2016 Annual Report Avenir Suisse is an independent think tank that works for the future of Switzerland by developing evidence-based, liberal, free- market ideas.
This is at the heart of our mission. Contents
01 _ Foreword _ 08 02 _ Driving Prosperity _ 14 03 _ Avenir Jeunesse _ 30 04 _ French-speaking Switzerland _ 34 05 _ Communications _ 38 06 _ Corporate Governance _ 46 07 _ Support Group _ 50 08 _ Corporate Services _ 56 09 _ Team _ 60 Foreword
6 Avenir Suisse Committed to Switzerland’s Prosperity Peter Grünenfelder Politically speaking, the 2016 reporting year was the process, we were able to rely on well-founded shaped by the election of the new president in the work carried out under the aegis of my predeces- “An understanding of economic relationships must once USA and the Yes to Brexit in the UK. Both votes sor Gerhard Schwarz, who retired in the spring. again play an increasing role in the forming of public opinion.” gave rise to a plethora of questions and discussions With Generation 3.0, we will now be systematical- about their likely impact on future economic de- ly gearing our research, analysis, strategy develop- velopments – both globally and in Europe. Natu- ment, and communications work to the five pillars rally, these verdicts have a knock-on effect on our that we consider indispensable for Switzerland’s country, which is intricately bound up with the prosperity to grow. global economy. At the same time, in Switzerland, Reflecting this, one focus of our work is dedicat- proposals for a public vote have been and continue ed to foreign trade issues. Arguing for more trade to be regularly submitted to the people, bringing rather than protectionism and a forward-looking issues such as the further opening up of the mar- 3-pillar foreign trade strategy, during the reporting ket and the extent of redistribution to the fore, or year we highlighted how Switzerland could per- paving the way for or against economic issues. manently safeguard its prosperity and increase it However, there is no guarantee of popular ma- in the medium term. At the same time, domestic Board of Trustees jorities in favour of a liberal economic system. infrastructures should be made more competitive. Although, in September 2016, the OASI Plus Ini- To trigger a shift towards free market thinking in tiative demanded by reformist left-wingers was the state-owned enterprise system that still domi- roundly defeated at the polls, with almost 60 % of nates in many sectors, we have presented a privati- Director votes being cast against it, barely six months later zation agenda designed to eliminate market distor- the electorate voted just as emphatically against tion. Our strategies for mobility pricing, which are the CTR III reform which, from a competition law now being widely debated at the federal level, are perspective, was equally significant. based on economic truths. Our socio-political strat- All of this suggests that economic contexts are egies on old-age care, an area in which new bench- Management Corporate Services gaining in importance and must once again be- marks must be set, are also now being discussed at Foundation Committees come a major factor in forming public opinion. federal level. Looking beyond our national borders, These economic contexts must, ultimately, be writ we drew on experiences in other countries large in the general public awareness. The liberal which – with the necessary political backing – economic system underpins the prosperity of wide would also present Switzerland with a way out of Avenir Jeunesse sections of the population and is critical to the so- the regulation jungle. And in the publication “An cial cohesion of our country. This being so, we endurance test for budgetary policy,” we explained must constantly address questions about the main the additional instruments needed to safeguard a prosperity-generating factors. And yet tentative balanced federal budget for the long term. moves to open up the market in the area of infra- The concrete free market and liberal strategies structure, a social system which is only partially presented by the Avenir Suisse team met with ex- Strategic Politics Programs Communications French-speaking prepared for an aging society, a general penchant ceptionally wide resonance among the general pub- Analysis and Research and Production Switzerland for introducing more and more government reg- lic and the media in 2016. They were the subject of ulation in order to contain complex social devel- intense discussion at a large number of sessions opments, and the disregard for federalist compe- with public policy makers. Our forward-thinking tition have, in recent years, increasingly created approaches to safeguarding Switzerland’s prosper- cracks in the pillars of Switzerland’s prosperity. ity for the long term sparked a great deal of discus- Given this situation and motivated by our dedica- sion and, in some instances, anger. Yet this is nec- tion to a free market and liberal principles, we devel- essary if we are to overturn traditional ways of oped the “Generation 3.0” strategy for 2017 – 2019 as thinking. part of a team effort during the reporting year. In
8 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 9 Andreas Schmid Thomas Hammer Chair of the Board of Trustees Chair of the Support Foundation of Avenir Suisse
Avenir Suisse Is Now More Necessary than Ever Exceptionally Broad Support for Avenir Suisse’s Work
The appointment of Peter Grünenfelder as successor to Gerhard The activities of Avenir Suisse are only possible thanks to a diverse Schwarz, who retired in the spring of 2016, successfully ushered in group of donors and the support of numerous companies, private a new generation. It very quickly became apparent that the new individuals, and foundations. They represent all sectors and re- director would not disappoint our high expectations: within the gions of Switzerland. This support enables us to independently first few months in his new role, Peter Grünenfelder displayed a conduct research and develop ideas. It underpins the Avenir Suisse dogged zeal for reform and began introducing progressive liberal team’s impressive commitment to devising solution-focused stra- strategies. tegic concepts. Under his leadership, the team at Avenir Suisse overhauled the In 2016, another major step was taken toward safeguarding the think tank’s strategic focus and identified the relevant prosperity funding of the foundation’s activities for the long term. Funds to- drivers: Open Switzerland, Effective infrastructure and markets, talling around 4.2 million Swiss francs were raised in 2016. Thirty Sustainable welfare state, Smart government, and Equal opportu- donors whose commitments were due to expire renewed them. In nity society are the five pillars of the Avenir Suisse “prosperity addition, we gained 13 new donors. In the 2016 reporting year, with house.” Along with the cross-sectoral topics of Innovation, Digiti- 140 institutions and people, Avenir Suisse had a record number of zation, Demographics, and Distribution, they provide the strategic donors in its still short history. vision for the operational direction of their daily work. This success was made possible by the high credibility and pro- Avenir Suisse’s reach grew significantly during the reporting fessionalism of the work done by Avenir Suisse and the strong com- year: numerous studies and publications, as well as many contri- mitment of the CEO of the support foundation. These activities butions to discussions at events, on the radio and television, in for the support foundation were decisively strengthened with the newspapers, magazines, on the website and on social media met involvement of Peter Naegeli. Furthermore, the new director, who with a wide response. This was made possible in no small measure has been in charge since April 2016, is committed to active dialog by an increase in staff and technical facilities for PR work. with the donors and companies, but also supports the chairman The importance of Avenir Suisse is also underlined by an increas- in a practical way with efforts to gain new members. ingly large group of supporters. Despite the challenging economic During the reporting year, further steps were taken toward environment, we were able to gain more than a dozen new donors. achieving an even broader support base for Avenir Suisse through- Perhaps this success is not despite, but rather because of, the com- out the country. The “Generation 3.0” strategy for 2017 – 2019, which plex economic and political situation. Never has an opinion-form- has been adopted by the board of trustees, makes the focus clear: ing liberal think tank, which engages constructively with econom- Avenir Suisse wants to further expand its national and regional ic, social, and socio-political issues, been more valuable than it is network. As well as strengthening its presence in French-speaking today. Switzerland and federal Bern, Ticino is now earmarked as a new priority for regional activities. To this end, as well as proven formats such as the exclusive annual dinner, the regional chapters in Basel and French-speaking Switzerland, more regional and sector-specific round tables were held, which are already proving a success.
10 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 11 y erit p Pros g Drivin
12 Avenir Suisse The Avenir Suisse “Prosperity House” Patrik Schellenbauer
We gear our studies and activities towards the Avenir Suisse “Pros- “History teaches us that if the economy stops growing, perity House.” Its pillars are the five policy areas which we con- society becomes trapped in unproductive resource allocation sider as critical to prosperity, both now and in future. An open conflicts. Therefore further growth is necessary, not only Switzerland and an effective infrastructure form the foundation to finance growing age-related burdens, but also from a of the model for success. An effective and lean government acts social perspective.” as guarantor for the responsible use of taxpayers’ money. A sus- tainable welfare state ensures social equity for the long term. Pre- serving a flexible labor market and further developing the suc- cessful education system are essential to creating prospects for millions of people. In addition, we regularly analyze cross-sectoral issues that have a bearing on all five prosperity pillars. Innovations and ideas are indispensable to a dynamic economy. Digitization will change the world of work, but also the services provided by the state. An Selected Appearances aging society affects not only social security but also employment and housing. And the question of distribution is the basis for po- “Integration only works through the labor market,” Sozialdirektoren- konferenz Ost (cantonal directors conference for social policy east) litical majorities. Patrik Schellenbauer, Glarus, 24.03.2016
“The need for a liberal reform agenda,” Swiss Plastics Patrik Schellenbauer, Aarau, 13.05.2016
“The flexible labour market as the key to society,” Meeting of the Cantonal Government of Zurich Patrik Schellenbauer, Hirzel, 08.06.2016
“Don’t waste the opportunity of digitization,” Zurich Chamber of Commerce, lunch talk on digitization Patrik Schellenbauer, Zurich, 20.10.2016
“Integration only works with more economic input,” Communal Forum of the Canton of Thurgau Patrik Schellenbauer, Frauenfeld, 14.11.2016
Selected Articles and Media Reports
“Equality for women has its own, unstoppable momentum,” Tages-Anzeiger Patrik Schellenbauer, 11.01.2016
“Immigration into Switzerland is in decline,” SRF 1, Tagesschau Patrik Schellenbauer, 19.04.2016
“Bad News for the Swiss. Post-Brexit: Scenarios for Switzerland,” Blog Patrik Schellenbauer, 24.06.2016
The Programs and Research Team “The ivory tower has its advantages,” Tages-Anzeiger Patrik Schellenbauer, 11.07.2016
14 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 15 Programs and Research
On the following pages, the research directors for the individual pillars of the prosperity house summarise selected key activities within their area of responsibility. An overview of all publications, appearances, events, blogs, and podcasts can be found in the Chro- nology in the Annex.
Employers Association of Banks in Switzerland, 30.06.2016, Zurich Peter Grünenfelder
Prosperity House Switzerland
CH-EU relations Public services Pensions Federal budget / Militia system spending structure EU internal market Energy policy Care for the elderly Labor market Tax system Post-bilateralism Transport policy Senior citizens' Social partnership employment Fiscal equalization WTO Environment policy Education system Health care Federalism Post-multilateralism Financial industry Gender Open Switzerland
and infrastructure Social security Smart government Democracy New free trade Migration agreements Regulation Medical ethics System competition Refugee policy Monetary policy Competition policy Domestic security Integration Equal opportunity society Privatization Sustainable welfare state Foreign security Land use planning Housing policy Arena, “No jobs, no freedom – do we globalize Switzerland until it’s broken?,” 14.10.2016,
Effective infrastructure and markets Zurich Tamara Funiciello, Jonas Projer, Ruedi Noser, Peter Grünenfelder
Cross-sectional Topics: Innovation / Digitization / Demographics /Distribution
Bilanz Business Talk “Populists on the rise: What happens with globalization?,” 30.10.2016, Zurich Patrick Dümmler
16 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 17 Open Switzerland Patrick Dümmler
Switzerland’s economic success and prosperity are based on the “The openness of countries is under massive pressure around country’s openness and the unhindered exchange of goods and the world. In Switzerland too, the challenges of increasing prosperity services, capital, people, and ideas. Avenir Suisse develops strate- under these conditions are multiplying as, historically speaking, gies for foreign policy and trade, for Switzerland’s bilateral and Switzerland’s model for success is built on openness.” multilateral relations, and participation in supranational organi- zations. Avenir Suisse draws attention to issues where emphasis should be placed to strengthen Switzerland in the long term.
Selected Publication
“Trade rather than protectionism – A three-pillar strategy for Switzerland’s foreign trade,” avenir debatte Patrick Dümmler with the involvement of Kevin Kienast, October 2016
Selected Events
“D A CH 2016 Three Countries Summit,” discussion of the latest economic policy developments – Avenir Suisse, Cologne Institute for Economic Research and Federation of Austrian Industries, Vienna, with Peter Grünenfelder, Patrik Schellenbauer, Patrick Dümmler, and Fabian Schnell, Vienna, 31.08. – 01.09.2016
Autumn conference, 04.10.2016, Zurich Patrick Dümmler “Political pressure on trade relations to prove their legitimacy,” autumn conference of the Avenir Suisse Support Group Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch (Seco), Jean-Luc Demarty (European Commission), and Patrick Dümmler as speakers, Zurich, 04.10.2016.
Selected Appearances
“Populists on the rise: Where does that leave globalisation?,” Bilanz Talk, SRF 1 and SRF info Patrick Dümmler, 30.10.2016.
“Trade rather than Protectionism. A Three Pillar Strategy for Switzerland’s Foreign Trade” – EU Delegation Patrick Dümmler, Bern, 15.11.2016
Selected Article and Media Report
Autumn conference, 04.10.2016, Zurich Patrik Schellenbauer, Walter Kielholz, “Avenir Suisse believes Switzerland’s world-embracing economy is Christian Casal, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Jean-Luc Demarty, Marie-Gabrielle under threat,” SRF 1, Tagesschau main news program Patrick Dümmler, Ineichen-Fleisch, Peter Grünenfelder 05.10.2016.
18 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 19 Effective Infrastructure and Markets Jakob Schaad (from 01.01.2017)
Switzerland has room for improving the effectiveness and open- “The efficiency of infrastructure and public services could ness of its markets and infrastructure – for example by barriers to be much improved if greater reliance were placed on market market entry or public sector companies. To strengthen market forces when using those services. Mobility pricing, or the forces, Avenir Suisse advises on what strategies should be pursued privatisation of state-owned companies, are effective tools for by the public and private sectors to ensure better and cheaper ser- achieving this.” vices. We work on policy suggestions to improve the efficiency of public services and on intelligent regulations to boost competi- tion – for example in energy, transport, or the environment.
Selected Publications
“Ways out of the regulatory jungle II – Learning from foreign experi- ence,” avenir debatte Peter Boumberger and Tobias Schlegel, March 2016
“The Myth of the Family Silver. A Privatisation Agenda for Switzerland,” avenir debatte Samuel Rutz with the involvement of Patrik Dümmler, Daniel Müller-Jentsch, Tobias Schlegel, and Fabian Schnell, November 2016
Selected Events
“Security of Supply in the Electricity Market – Ownership Struc- tures, Political Responsibility, and Cross Border Cooperation,” Avenir Suisse with the Center for Security Studies of ETH Zurich Brown Bag Lunch, 07.04.2016, Zurich Peter Grünenfelder, Jacques de Watteville, Patrick Dümmler, Severin Fischer, Barbie Kornelia Haller, Jörg Spicker, and Patrik Schellenbauer Oliver Thränert, Zurich, 29.09.2016
Selected Appearance
Opinion on the Federal Decree on Financial Resources for Agricul- ture between 2018 – 2021, National Council Economic Affairs and Taxation Committee (EATC-N), hearing Patrick Dümmler, 21.06.2016
Selected Articles and Media Reports
“10 good reasons for mobility pricing,” Tages-Anzeiger Online Daniel Müller-Jentsch, 02.08.2016
“Billions of our national wealth wiped out – loss-making state “Still more equity for big banks: necessary prevention or unnecessary obstacles for holdings in the electricity industry,” Neue Zürcher Zeitung growth?,” 22.03.2016, Zurich Peter Kugler, Axel Weber, Mark Dittli Patrick Dümmler and Natanael Rother, 02.09.2016
20 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 21 Sustainable Welfare State Jérôme Cosandey Demographic developments are tying up ever more cantonal and federal tax revenues. In the coming decade, spending on social se- “Social reforms are politically difficult. While the curity and health will account for a good two thirds of all govern- benefits are just becoming apparent in many legislations, ment spending – to the detriment of other important tasks such as we have to make some unpopular decisions here and education. Avenir Suisse develops strategies for the federal, canton- now. With provocative visions and clear facts, Avenir al, and municipal authorities that allow Switzerland’s social secu- Suisse seeks to encourage early debate.” rity system to (again) become financially sound in the medium and longer term.
Selected Publications
“New Measures for Old Age Care – Organizing and Funding a Task of Increasing Social Importance,” Cantonal Monitoring 7 Jérôme Cosandey with Kevin Kienast, June 2016
“How cost-efficient is your canton when it comes to old-age provision?,” Interactive online tool for analysing the costs of old-age provision, Jérôme Cosandey and Kevin Kienast, June 2016
Selected Event
“Is there a future for curative medicine?,” Public evening event with Edouard Battegay, Frank Lichtenberg, Patrik Schellenbauer and Thomas Zeltner, “Carrefour des idées,” 01.06.2016, Genf Tibère Adler, Ruth Dreifuss, Hans Wolff, moderated by Jérôme Cosandey, Zurich, 26.01.2016 Alexis Favre
Selected Appearances
“Pouring Margaritas with a fire hose,” Hearing of the National Coun- cil Social Security and Health Committee (S SHC-N) Jérôme Cosandey, Bern, 21.01.2016.
“Senior citizens – an asset to the economy and society,” Basel Economic Forum Jérôme Cosandey, Basel, 18.11.2016.
Selected Articles and Media Reports
“Senior citizens have earned efficient old-age provision,” opinion piece, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, 11.08.2016
“Does curative medicine still have a future?,” 26.01.2016, Zurich Thomas Zeltner, “Baby boomers – fit, pampered, self-indulgent?,” Der Club, SRF 1, 27.09.2016 Jérôme Cosandey, Franz Lichtenberg, Edouard Battegay
22 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 23 Smart Government Fabian Schnell
By 2020, half of the labor force will comprise members of the so- “For a long time, a moderate tax burden, efficient administration, called Generations Y and Z. Digitization will affect ever more as- and a federal state structure made Switzerland the model location in pects of life and work. The public sector cannot ignore such devel- terms of attractiveness as an investment center. The research work opments. Avenir Suisse works on strategies for the digital development in the ‘Smart Government’ pillar is designed to help restore this situ- of our democracy. With the public sector’s room to manoeuvre erod- ation in future.” ed by the constantly rising share of planned spending in federal and cantonal government, we also prepare proposals for economic pol- icy reforms. Avenir Suisse’s solutions range from increasing discre- tionary spending to budget cuts and tax reforms. To raise competi- tion within the federal system, we propose possible ways of reforming the new fiscal equalization system and the division of re- sponsibilities between federal government and the cantons.
Selected Publication
“An endurance test for budgetary policy, Part 1: Expand the debt brake, don’t restrain it,” avenir debatte Fabian Schnell and Marco Salvi, October 2016
Selected Events
Brown bag lunch with David Stadelmann on the topic of “The influ- ence of voter preferences, pressure groups and parties on political decisions” Zurich, 12.05.2016
Brown bag lunch with National Councilor Kathrin Bertschy on the topic of “Latest developments in family, taxation, and agricultural Brown Bag Lunch, 03.03.2016, Zurich Peter Grünenfelder, Allan Guggenbühl policy” Zurich, 18.08.2016
Selected Appearances
“The Confederation’s fiscal policy – Opening presentation,” Federal Finance Administration (FFA) Strategy Retreat Marco Salvi, Gerzensee, 07.04.2016
“Is there a need to adjust the course of financial policy?,” Conference of Municipal Finance Directors Peter Grünenfelder and Natanael Rother, Bern, 20.05.2016
“Middle class under strain,” hearing on the middle classes, EATC-N Patrik Schellenbauer, 25.10.2016
“Competition Policy Workshop: Analog antitrust law in the digital," 30.09.2016, Zurich Torsten Körber, Samuel Rutz, Christian Jaag, Stefan Bühler
24 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 25 Equal Opportunity Society Marco Salvi
The potential capacity of the Swiss domestic labor force is declining “Social and economic freedoms are vital to widely shared due to an ageing society. Estimates show that by 2030, the number prosperity. An equal opportunity society can only be created of people leaving the workforce will be about 65 % higher than those if the barriers to individuals’ self-realization are removed.” entering it. Avenir Suisse develops strategies for an efficient labor market, greater integration of women in the workforce, a lasting so- cial partnership, and a modern and innovative educational system. Immigration will remain an important factor to satisfy the labor market’s need for qualified specialist staff.
Selected Publication
“CH 1995 2035 – Global Trends, National Challenges, Liberal Solutions,” Web publication Lukas Rühli, June to August 2016
Selected Events
Avenir Suisse Transfer, event for political representatives at donor companies Zurich, 14.01.2016
“How do we reduce pay inequalities between women and men?,” event held in partnership with the Centre Patronal Paudex, 25.05.2016
“The future sustainability of the Swiss labor market for men and “The future sustainability of the Swiss labour market for men and women,” 11.11.16, Zurich women,” event held in partnership with the Müller-Möhl-Foundation, Zurich, 11.11.2016
Selected Appearances
“In favor of a liberal equality policy,” media event held by the Confederation of Swiss Employers (SAV) Zurich, 12.04.2016
“Equality: Why the labour market is not failing” Federal Office for Gender Equality Marco Salvi, Patrik Schellenbauer and Salomè Vogt, Bern, 15.06.2016
“The future sustainability of the Swiss labor market for men and women,” 11.11.2016, Zurich Iris Bohnet, Nadine Jürgensen
26 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 27 Avenir JeunesseAvenir
28 Avenir Suisse Avenir Jeunesse Salomè Vogt
Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future. Avenir Jeunesse is creating “The future is the product of joint dialogue. formats to get young people interested in Avenir Suisse’s concerns The polarized political landscape is making this and excited about liberal reform. Accordingly, themes are chosen increasingly hard. Providing liberal food for that are particularly relevant to the younger generation. Avenir thought, we want to make young people aware of Jeunesse offers a platform for bringing together interested young socio-political issues, engage in a debate with people at different types of events to exchange views and discuss them, and help shape the future of Switzerland.” Switzerland’s future.
Event
“Progressively Cosmopolitan Christmas Drinks” Salomè Vogt and Peter Grünenfelder, Bern, 06.12.2016
Brainstorming, Avenir Jeunesse, Zurich, November 2016
Kick-off-Avenir Jeunesse, 30.10.2016, Zurich Tobias Schlegel, Natanael Rother, Salomè Vogt, Julia Lehmann, Kevin Kiennast
30 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 31 Geneva Office Geneva
32 Avenir Suisse French-speaking Switzerland Tibère Adler
The year 2016 was marked by the continued development of Avenir “Liberalism is much more than just economics. Digitization Suisse’s activities in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. This is shaking up all areas of society, even democracy. Facing included the expansion of the bimonthly newsletter, the creation the temptations of nationalism and political authoritarianism, of a Facebook page, co-hosting numerous conferences in partner- liberal humanism – the conviction that human beings thrive ship with the “Le Temps” newspaper, regular “Chapter Romand” under conditions of freedom and responsibility – is more meetings, and an internal conference with donors at Avenir Suisse. important than ever.” By engaging an English-language publisher and editor, the Geneva team also re-launched a number of publications aimed at an inter- national audience and, most importantly, a monthly newsletter in English.
Selected Events
Chapter Romand with Doris Leuthard, Olivier Français and Pierre Veya, event for Avenir Suisse donors in French-speaking Switzerland, debate moderated by Tibère Adler, Lausanne, 01.02.2016
“Trade and migration: The impact of European policies on Switzer- land,” seminar hosted in cooperation with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies Tibère Adler, José Manuel Barroso and Jacques de Watteville, Geneva, 12.05.2016
Selected Talks
“What is the future for the Swiss financial center?,” Geneva Forum Geneva Office Team for Sustainable Investment, podium discussion with Tibère Adler, Serge Ledermann and Pierre Maudet, Geneva, 02.06.2016
“Challenges and opportunities for innovation in healthcare,” open House of the Multinational Enterprises Group, Clinique La Colline (Hirslanden Group) Tibère Adler, Geneva, 09.06.2016
Selected Articles and Media Contributions
“Avenir Suisse reflects on the topic of privatization,” RTS Un Tibère Adler, 21.11.2016
“Should the right to referendum be restricted?,” Le Temps Tibère Adler, 05.03.2016
“The political participation of foreigners in Switzerland,” Chapter Romand, 01.02.2016, Lausanne Olivier Français, Tibère Adler, RTS Un Tibère Adler and Nicole Pomezny, 10.02.2016 Doris Leuthard, Olivier Steimer, Pierre Veya and Nicole Pomezny
34 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 35 Communications
36 Avenir Suisse Tailored Communication Verena Parzer-Epp
The publications of Avenir Suisse cover a broad spectrum of sub- “Over the last few years, the blog has become an important jects. There is, therefore, more than one form of communication. communication tool for Avenir Suisse. The various newsletters are Before each publication, we determine exactly how we will target hugely popular. By creating new formats, such as podcasts, we the audience. The established publication series such as “avenir de- also appeal to younger audiences.” batte” and “avenir standpunkte” reach users through all kinds of channels: media reports and interviews, blogs, podcasts, videos, interactive tools, newsletters, and posts on social media. Even in the digital age, the public appearances of our fellows and their in- tellectual exchanges with experts are vitally important.
Podcasts
“Crippling regulation on the financial market” Peter Buomberger, 29.09.02016
“Higher retirement age is nothing to be scared of” Jérôme Cosandey, 04.10.2016
“Foreign trade: More than just a nice-to-have” Patrick Dümmler, 14.10.2016
“Apply the debt brake, don’t release it” Fabian Schnell, 07.11.2016
“Swiss-US relations following the election” Fabian Schnell, Communications Team Patrik Schellenbauer and Peter Grünenfelder, 11.11.2016
“School-leaving qualifications should be seen as an admissions ticket” Patrik Schellenbauer, 07.12.2016
Video
“Season’s Greetings,” Christmas video Peter Grünenfelder and the Avenir Suisse team, 23.12.2016
Press conference, 20.10.2016, Bern
38 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 39 In the Media the In
40 Avenir Suisse In the Media
The work of Avenir Suisse received a lot of media attention again in 2016. The publications “Trade rather than protectionism,” “An endurance test for budgetary policy: Part 1” and “The Myth of the Family Silver” proved particularly successful. The Internet is the stage for an increasingly large proportion of our media presence. 3052 clippings in print and online media More than 1500 clippings in print media are matched by almost as many articles in specialist publications, expert blogs and other on- line platforms. During the last financial year, Avenir topped 10,000 followers with its three Twitter channels. We are constantly ex- panding our activities on social media. 10 731 Twitter followers (in 3 languages)
“Avenir Suisse was right to raise this issue, as it is one of the huge challenges facing our society over the next 20 years.” TV features Forum RTS, P.Y. Maillard, on the study “New Measures for 28 Old Age Care,” 14.06.2016
“At home too, Avenir Suisse is calling for robust liberalisation measures. Holy cows page views for avenir-suisse.ch are not protected species: it argues that 576 795 agriculture must be opened up by being included in free trade agreements.” Blick, Guido Schätti, on the study “Trade rather than protectionism,” 06.10.2016 76 radio features “Hence, Avenir Suisse is calling for the cantonal banks to be fully privatized. It does not accept the counterargument of lost dividend income.” reports by news agencies NZZ, Jürg Müller, on the study “The Myth of the Family Silver” 109 22.11.2016
264 534 visitors to avenir-suisse.ch
42 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 43 orate Governance p Cor
44 Avenir Suisse Board of Trustees Nomination Committee
In its capacity as Avenir Suisse’s most senior body, the board of The nomination committee is responsible for selecting candi- trustees selects the members of all its committees and the director. dates for all the foundation’s committees and its management. The trustees meet once or twice a year to approve the budget, the annual report, and the financial statements. Thomas Knecht (Chair) Thomas Hammer (from April), Walter Kielholz, Andreas Schmid (Chair) Olivier Steimer, Rudolf Wehrli Thomas Knecht (Vice-Chair), Olivier Steimer (Vice-Chair), Lionel Aeschlimann, Chantal Balet Emery (from April), Giorgio Behr, Andreas Schmid, Chair Thomas Knecht, Chair Daniela Bosshardt-Hengartner (from April), Paul Bulcke, Andreas Burck- hardt, Christian Casal, Boris Collardi (until October), Rolf Dörig, Felix Ehrat, Christoph Franz, Calvin Grieder (from April), Michael Haefliger, Thomas Hammer, Thomas Held, Andreas Jacobs, Walter Kielholz, Ruth Metzler-Arnold (from April), Thomas D. Meyer, Carolina Müller-Möhl, Markus Neuhaus, Urs Rohner, Jean-Pierre Roth, Program Committee Daniel J. Sauter (from October), Fritz Schiesser, Rolf Soiron, Tom de Swaan (from Ocktober), Suzanne Thoma (from April), Pierin Vincenz, The program committee advises the director on setting research pri- Peter Voser, Jobst Wagner, Axel A. Weber, Rudolf Wehrli orities, as well as guiding project work and assuring the method- ological quality of Avenir Suisse’s work. It meets three times a year Management Committee to discuss individual projects in detail. Committee representatives are also in close dialog with with think tank staff outside formal meetings. The management committee supervises the foundation’s opera- tions, approving thematic priorities, overseeing the finances, and preparing meetings of the board of trustees. Prof. Marius Brülhart, Chair Prof. Marius Brülhart (Chair) Prof. Giorgio Behr, Prof. Silvio Borner, Prof. Reto Föllmi, Andreas Schmid (Chair) Prof. Harold James, Dr. Jean-Pierre Roth Marius Brülhart, Thomas Hammer, Thomas Knecht, Markus Neuhaus, Olivier Steimer
Finance Committee
The finance committee supervises the financial affairs of Avenir Suisse. It checks quarterly figures, annual results, and the budget.
Markus Neuhaus (Chair) Lionel Aeschlimann, Christian Casal (from October), Boris Collardi (until October)
Markus Neuhaus, Chair
46 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 47 p ort Grou pp Su
48 Avenir Suisse Support Group
A Ernst Göhner Stiftung Leonteq Swiss International Air Lines ABB (founding company) Ernst & Young Lindt & Sprüngli Swiss Life Accenture Stiftung Lonza Group Swiss Prime Site Acorma F Swiss Re (founding company) Adecco Falcon Private Bank M AFU Anlagen und Finanz AG Farner Consulting Maerki Baumann & Co. T ALID F. Hoffmann-La Roche (founding company) McKinsey Switzerland (founding company) TAW Holding Allianz Suisse Firmenich International Mercedes-Benz Automobil Allreal Holding Flughafen Zürich Metall Zug U Aquila Franke Holding Microsoft Schweiz UBS (founding company) Association de Banques Privées Suisses Franke Stiftung Die Mobiliar UPC Schweiz (founding company) Frutiger Mobimo AXA Winterthur Fundamenta Group Mövenpick Group V Axpo Holding Müller-Möhl Group Valiant Bank G Vaudoise Assurances (founding company) B Galenica N Vetropack Bain & Company Gategroup Holding Nestlé (founding company) VI Partners Bâloise-Holding GCA Altium Notenstein La Roche Privatbank VZ Holding Banque Privée Edmond de Rothschild Generali (Schweiz) Holding Novartis International (founding company) Banque Syz Girsberger Holding NZZ Mediengruppe W Bär & Karrer Givaudan Wirz Gruppe Barry Callebaut Groupe Mutuel O BCV Oettinger Davidoff Y BDO H Ypsomed Behr Bircher Cellpack, BBC Group Halter P Behr Deflandre & Snozzi Helvetia Gruppe Philip Morris Z BKW Hess Holding PricewaterhouseCoopers Zurich Insurance Group Bossard HIAG Immobilien PSP Swiss Property The Boston Consulting Group (Switzerland) Hirslanden Bucher Industries Homburger R Private Donors Bühler HRS Real Estate Reichmuth & Co. Bühlmann Laboratories Huber + Suhner Rehau VZ Franz Albers Huwa Finanz- und Beteiligungs AG René Faigle AG Thomas Angehrn C Ulf Berg Careal Holding I S Rainer-Marc Frey Clariant Implenia Sanitas Michael Haefliger Credit Suisse Group (founding company) Schellenberg Wittmer Hans Huber CSL Behring J Securitas Walter Kielholz Johann Jacob Rieter Stiftung Selecta Peter Kurer D Julius Baer SFS Group Willi Leimer Diethelm Keller Holding Sika Jorge Paulo Lemann Dixi Services SA K Six Group Sandro Piffaretti Dreyfus Söhne & Cie Kessler & Co Steiner Alicia Soiron Dufry Knecht Holding Straumann Holding Peter Steiner KPMG Sulzer (founding company) Tito Tettamanti E Swisscom Jobst Wagner Egon Zehnder L Swissgrid Rudolf Wehrli Lenz & Staehelin Swisslog
50 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 51 Avenir Suisse Support Group Susanne Stortz
An extensive support group of donors ensures that the foundation’s “The exclusive events for our donors give our members activities are funded sustainably for the long term. It comprises an excellent opportunity for an exchange with the inner circle organizations and individual donors that have made a significant of the Swiss economy and the top representatives of science, contribution on a one-off or ongoing basis. The support group politics and the administration.” serves as a sounding board for Avenir Suisse’s project activities.
Events
Annual Dinner with Guy Parmelin, annual event held by the Support Group Zurich, 05.04.2016
Chapter Basel, Support Group event Basel, 17.05.2016
Bern Business Forum, information event for entrepreneurs Thun, 29.06.2016
Autumn conference with Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch and Jean-Luc Demarty (speakers) along with Peter Brabeck- Lethmathe, Christian Casal and Walter B. Kielholz (panelists), Support Group autumn event Zurich, 04.10.2016 Autumn conference 2016, Walter Kielholz, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Mathis Cabiallavetta Support Group Donors by sectors Thomas Hammer, President, Peter Grünenfelder (from April), Peter Naegeli (from Septem- 7 % education, health, communications ber), Andreas Schmid, Gerhard Schwarz (until April), Olivier Steimer 8 % construction, real estate 23 % industry, production, commerce 9 % logistics, transportation, IT 10 % private individuals
12 % foundations, family offices 14 % financial services, consulting 17 % banks, insurance
52 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 53 orate Services p Cor
54 Avenir Suisse Nadine Jäger
“My team and I make sure the numbers add up, that events are held successfully, that publications reach our target audiences, and that the infrastructure of our office runs smoothly. Every day, we work passionately to ensure that all employees of Avenir Suisse enjoy good working conditions, enabling them to develop innovative ideas for the future of Switzerland.”
Corporate Services Team
Expenses budget, in million francs, 2001 – 09 Personnel 7 Employees in 2016 6 Peter Grünenfelder, Patrik Schellenbauer, Tibère Adler, 5 Nadine Jäger, Verena Parzer-Epp, Susanne Stortz,
4 Jérôme Cosandey, Patrick Dümmler, Daniel Müller-Jentsch, 3 Lukas Rühli, Samuel Rutz, Marco Salvi, Fabian Schnell, Salomè Vogt, Kevin Kienast, Nathanael Rother, 2 Tobias Schlegel, Alois Bischofberger, Peter Buomberger, 1 Andreas Müller, Gerhard Schwarz, Rudolf Walser, Rahel Hediger, Carmen Sopi, Urs Steiner, 0 Source: Avenir Suisse Source: Avenir 2019 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Nermin Ademi, Mario Bonato, Elena Gerbershagen, Justine Eggenberger, Julia Lehmann, Marion Molliet, Anna Panzeri, Nicole Pomezny, Gesine Schuchert, Fabio Wüst, Expenses 2016 Fr. 421 064 External expenses, programs and research Clément Bourdin, Rafaela Catena, Jérôme Gapany, Fr. 3 931 843 Personnel Oliver Guggenbühl, Dominik Hauri, Simone Hofer Frei, Fr. 76 431 Investor relations Medard Meier, Cyrille Planner, Simona Schmid, Fr. 118 779 External communications expenses Nicolas Solenthaler, Dominique Zaugg Fr. 719 929 Infrastructure, operational, and facility expenses Fr. 93 806 Depreciation Fr. 5 361 853 Operating expense
56 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 57 Team
58 Avenir Suisse
t y g er g Switzerland Lukas Rühli Lukas Marco Salvi Tibère Adler Salomè Vo Samuel Rutz Senior Fellow Senior Fellow Anna Panzeri Anna Rahel Hedi Nermin Ademi Graphic DesignGraphic Fabian Schnell Andreas Müller Nicole Pomezn Nicole Gesine SchuchertGesine Jérôme CosandeJérôme y Smart Government Smart Director Social Policy Senior Research Fellow, Equal Opportunity Society Coordinator of Activities in in Activities of Coordinator Director for French-speaking French-speaking Switzerland at theat Foundation of Trustees Vice Director (until 31.12.2016) DirectorVice (until Responsible for Avenir Jeunesse Senior Research Fellow, Director Senior Research Fellow, Director Finance and Data Administration Team Assistant and ITTeam Responsible Coordinator of Activities in Italian- in Activities of Coordinator speaking Switzerland and Collaborator
en g pp er g el g i er p r g Open Switzerland Open Patrick Dümmler Patrick Senior Research Fellow, Director Patrik Schellenbauer Deputy Director, Head Programs and Research / Chief Economist Elena Gerbersha Assistant Communications and Services Corporate Fabio Wüst Assistant and AvenirTeam Jeunesse Grünenfelder Peter Director Parzer-EVerena Communicatons of Director So Carmen Tobias Schle Tobias Researcher Publishing Natanael Rother Natanael Researcher Müller-JentschDaniel Senior Fellow Buomber Peter Adjunct Fellow Julia Lehmann Assistant and AvenirTeam Jeunesse Susanne Storz Secretary of the Support Foundation Jä Nadine Director Corporate Services Urs Steiner Communications Kevin Kienast Researcher
60 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 61 gy Chronolo
62 Avenir Suisse The Chronology in Charts Avenir Suisse Events and Publications
Avenir Suisse can look once again back on an eventful year, where In 2016, Avenir Suisse organized 55 events and published 19 studies (in German and French). our studies were widely discussed in the medias and at events.
Number 8 ¢ Events 7 ¢ Publications
6
5
4
3
2 Appearances and Presentations 1
The employees of Avenir Suisse appeared publicly 231 times as lecturers or as participants in panel discussion. 0
January February March April May June July August September October November December Suisse Source: Avenir
Number of appearances 40
35 Articles on the Website and in Print and Online Media 30
25 In 2016, Avenir Suisse posted 302 blogs (on the website) and published 213 articles in print and online media.
20
15 Beiträge 35 10 ¢ avenir online 30 ¢ Own media contributions and interviews 5 25 0
January February March April May June July August September October November December Suisse Source: Avenir 20
15
10
5
0
January February March April May June July August September October November December Suisse Source: Avenir
64 Avenir Suisse Annual Report 2016 65 Editors Peter Grünenfelder, Nadine Jäger, Verena Parzer-Epp, Urs Steiner Planning and coordination Nadine Jäger Design Rahel Hediger Lithography www.ncag.ch Avenir Suisse Proofreading Michael Craig Rotbuchstrasse 46 Prepress and press www.staffelmedien.ch CH-8037 Zurich Image credits Avenir Suisse pp. 20, 22 (bottom), 24 Malu Barben pp. 23, 27, 35, 39, 47 (middle), 53, 57 T +41 44 445 90 00 Adrian Bitzi p. 26 Hanspeter Binggeli p. 17 Board Consulting p. 11 F +41 44 445 90 01 Büro Andreas Schmid pp. 10, 46, 60 – 61 Günther Bolzern pp. 18, 52 [email protected] Valérie Chételat p. 15 Archiv Peter Grünenfelder p. 9 Rahel Hediger pp. 21, 25, 30, 31 Knecht Holding p. 47 (top) Avenir Suisse Lausanne Photo Studio p. 22 (middle) Lumière Noire p. 34 (bottom) Rue du Prince 9 PwC p. 47 (bottom) Carmen Sopi p. 38 CH-1204 Geneva Samuel Wimmer pp. 14, 34 (top), 38 (top), 56 T +41 22 749 11 00 F +41 22 749 11 01 © 2017 Avenir Suisse, www.avenir-suisse.ch [email protected] Annual Report 2016