Insights into China's innovative economic trends

The Digital Council, in collaboration with Swissnex in China, has developed a unique, tailor-made program to explore China's vibrant innovation landscape. This program offers professionals and interested parties the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of one of the world's fastest growing economies.

Experience insights into China's tech world, visit top companies and make valuable contacts with leading players. (Image: www.digitalrat.ch)

The program highlights the key players of China's innovation economy and combines academic visits to university labs with exclusive access to leading tech companies. Participants will experience hands-on insights, curated discussions and valuable contacts to understand the latest trends and opportunities in areas such as smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, autonomous driving, robotics and AI. Beyond knowledge, the program enables valuable contacts and new perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of global innovation trends and promote future-oriented approaches.

The program includes:

Insights into China's technology and business environment: Comprehensive knowledge and in-depth insights into trends and markets in China.

  • Exclusive visits to innovative companies and institutions in Shanghai and Hangzhou.
  • Academic visits to university laboratories focusing on the latest research.
  • Round-table discussions with local experts and meetings with tech start-ups.
  • Networking and professional development: expanding your network and potential for partnerships.

Practical information

In order to ensure a high-quality experience and in-depth exchange opportunities, the number of participants for this trip is limited. Interested persons are therefore requested to register early to secure their place.

For more information about the study trip and registration, please contact china@digitalrat.ch.

Swiss companies are acting more cautiously than international competitors

Low investment, little know-how and hardly any concrete applications: Swiss companies are hesitant to tackle the topic of generative artificial intelligence. Companies in Europe and the USA are much further ahead in integrating this technology. This is shown by Deloitte's State of Generative AI in the Enterprise study.

Swiss companies are reluctant to introduce generative AI. Europe and the USA are much further ahead. (Image: AI-generated / DALL-E)

AI programs such as ChatGPT have become indispensable everyday companions overnight. The majority of people now use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify tasks. However, companies need more time to integrate the technology into their processes. The latest edition of the AI study by the auditing and consulting firm Deloitte shows that the introduction is taking longer than initially expected. The euphoria expressed in earlier surveys has given way to a healthy realism.

In an international comparison, Swiss companies are particularly cautious in their assessment of developments. Half of the management board members surveyed expect that fundamental changes in their industry as a result of generative AI will take between one and three years. Just under a third (30%) even expect it to take more than three years. Only 8 percent assume that generative AI has already transformed the market environment. In the USA, on the other hand, 22% are of this opinion.

The areas in which Swiss companies are using generative AI - and how far along they are. (Image: www.deloitte.com)

Switzerland brings up the rear

US companies are also pushing ahead with AI integration faster than Swiss companies: Almost half (45%) have already prepared their technical infrastructure well or very well for the introduction. In Switzerland, this is only the case for just under a third (32%). European companies are even further ahead. They are clearly ahead of the USA and Switzerland when it comes to preparing their strategy, developing employees' skills and managing data.

"Swiss companies are still reluctant to introduce generative AI. We also observe this in our work with customers. However, we are already seeing a promising use of generative AI in IT and marketing," says Marc Beierschoder, Head of AI & Data at Deloitte Switzerland. As the survey highlights, projects in the areas of IT and cyber security as well as marketing, sales and customer service are the most advanced. In contrast, most companies are only in the evaluation phase when it comes to AI tools for the legal department or HR and finance.

Low investment and little know-how

The survey provides a number of explanations for why Switzerland is lagging behind other countries. Firstly, Swiss companies invest relatively little in generative AI: half of those surveyed do not even allocate 20 percent of their total AI budget to the technology. Investments are significantly higher in the USA and Europe. Secondly, Swiss companies lack specialist knowledge. Almost a quarter (24%) of companies admit that they have little expertise in dealing with the technology. In Europe, this is only the case for 13 percent and in the USA for 7 percent. Management interest in generative AI is also rather low in Switzerland. The majority of respondents agree that the topic needs to be given more attention internally.

Internal and external pressure on Swiss companies to implement generative AI tools (year-on-year comparison). (Image: www.deloitte.com)

Pressure on Swiss companies is growing

The lack of skills and specialists is therefore also one of the three biggest hurdles for Swiss companies when integrating technology, alongside managing risks and the complex legal requirements. In an international comparison, it is also noticeable that Swiss companies observe stronger cultural resistance among employees.

"Internal resistance must be overcome and more investment made in order to exploit the great potential of the technology on a broad basis. Time is of the essence, as the pressure on companies is increasing," says Marc Beierschoder from Deloitte. Compared to the survey a year ago, almost twice as many Swiss companies feel a strong need for action internally when it comes to the introduction of generative AI tools: while the figure was only 18% last year, it is now already 34%. The pressure from external sources, such as competitors or shareholders, is even higher. Within the space of a year, this figure has risen significantly - from 18% to 46%.

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New top management at Crayon Schweiz AG

Rolf Stadler, founder and CEO of Crayon Schweiz AG, is preparing for the future with new members of management. Gilbert Mariéthod takes over the position of Service Director and Thomas Vetsch becomes the new Sales Director. With this strategic realignment, the company is focusing on growth, innovation and increased customer proximity.

With new management, Crayon Schweiz AG is focusing on growth, innovation and customer proximity for a successful future. (Image: www.crayon.com)

Since its foundation in 2015, IT service provider Crayon Schweiz AG has been helping companies to optimize their IT costs, reduce expenditure and implement sustainable technology solutions. After 10 years on the Swiss market, the company has a clear goal for the future and will continue to do so: a strong management team with fresh impetus will continue to drive the success story forward.

New management brings a breath of fresh air to service and sales

The appointment of Gilbert Mariéthod as Service Director underlines the clear objective of further improving service quality. With his many years of experience in service management, he ensures that customers are looked after at the highest level and that expectations are not only met, but exceeded.

As Sales Director, Thomas Vetsch is responsible for the further development of sales strategies and the expansion of our market presence. With his extensive expertise in sales, he brings in new approaches and perspectives in order to meet the individual requirements of customers in the best possible way.

Together with CEO Rolf Stadler, the new management team forms a dynamic team that drives growth and innovation. "Innovation is created when exceptional personalities work together," emphasizes Rolf Stadler, CEO of Crayon Schweiz AG.

From the foundation to the future

Launched in 2015 in the Suworow building in Altdorf, Crayon Schweiz AG now has 80 employees at Bahnhofplatz - with the clear mission of reducing IT costs for public and business customers.

In ten years, the company has established itself as a leading IT consulting partner, implemented more than 250 projects and achieved average savings of 31%. Today, Crayon Switzerland is a pioneer in cloud management and FinOps.

The focus is on the future: profitable growth, new services and continuous innovation to provide customers with optimum support in the future too

10 years of "pure optimization"

For a decade, Crayon Schweiz AG has established itself as a reliable partner for companies that want to modernize their IT strategy and reduce costs sustainably.

"We look back on the last 10 years with pride and look forward to continuing to offer our customers first-class service with fresh ideas and a clear vision," explains CEO Rolf Stadler.

Source: www.crayon.com

Swiss SME exports 2025: Cautious optimism despite global uncertainties

Export sentiment among Swiss SMEs remains above the growth threshold and is therefore still "cautiously optimistic". The main concerns at the moment are the currency risks, the relationship with the EU that needs to be clarified and the uncertain effects of the change of president in the USA. In this phase, Europe, which is already crucial to the success of the export industry, is becoming even more important, while the development of new markets is playing a more subordinate role.

Swiss SME exports in 2025: Cautious optimism despite global uncertainties (Photo Christian Flierl)

Swiss SMEs are cautiously optimistic about the future. Although export sentiment, which is determined by Switzerland Global Enterprise in a semi-annual survey of export-oriented Swiss SMEs, fell slightly from 62.8 to 57.1 points in the last six months, it is still well above the growth threshold of 50 points. After a phase of high confidence, which followed the brief but severe pandemic-related slump, the sentiment value has been hovering around the 60-point mark for two and a half years.

Expected increase in exports over the course of the year

For the next six months, almost every second company surveyed (48%) expects export growth, every third (33%) expects stagnation and 19% expects a decline. For 2025 as a whole, SMEs are slightly more optimistic about their growth prospects: 59% expect growth and only 11% expect a decline. One in six companies anticipates growth of over 10%.

Currency risks by far the biggest concern

Currency risks, which currently concern 56% of companies, are likely to be among the main factors hampering growth in the next six months. In second place is the relationship with the EU, which is receiving more attention again with the conclusion of the bilateral treaty negotiations (40%).

Trade barriers and protectionism (36%), tensions between the US and China (34%) and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine (33%) are also the biggest concerns. This shows that the global uncertainty about the consequences of the change of president in the USA is also affecting Switzerland. It is encouraging that more than half of the companies consider themselves flexible enough to be able to react to any political and economic changes.

In contrast, energy and commodity prices, the shortage of skilled workers and inflation are becoming significantly less important.

Europe is becoming even more important for Switzerland

Germany remains the most important export destination, to which 81% of SMEs intend to deliver goods in the next six months. It is followed by the other neighboring countries France, Italy and Austria as well as the USA, each with between 55% and 60%. At the same time, some European sales markets are making significant gains in the other ranks, further increasing Europe's dominance. The USA and China are the only non-European markets in the top 12, while India, Japan and the ASEAN countries are among the fastest-growing non-European markets.

India is on trend

In view of these global uncertainties, a whopping 41% of the companies surveyed do not want to become active in new countries in the coming months. Companies that nevertheless want to expand are increasingly focusing on India: The subcontinent is now the world's most important new market for Switzerland, which is likely due in large part to the negotiated free trade agreement. India is followed by the USA and the Gulf States.

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ServiceNow and SoftwareOne enter into strategic partnership for IT modernization

SoftwareOne Holding AG, a leading global provider of software and cloud solutions, and ServiceNow, a leading provider of AI solutions for successful business transformation, announced a multi-year strategic partnership to drive IT modernization in the cloud.

SoftwareOne and ServiceNow join forces to drive IT modernization, efficiency gains and innovation in the cloud. (Image: www.depositphotos.com)
 

In the first phase of the partnership, the companies will develop a joint offering for their customers. This will combine ServiceNow's leading workflow automation with SoftwareOne's cloud expertise. The aim is to maximize the ROI of customers' software and cloud spend. At the same time, the aim is to promote innovation and optimize IT processes.

Working together for efficiency and innovation

The partnership enables customers to accelerate innovation, improve operational efficiency and tap into new growth opportunities. This gives them a better overview of their IT resources and enables them to effectively manage rising software costs. At the same time, a solid data foundation is created to support AI, security and modernization measures.

SoftwareOne and ServiceNow will work together to improve the experience of employees and customers. They will achieve this through end-to-end solutions that automate and optimize platform services. In addition, this approach maximizes ROI and creates an intuitive user experience that enables employees to complete tasks efficiently. Both employees and customers benefit from the user-friendly design.

"Companies pursuing a cloud-first strategy face the challenge of modernizing their applications to maximize the value of existing software and hardware investments. SoftwareOne has been a successful ServiceNow Elite Partner for years, helping our joint customers maximize the value of their software, cloud and technology investments," said Raphael Erb, CEO at SoftwareOne. "This strategic partnership is a natural progression in our shared mission to help companies digitally transform while optimizing their IT ecosystems. The new offering will enable savings and growth for customers at a time of rapid change, when cost savings and consolidation are more important than ever."

ServiceNow and SoftwareOne strengthen companies worldwide

"Our partnership with SoftwareOne is designed to help companies modernize their operations and unleash innovation and cost savings that can be reinvested to capitalize on the opportunities of the AI era," said Erica Volini, SVP Global Partnerships and Channels at ServiceNow. "We support our customers in transforming their organizations. This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation, operational excellence and measurable business outcomes - even in challenging times.

SoftwareOne helps customers worldwide to gain deeper insights into their IT landscape, resource consumption, costs and risks. The company also automates time-consuming processes for greater efficiency. SoftwareOne has been a ServiceNow Elite Partner since 2017 and has key competencies and more than 350 ServiceNow certifications. SoftwareOne's expertise is particularly focused on Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH), the Netherlands, the UK, France and North America. The acquisition of Beniva Consulting, a provider of professional services for the implementation of the ServiceNow platform, has further strengthened the company's capabilities.

Source: www.softwareone.com

Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025: AI art, FBI, disinformation and child protection

The Swiss Cyber Security Days (SCSD) will take place on February 18 and 19, 2025 under the motto "Eye of the Cyber - create tomorrow". The program will be complemented by an interactive AI exhibition and panels dedicated to the dangers of disinformation, terrorism and the protection of minors in the digital space. Another highlight is the presentation by the FBI's Cyber Division.

The Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025 offer insights into AI, protection against disinformation, cyber threats and interactive technology. (Image: www.depositphotos.com)

On February 18 and 19, 2025, the SCSD will take place on the Bernexpo site. On the two main stages, high-ranking national and international speakers will spend two days demonstrating how dominant technology is shaping the present and the future, and why a secure and sovereign cyberspace is of the utmost importance for Switzerland. The organizers are proud to complement the illustrious program with contributions from the Cyber Division of the FBI and two high-profile panels on the urgent topics of disinformation, radicalization and the protection of minors in the digital space.

On the first day, the main stage will be hosted by former Mr. Kassensturz and newly elected National Councillor Ueli Schmezer. On the second day, SRF investigative journalist and terrorism expert Dani Glaus will host the main stage.

Interactive AI art "Made in Bern"

In line with the motto "Eye of the Cyber - create tomorrow", the organizers are focusing on the creative power of artificial intelligence and presenting it in an unconventional collaboration: technology and art are breaking new ground. Together with the Museum of Communication, the Gibb vocational school in Bern and the two Bernese motion art artists Kaspar Kilchenmann and Yan Hirschbühl, the organizers will be presenting interactive AI art "Made in Bern" during both days.

"The collaboration is an exciting opportunity to bring the strengths of the Museum of Communication to bear in a new environment," says Nico Gurtner. He is responsible for communications at the Museum of Communication. Creative Director of the Bern agency "Efentwell" Kaspar Kilchenmann and motion designer Yan Hirschbühl will inspire the audience with visual worlds specially produced for the SCSD. The technical infrastructure will be provided by the Gibb Bern vocational school.

Leading exhibitors present groundbreaking solutions

With Axpo, Aveniq, Sophos, Amazon Web Services and numerous other national and international exhibitors, SCSD 2025 promises groundbreaking insights and solutions from the world of cyber security. The innovative approaches presented range from security awareness and human risk management to topics such as zero trust architecture, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced threat protection.

Around 20 promising start-ups will be presenting their innovative cyber security solutions in the Start-up Zone. Gibb HF Informatik will also be presenting itself as a strong educational partner. Visitors can take part in an exciting capture-the-flag (CTF) competition at their stand and experience live how theory can be put into practice. An excellent opportunity for leaders and cyber security experts to establish valuable collaborations for the digital future.

Networking on a new level - Hornetsecurity takes networking at the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025 to a new level. On Tuesday evening, the networking party sponsored by Hornetsecurity awaits you, the perfect place to make valuable contacts.

"The renowned exhibitors and the prestigious program make SCSD 2025 a central meeting point for the industry and attract great interest," says Tom Winter, CEO of Bernexpo AG. "The ticket sales to date prove this. With the Swiss Cyber Security Days 2025, we are building on last year's success".

Source: www.scsd.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/swiss-cyber-security-days-2025-ki-kunst-fbi-desinformation-und-kinderschutz21002-2/

Swiss companies less optimistic

The Global Business Optimism Index fell to 121 points in Switzerland in the first quarter of 2025 (-14%). The decline is therefore slightly higher than the global fall of 13% (from 131 to 114 points). These are the findings of the latest Global Business Optimism Insights Report by Dun & Bradstreet. For the study, 10,000 companies from 32 countries and 17 sectors were asked about their business expectations.

Business expectations in Switzerland fall: The Global Business Optimism Index drops by 14 %. Companies are reluctant to invest. (Image: www.depositphotos.com)

The Global Business Optimism Index has fallen in all 32 countries surveyed. Export orders have fallen in 26 of them. The USA and mainland China were particularly hard hit, with a drop of 10 percent. The main reasons for this are growing concerns about a weakening economy, rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in trade policy.

Companies are more skeptical about supply chain stability and are holding back on investments. The political changes announced by the new US administration are reinforcing this reticence. However, the trend points to a correction of the previously heightened optimism rather than a deterioration in the outlook.

Switzerland: Business expectations declining across the board

  • Business optimism: The decline in the Global Business Optimism Index in Switzerland has remained slightly above the global decline of 13%. Germany (-23%), Kenya (-25%), Egypt and Hungary (-23% each) saw the sharpest drop in the index value. The lowest losses were recorded in Poland (-1%), Sweden (-2%) and Australia (-3%).
  • Financial confidence: The Global Business Financial Confidence Index has fallen by 17% to 116 points. This means that Switzerland has one of the highest declines in Europe. Hungary (-27%), Germany (-24%) and the Czech Republic (-21%) recorded the greatest losses.
  • Willingness to invest: The Global Business Investment Confidence Index fell by 9% to 127 points. This is one point below the global average of 128 points. Across Europe, Poland (+4%) recorded the highest value at 134 points, while Germany (-17%) recorded the lowest value at 110 points.
  • Supply chain stability: The Global Supply Chain Continuity Index fell by 15 percent to 105 points. In Europe, Hungary (-30%), the Netherlands (-29%) and the Czech Republic (-26%) recorded the sharpest declines. The reasons for this are high freight costs, a lack of containers, geopolitical conflicts and delayed payments.
  • ESG focus: The Global Business ESG Index in Switzerland improved by 2 percent. Australia recorded the highest increase worldwide at 26%, followed by the Netherlands (24%) and Italy (19%). In contrast, Germany recorded the sharpest decline at -15%.

Global outlook: Risks increase significantly

Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist at Dun & Bradstreet, explains: "Companies around the world are making a cautious start to the first quarter of 2025. The high concentration of suppliers is a particular cause for concern - only 51% of companies are confident that they will be able to overcome this. In the previous quarter, the figure was 59%. At the same time, the cost of capital remains high despite falling central bank interest rates - a warning sign of rising credit default risks. The subdued sales and profitability expectations are further exacerbating the situation."

Source: www.dnb.com

Enespa and Plasteco join forces for sustainable plastic recycling

The Enespa Group enters into a strategic partnership with the Finnish start-up Plasteco Ltd. The focus is on a 40 percent shareholding of Enespa Technologies AG in Plasteco Ltd. as well as close cooperation in the field of recycling technologies.

The first plastic-to-oil system that Enespa supplies to Plasteco will be transported to Finland in February. (Image: www.enespa.com)

Enespa is an up-and-coming group of companies in the greentech industry with companies in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany and the USA. It builds and operates industrial plants for chemical plastic recycling, oil refining and tire pyrolysis. Through the partnership with Plasteco Ltd. in Lahti, Enespa aims to promote the development of modern recycling solutions.

As part of the investment, Plasteco is increasing its capital. At the same time, the Enespa Group is appointing two representatives to the Board of Directors: Joachim Vogt, the new COO of the Enespa Group, and Ben Richters, CTO. They will promote close and targeted cooperation between the two companies.

Starting signal with first system delivery

The partnership will begin with the delivery of the first chemical recycling plant, which will be brought to Lahti in February 2025. The machine has a capacity of 5 tons per day. If the construction and tests go according to plan, operations will start in April 2025. The plan for the future is to deliver additional systems every year and to continuously expand capacity.

"In the Enespa Group, we have found the perfect partner to turn our vision of a sustainable circular economy into reality," explains Kari Larjava, CEO of Plasteco Ltd. "The delivery of the first system is the start of a comprehensive collaboration."

Bundled know-how

With this partnership, the Enespa Group and Plasteco Ltd. are taking a significant step towards a sustainable circular economy. Plasteco uses state-of-the-art pyrolysis technology and works closely with local players to efficiently process plastic waste and return it to the cycle. In doing so, they rely on a large network and excellent knowledge of the local market. Enespa develops and builds the plants and uses the partnership to bring its solutions to a growing market. This collaboration underlines Enespa's ambition to play a leading role in the circular economy and establish its solutions internationally.

"This partnership is a significant step for both companies," says Ben Richters, CTO of Enespa. "PlastEco brings the local expertise, infrastructure and network, while we provide the technology and know-how. Together we can take the chemical recycling of plastic waste to a new level."

Economical and sustainable

A decisive advantage of the cooperation lies in the local supply: Plasteco sources the feedstock cost-effectively from the surrounding communities, which not only minimizes operating costs, but also relies on short transport routes and resource-saving logistics. A buyer for the output material has already been found. He will purchase all of the pyrolysis oil from the first plant and is prepared to increase the purchase share accordingly if production is scaled up. These strategic partnerships ensure the long-term profitability and sustainability of the project.

Investment strategy and internationalization

This partnership with Plasteco is strategically designed and marks the start of an internationalization strategy for the Enespa Group. It pursues the goal of opening up markets in key markets through targeted partnerships and acquisitions, gaining customers and producing cost-efficiently. The know-how and resources of partners and their local and regional networks play a decisive role in this. Further investments will follow or are currently being examined.

Source: www.enespa.com

Swiss M&A market: fewer but larger mergers and acquisitions

With 464 mergers and acquisitions, four percent fewer transactions were completed last year than in 2023. What is striking is the sharp increase in deal volume by more than half, from USD 72 billion in 2023 to USD 115 billion in 2024. The most active sectors were industrial goods, telecommunications, media and technology as well as pharmaceuticals and life sciences.

The five largest transactions with Swiss participation in 2024 (Image: KPMG)

"Compared to the strong post-corona years, the economic uncertainties have once again slightly slowed down M&A activity, as companies and financial investors were very preoccupied with themselves," explains Timo Knak, Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG Switzerland. For the current year, KPMG Deal Advisory expects a slight increase in M&A activity, particularly in the area of private equity and further carve-outs for larger groups.

Industrial goods sector as the most active M&A market

As in the previous year, the most active sector on the M&A market was the industrial goods sector. This sector accounted for almost one in five transactions (84), with a transaction volume of around USD 24 billion, around four times higher than in the previous year. The telecommunications, media and technology (TMT) sector was the second most active M&A sector with 75 transactions and a deal volume of around USD 26 billion.

As in the two previous years, the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector came in third place with 59 deals and a volume of just under USD 41 billion. The proportion of mergers and acquisitions involving private equity increased again slightly year-on-year, from 23% to 26%, but is still below the long-term average of around one third of all transactions.

Galderma IPO most significant Swiss M&A transaction

With a deal volume of just under USD 66 billion, the five largest transactions accounted for around 57% of the total deal volume in 2024. The most significant transaction last year was the IPO of Galderma - one of the largest IPOs in Europe in recent years with a total valuation of around USD 21.6 billion.

The second-largest transaction was the share-based takeover of US packaging manufacturer Berry Global by Swiss competitor Amcor for around USD 17.7 billion. Third place was taken by Swiss telecommunications provider Sunrise, which relisted on the Swiss stock exchange after a four-year absence, with a total valuation of USD 10.2 billion. Another transaction in the TMT sector that attracted a great deal of attention was the takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom for around USD 8.7 billion.

Swiss companies buy abroad

Swiss companies also acquired significantly more foreign companies last year than vice versa: in almost half of all transactions, or 221 cases, Swiss companies acquired foreign companies or company shares. In contrast, foreign companies acquired only 107 Swiss companies or company shares (23% of transactions).

"Thanks to their high liquidity and robust balance sheets, Swiss companies are very well positioned for mergers and acquisitions and have been very active in acquiring foreign companies for years," explains Timo Knak.

National transactions (Switzerland/Switzerland) accounted for 14% of all transactions with 64 deals. Almost 16% of all transactions are attributable to foreign transactions with Swiss sellers (72 deals).

Slight increase in M&A activities expected for 2025

For the current year, KPMG expects a continuation of the trend towards value-oriented transactions and a slight increase in M&A activity, particularly with regard to private equity investments. The complexity of mergers, acquisitions and spin-offs will continue to increase, not least due to the growing importance of artificial intelligence. "Companies' IT systems are becoming increasingly complex, which has a direct impact on M&A processes," says Knak. "Effective management of the IT aspects of the integration or spin-off process is therefore essential to ensure the success of a transaction."

Source: www.kpmg.com

Swiss companies brace themselves against the economic crisis

The pressure on companies has rarely been as high as it is today: 84% of industrial companies in the DACH region report unprecedented challenges in the current industry study "Shaping the future". However, a look at the individual countries also reveals a differentiated picture in many respects. The comparison between Swiss and German companies is particularly remarkable: Whether it's energy costs or burdensome bureaucracy - the sky is much darker in Germany.

Swiss industry shows strength: resilience, efficiency and innovation secure competitive advantages over Germany and the rest of the world. (Image: www.depositphotos.com)

"Swiss industrial companies have continuously strengthened their resilience through constant adaptation and innovation. This is now paying off. They are therefore more optimistic about the year 2025 than their German competitors," says Jürg Hodel, Managing Director of management consultancy Staufen Inova AG. "In addition, the Swiss economy as a whole is already much more diversified, while in Germany crises such as the one in the automotive industry are hitting not only suppliers but also related service providers hard," Hodel continues.

There are also clear differences between Switzerland and Germany when it comes to assessing which challenges are currently weighing most heavily on the industry. While 54% of German respondents cited the difficult economic situation, only 47% of Swiss respondents did so. Swiss companies are also more positive about other factors: The excessive bureaucracy is perceived as a burden by 42 percent in Germany, compared to only 28 percent in Switzerland. The discrepancy in energy costs is also striking: In Germany, energy prices are perceived as the second biggest burden (43 percent), while in Switzerland only one in four companies cites this factor.

Strong franc as an efficiency turbo

The resilience of Swiss industry is also a consequence of the strong Swiss franc. "In order to remain competitive despite its appreciation, companies have already been forced to take measures to increase efficiency and digitalization in the past," explains Staufen Inova Managing Director Hodel. As a result, price-intensive products have either become cheaper thanks to optimized processes or production has been relocated abroad. German companies, which had benefited from the weak euro and cheap energy from Russia for years, had not been exposed to this pressure and were now suffering from the changed framework conditions.

Nevertheless, a good one in two companies (56%) in Switzerland say that their domestic location is becoming less competitive in an international comparison. And even site closures or relocations are no longer taboo for four out of ten Swiss companies. "Even if the figures in Germany are even worse at 70% and 52% respectively, this does not change the fundamental challenge of being able to compete with Asian and American competitors in the long term," warns industry expert Hodel.

He is convinced that Switzerland cannot afford to stand still despite its current strength: "Whether we like it or not, we will remain a high-wage and high-price island." In his view, the answer can therefore only be consistent digitalization. "Regardless of whether it's an SME or a corporation - with the consistent use of digital end-to-end platforms, there is certainly room for another 20 to 30 percent more productivity."

About the industry study "Shaping the future"

For the "Shaping the future" study, Staufen Inova AG surveyed a total of 313 industrial companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland at the end of 2024. At the same time, 280 companies in the USA were surveyed to enable transatlantic comparisons.

Source: www.staufen-inova.ch

Sévérine Müller elected to the Executive Board of Suva

The Suva Council Committee has elected Sévérine Müller as the new Head of the Health Protection and Personnel Department and a member of the Executive Board. Ms. Müller will take up her new position in summer 2025, succeeding Edith Müller Loretz. The 41-year-old lawyer currently heads the Benefits business unit and is a member of the Executive Board of health and pension insurer Concordia.

Sévérine Müller
Sévérine Müller will become the new Head of Health Protection and Human Resources at Suva in 2025. She succeeds Edith Müller Loretz. (Image: www.suva.ch)

Edith Müller Loretz announced her departure in September last year after 26 years at Suva and five years on its Executive Board. With the election of Sévérine Müller, the seamless handover of responsibility in Suva's four-member Executive Board, chaired by Felix Weber, is ensured for the summer of 2025. Sévérine Müller convinced the search committee of the Suva Board of Directors in a multi-stage selection process.

"With Sévérine Müller, an experienced leader will join Suva's Executive Board who is very familiar with the healthcare system in Switzerland and whose track record and integrity are impressive. She will be a good addition to the Executive Board and will help to drive Suva forward with its unique self-financed, non-profit, social partnership model of prevention, insurance and rehabilitation. I am already looking forward to a successful collaboration," commented Suva Council President Andreas Rickenbacher on the election.

New manager with a wealth of experience

After studying law, Sévérine Müller was admitted to the bar and began her professional career at Concordia in 2010. In fall 2019, she moved to the then young Swissre subsidiary Elipslife as Head Claims & Care Management and member of the Executive Management Team Switzerland. After two years, she returned to Concordia and was appointed to the Executive Board as Head of Benefits. Sévérine Müller can communicate in German, French, Italian and English.

"I find it very inspiring and meaningful that everything at Suva revolves around making work and leisure safer for people in Switzerland. I look forward to contributing my experience and commitment to the Suva Executive Board in pursuit of this goal," explains Sévérine Müller.

Thanks to the successful completion of the recruitment process by the Suva Board Committee, Ms. Müller will be able to seamlessly take over her responsibilities at Suva from Edith Müller Loretz in summer 2025. "I look forward to welcoming Sévérine Müller to Suva's Executive Board together with my colleagues in the summer," comments Felix Weber, Chairman of Suva's Executive Board. 

Source: www.suva.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/severine-mueller-in-die-geschaeftsleitung-der-suva-gewaehlt/

Training organizations expect a lot from AI, but still need skills

According to the SVEB provider survey, further education institutions use artificial intelligence primarily in areas such as marketing and communication as well as in teaching and learning settings. However, only 39 percent of them state that their employees have sufficient AI skills.

The SVEB survey shows: AI is used in continuing education for marketing, communication and learning settings, but skills are lacking. (Image: AI-generated / DALL-E)

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has also become increasingly important in continuing education. In the Focus Weiterbildung research study, the SVEB shows how providers are currently using AI. The results are based on the provider survey conducted in spring 2024, in which 423 organizations from all three language regions took part.

The provider survey shows that the use of AI in Swiss continuing education organizations varies. 32 percent of continuing education organizations are already using AI, while 13 percent are planning to use it. Around a quarter rule out using it in the near future.

AI is most frequently used in areas such as marketing and communication as well as in teaching and learning settings. Language processing tools such as ChatGPT, DeepL or Gemini are used particularly often, although these tools are mostly used for the creation of learning materials.

Great expectations for individualization

The results of the survey make it clear that the majority of providers have a positive attitude towards AI. Around two thirds assume that AI will have a positive effect on the quality of continuing education courses. In particular, many hope to benefit the individualization of teaching and learning settings.

At the same time, 60 percent of organizations see significant ethical risks, particularly with regard to data protection and the potential substitution of teachers by AI.

Competencies are a problem

An important factor for the successful use of AI is the competence of training staff. In spring 2024, only 39% of organizations stated that their employees had sufficient skills. At the same time, staff show great openness: 80% of organizations are willing to integrate AI into their work.

In order to cope with the changing skills requirements, 44% of organizations have already offered further training for their staff. The content ranges from basic introductions to AI to specific applications in teaching and learning settings.

To the provider survey

The results presented are based on a survey conducted by the SVEB among providers of vocational and general/cultural continuing education as well as providers in the area of basic skills. The data was collected by means of an online survey in all language regions in German, French and Italian between April 30 and May 28, 2024. The net sample of the study comprises 423 providers.

46% of the organizations surveyed are small, 47% are medium-sized and 8% are large providers. Continuing education is the main purpose of 62% of the organizations and a secondary purpose for 38%. 41 percent are active in German-speaking Switzerland, 31 percent in French-speaking Switzerland, 5 percent in Italian-speaking Switzerland and 23 percent are supra-regional providers.

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