SWITZERLAND INNOVATION THE BEST PLACE FOR YOUR INNOVATION WHO WE ARE There are a number of reasons to choose Switzerland as a location for business or research and development: political stability, a high level of legal certainty, a liberal economic system, outstanding infrastructure, excellent education and health systems, close links to foreign markets, a competitive tax system and a high standard of living are just a few examples. These are also the reasons why Switzerland is one of the world’s most economi- cally successful and innovative countries. This success needs to be maintained, and the foundation for future innovation activities needs to be laid. In an increas- ingly globalized world and in times of digitization, Switzerland is aiming to strengthen its position as an innovator through the work of Switzerland Innovation. Switzerland Innovation 4 At five sites (Park Basel Area, Park innovaare, Park Zurich, Park Network West Overview of Innovation Areas 6 EPFL and Park Biel/Bienne), space is created to allow talents from across the globe to network with universities and innovative companies. All sites offer first- Innovation Areas 8 class accessibility and are close to universities, suitable for further expansion Life Sciences 8 and in attractive areas. Innovative companies are thus provided with the perfect conditions to focus on quickly transforming their innovations into marketable Energy 9 products. Switzerland Innovation relies on the know-how of more than 10,000 Industry 4.0 10 researchers. Materials 11 Information and Communication Technology 12 We are happy to provide you with more information about Switzerland Innovation – Transports and Mobility 13 the best place for your innovation. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Enabling Technologies 14 Raymond Cron, CEO Sites 15 Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area 16 Monbijoustrasse 15, 3011 Bern, Switzerland Park innovaare 18 Tel. +41 31 382 52 17, [email protected] Park Zurich 20 Park Biel/Bienne 22 Switzerland Innovation – Connecting Great Minds. Park Network West EPFL 24 Contacts 28 Switzerland Innovation 3 SWITZERLAND INNOVATION INNOVATION LOCATION SWITZERLAND – SWITZERLAND IS THE INNOVATION WORLD CHAMPION. STRENGTHS AND OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE THE TALENTS, KNOWLEDGE, NETWORKS AND Knowledge Center Switzerland NECESSARY SPACE TO ENABLE IDEAS TO BE CREATED Global leader in innovation: Switzerland invests almost 3% of its GDP in research and AND SUCCESSFULLY TRANSFORMED INTO MARKETABLE development, with no less than 60 universities guaranteeing that outstanding work is carried out in this area. The educational institutes work closely with the international research PRODUCTS. community and participate in scientific partnerships. They form networks with industrial partners by sharing knowledge and technology, support innovative start-ups and found successful spin-offs. Organizations and companies in Switzerland and abroad value Switzer- land as a hub for innovation and a place where excellent research is carried out. Quality of Life Various studies name Switzerland as the world’s happiest country. Money alone does not ensure happiness – it also requires justice, honesty, trust and health. Switzerland has a well-developed infrastructure, a high level of legal certainty and an established and bal- OUR OBJECTIVES anced political system. Outstanding schools and day-care facilities for children and the beautiful natural landscape are further factors that make Switzerland an attractive location. The main aim of economics, science, politics and society is to maintain Switzerland’s Capacity to Innovate position as a leading researcher and innovator. In order to help achieve this goal, Almost half of all people working in Switzerland are employed in knowledge-intensive Switzerland Innovation sets itself the following objectives: industries. High-tech products are one of the cornerstones of the country’s economic success and excellent reputation. Intellectual property, including copyright and patent, – Realizing successful R&D collaborations between private companies, brand and design rights, enjoys effective protection. In 2014, almost 8,000 patents were Swiss universities and other research partners submitted in Switzerland. That means the country is ranked eighth in the world and fourth – Attracting domestic and foreign companies and research partners that develop in Europe – and, based on its population, it is the world champion. The number of Nobel new marketable products, services and processes Prize winners per capita – an area in which Switzerland is also a world leader – is also – Arranging investments from within Switzerland and from overseas for research proof of Switzerland’s research world champion credentials. and development – Creating platforms to accelerate the development of research results into Business-Friendly Conditions marketable solutions Switzerland has a very liberal labor legislation. The labor market is subject to limited reg- – Creating attractive conditions for research groups and start-ups as catalysts ulation. There is an active social partnership between employers and labor unions. Con- for the localization of established companies flicts are solved through cooperation and communication. The Swiss taxation system is a – Securing our attractiveness and competitiveness through clear competence profiles further factor in Switzerland’s success model. As a lean country with low taxes and levies, at the sites as well as excellent conditions and services for our customers Switzerland is an attractive location for international companies. Companies and individ- uals can quickly and easily start a new company. Company founders from foreign coun- Switzerland Innovation operates five sites: Park Basel Area, Park innovaare, Park Zurich, tries are welcomed and afforded com prehensive support. In 2013, around a third of new Park Network West EPFL and Park Biel/Bienne. In addition to the five sites, the national companies were founded by foreign nationals. organizing institution (Switzerland Innovation Foundation) ensures coordination between the sites and is responsible for international marketing. Talents In Switzerland, it is not difficult to find highly trained, multilingual, motivated and loyal Switzerland Innovation focuses on seven innovation areas: life sciences, energy, industry 4.0, employees. The Swiss education system unites excellent apprenticeships with an materials, information and communication technology, transportation and mobility and outstanding university education. This dual system offers an ideal mix of talent spanning enabling technologies. Each site has a distinct profile within these innovation areas and theory and practice and it is one of the essential elements of the capacity for innovation concentrates on clearly defined research and innovation focus areas. and creativity that are typical of this country. 4 Switzerland Innovation Switzerland Innovation 5 6 Overview of Innovation Areas ofInnovation Overview INNOVATION AREA INNOVATION PARK ZURICH PARK INNOVAARE PARK AREA BASEL PARK FOCUS INNOVATION PARK NETWORK WEST EPFL WEST NETWORK PARK BIEL/BIENNE PARK INNOVATION AREAS INNOVATION LIFE SCIENCES LIFE Medtech Biotech Health Sport Medicine Radiology Pharmaceuticals Diagnostics Biomedical Engineering ENERGY Power Generation Storage Transportation Smart Building Green Energy Energy Efficiency Decommissioning of NPP INDUSTRY 4.0 INDUSTRY 3D Technologies Robotics Additive Manufacturing Sensors Microtechnology Automation Lasers MATERIALS Analytics Advanced Materials Extreme Environments Radiography Surface Technology TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION Computer Science Security Smart Data Networks Social Media Artificial Intelligence Cloud Computing AND MOBILITYAND TRANSPORTS Automotive Space Avionics Drive Technology Areas ofInnovation Overview Public Transportation TECHNOLOGIES ENABLING Smart Living Essential Technologies Nanotechnology Accelerator Technology Optics 7 Switzerland Innovation Switzerland Innovation Innovation Areas Innovation Areas LIFE SCIENCES ENERGY SPORT AEW Energie AG AEW Energie We apply scientific prin- BIOTECH ciples in the fields of GREEN ENERGY exercise and sport. With Projects in this field of the increasing pressure AG AEW Energie AG AEW Energie This focus area involves competence are looking to achieve better results, total energy solutions MEDTECH to create innovations in HEALTH demand for sports scien- POWER STORAGE TRANSPORTATION (from generator to user) the use of biological pro- tists and knowledge re- GENERATION with the objective of long- Involves research for cesses, organisms and Subjects of this field of garding the performance This research area focuses Issues related to trans- term sustainability and new medical devices and systems in a wide range research are nutrition, of the human body and Affordable and sustain- on energy storage systems port and mobility are one reliability of all types of the simulation of bio- of life science applications health care, prevention, the materials used in able power generation (chemical, hydrogen) of our main focus areas. renewable energy. Com- logical and physiological that will unlock new ways health maintenance sport is growing. requires a comprehensive and battery management In this field, through the bined with smart energy processes to translational to enhance quality of life and recovery, the impact range of new technologies systems for mobile and establishment of partner- harvesting, intelligent research. The research