute

"In times instability, it is crucial to reduce dependence on high-risk regions"

(22.01.2025) Geopolitical tensions are testing the Swiss economic model and threatening to disrupt global trade. Hans Gersbach, co-director of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich, shares insights on navigating these commercial pressures.

Christoph Jordi, founder of the consulting firm DoDifferent

"The recruitment process has evolved into a two-way evaluation"

(08.01.2025) Platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Kununu enable job seekers to gain insight into a company's culture and values. Christoph Jordi, founder of the consulting firm DoDifferent, shares how these platforms have revolutionized the role of HR.

Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research, and Innovation

"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.

Fabian Rudin, co-founder of Business Transaction

"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.

Sofie Gollob, project manager at the Swiss Federation for Continuing Education

"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, Projektleiterin "Generationenbarometer"

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.

Anja Schulze, Director of the swiss Center for Automotive Research

"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.

Claudio Tognella, expert en finance décentralisée et responsable des ventes et du développement chez BX Digital

"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.

Stephanie Wickihalder, President of Swiss Fintech Innovations

"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.

Thomas Rosenberg, Operations Director at Hector Egger Holzbau

"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.

Benjamin Herbreteau, expert in industrial ecology

"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.

Nannette Hechler, Chief Investment Officer for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region at Lombard Odier

"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.

Vincent Kaufmann, director of the Ethos Foundation Ethos

"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.

Andreas Dietrich, director of the Institute of Financial Services Zug (IFZ)

"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.

"‘Matching’ unveils invisible real estate opportunities"

(20.12.2023) Finding housing in Switzerland remains long and complex for both purchase and rental. The real estate platform Hoyou aims to change the game with a matching system, a principle already proven in the job and dating markets.

"The reduction of CO2 emissions concerns all companies"

(06.12.2023) How do the goals of the Paris Agreement impact SMEs? What does the "net zero" objective mean? Insights from Anne le Duc, director of the Swiss Climate Action Initiative (SCAI).

Christophe Barman, co-president of the Swiss Federation of Enterprises (FSE)

"Sustainable businesses often lack visibility"

(15.11.2023) Some businesses feel underrepresented by the major umbrella associations in the Swiss economy, as they are often consulted infrequently and not always aligned with the same political positions. Adopting a more democratic approach, the Swiss Federation of Enterprises aims to amplify the voices of its members.

Irenka Krone-Germann, co-responsible for knowledge management, communication, and networks at cinfo.ch

"Top sharing" allows access to leadership roles while remaining part-time"

(01.11.2023) Just a few years ago, the notion of an executive or business leader working part-time would have been unimaginable. The concept is gaining increasing appeal in Switzerland.

Men Wirz, director of the Federal Office of Energy's financing and technical support program (OFEN)

"Private financing can prove difficult to access for SMEs"

(18.10.2023) To contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of Swiss energy consumption, the Federal Office of Energy provides financial support to around thirty innovative projects per year. We speak to Men Wirz, director of the program.

Hansueli Stamm, Chief Economist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI)

"Patenting is an investment in a company's future"

(27.09.2023) What intellectual property protection methods are suitable for SMEs and their budgets? Hansueli Stamm, Chief Economist of the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, provides insights.

Pierre Dillenbourg, Associate Vice-President for Education at EPFL

"Virtual reality has enormous potential for training"

(06.09.2023) Educational technologies (edtech) are increasingly capturing the interest of investors and training environments. Pierre Dillenbourg, Vice-President of Swiss Edtech Collider, details how the sector can contribute to the development of local SMEs.

Nicolas Mayencourt, fondatore e CEO mondiale di Dreamlab Technologies

"Switzerland is a prime target for cybercriminals"

(16.08.2023) In 2021, Check Point Research (CPR) security experts recorded a significant 65% surge in attacks on corporate networks within Switzerland. This trend particularly impacts SMEs, as Nicolas Mayencourt, founder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Dreamlab Technologies, warns.

Hansruedi Häfliger, director of the Liebegg Agricultural Center

"Technological assistance in agriculture will increase”

(26.07.2023) As leaders of atypical SMEs, farmers are currently forced to adapt their business models to meet commercial demands and ecological imperatives. Hansruedi Häfliger, Director of the Liebegg Agricultural Center in the canton of Aargau, details the challenges and opportunities facing the agriculture of the future.

Aurel Greiner, CEO and founder of Revendo

"Sustainability must provide a tangible benefit to consumers"

(05.07.2023) The repair and reconditioning market is gaining increasing popularity in Switzerland. However, its potential remains untapped. Aurel Greiner, founder of Revendo, a company specializing in the refurbishment and resale of electronic equipment, explains the concept.

Sven Vetsch, Head of Innovation and Development at Redguard AG

"The 'workation' is not suitable for all employee profiles"

(07.06.2023) For a long time the preserve of freelancers, workation - the combination of work and vacation travel - is becoming increasingly popular in certain sectors. IT security company Redguard offers its 80 employees the opportunity to take advantage of this once a year for four to six weeks. Sven Vetsch, the company's partner and Head of Innovation and Development, explains the benefits of this new practice.

Gabriel Affentranger, member of the management of Affentranger Bau AG company

"Our strategy is in line with the future of construction"

(17.05.2023) How can the construction sector adapt to climate challenges? Gabriel Affentranger, a leadership team member at a pioneering company in this field, shares his knowledge.

Fosca Tóth, founder of Studio MK2 cultural company

"When talent is more important than a title, individuals can flourish"

(21.12.2022) The We Talents platform offers a central place for job offers and networking. It is the first platform in Switzerland to connect skills and activate networks.

Serge Frech, Director of ICT-VET Switzerland

"By 2030, there will be a shortage of about 40,000 IT specialists in Switzerland"

(07.12.2022) Are IT specialists a rarity? Perhaps not, but in any case, the pool of professionals is drying up ever more quickly as the need for them continues to grow in all sectors, and not only in IT service companies. Serge Frech, Director of ICT-VET Switzerland, warns that it is high time we reacted.

Philippe Thévenot, founder of BP2M, which includes the Chiefs on Demand platform

"Provisional directors have a greater incentive to give their all."

(16.11.2022) The corporate economic situation, with its combination of increasingly volatile markets and a skilled workforce that is constantly concerned with work-life balance, is driving SMEs to hire interim managers.

Eric Scheidegger, Head of the Economic Policy Directorate and Deputy Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

"A policy of openness is essential for Switzerland as a business location"

(02.11.2022) Parliament has instructed the Federal Council to draft federal law on the review of foreign investments. Eric Scheidegger, Head of SECO's Economic Policy Directorate and Deputy Director, provides an update on this initiative.

Rico Baldegger, Director of the School of Management of Fribourg (HEG-FR)

"In Switzerland, being an entrepreneur is still regarded as a very daring career choice"

(19.10.2022) Only a few Helvetians dare to start an entrepreneurial adventure. Why does this reluctance persist? Management expert Rico Baldegger explains.

Emilie Raffo, co-founder of ChainSecurity

"SMEs active in blockchain are interested in collaborating with academic experts."

(05.10.2022) Mainly used for crypto-currencies, blockchain is also being implemented elsewhere and the movement does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. Faced with strong international competition in the sector, what are Switzerland's competitive advantages? Emilie Raffo, co-founder of the company ChainSecurity and expert in the field, provides the answers.

Emilie Romon Carnegie, Director of Ashoka Switzerland

"Social entrepreneurship is all about collective interest"

(21.09.2022) The international organization Ashoka supports social entrepreneurship projects around the world. Emilie Romon Carnegie, its director in Switzerland, discusses the key drivers and challenges in this field.

"The public is looking for interactive and ever more immersive experiences"

(07.09.2022) After two difficult years, the events sector has regained some momentum. Gabriele Censi, Director of GC Events, has relied on digitalization and innovative exhibitions to get through the pandemic. He reflects on the industry's challenges and opportunities for renewal.

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