The EU Cyber Resilience Act came into force on December 10, 2024. This places new obligations on manufacturers of "products with digital elements". "Companies that are subject to the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) should hurry to adapt their products to the requirements of the CRA," says Jan Wendenburg, CEO of the Düsseldorf-based cybersecurity company Onekey. He points out that the first CRA regulations will apply from September 2026 and all others from December 11, 2027. "From this date, all networked products must fully comply with the cyber security requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act," clarifies Jan Wendenburg. Manufacturers, importers and retailers are equally challenged: Without CRA conformity, the CE mark may not be awarded, and thus the affected products may no longer be sold in the EU.

The European Commission's Cyber Resilience Act, which was adopted on December 10, 2024, is the most comprehensive regulation to date on the cyber security of connected products in Europe. For all manufacturers of devices "with digital elements", i.e. all smart products, whether for industry, consumers or businesses, time is of the essence, as the new security requirements must already be taken into account during product development. "In view of the product life cycles, which generally span many years, the topic of CRA should therefore be given top priority in order to be able to continue selling on the EU market in the future," advises Jan Wendenburg.

"Security by design" for CRA compliance

Key elements for CRA compliance are the principle of "security by design" as well as continuous risk assessment and vulnerability remediation. In addition, the EU CRA requires a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) to make software components traceable and to identify risks in the supply chain at an early stage. The CRA categorizes products into three security classes: Critical, Important and Other. Corresponding requirements must be met in each class. The security of the supply chain is particularly relevant here, as vulnerabilities in third-party and open source components can jeopardize the integrity of the overall system. The implementation period of 24 or 36 months since coming into force on December 10, 2024 poses major challenges for manufacturers, as product developments often take years. In order to meet the requirements of the CRA, companies should implement cybersecurity best practices as quickly as possible. In addition to the CRA, other regulatory frameworks such as RED II (EN 18031) and IEC 62443-4-2 must also be taken into account. Special compliance tools can help to meet current and future requirements by enabling a quick, simple and therefore efficient cybersecurity assessment of product software. One example of this is the patent-pending Compliance Wizard from Onekey.

"Companies that adapt their product strategy in good time not only secure their market approval in the EU, but also their competitiveness. Product lifecycle cybersecurity, proactive compliance and supply chain transparency are becoming indispensable success factors for all manufacturers on the EU market," explains Jan Wendenburg.

The new requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act

In order to meet the new requirements, companies must be able to identify security vulnerabilities in their products and continuously monitor the product life cycle. This means that every software version must be tested and - as long as it is active - continuously monitored for possible new vulnerabilities. New vulnerabilities must be continuously assessed and, if necessary, reported and/or measures taken to repair them.

The CRA requirements cover the entire life cycle of smart products - from planning and development through to operation and subsequent decommissioning. Manufacturers are obliged to offer security updates for their products for a period of at least five years. If the product is used for a shorter period, this period can be shortened accordingly. "In many industrial sectors, however, product lifetimes of 10 or 20 years or even longer are not uncommon. This means that monitoring, maintenance, vulnerability management and patch strategies must also be maintained over a correspondingly long period," says Jan Wendenburg, explaining the challenges.

"The implementation of the Cyber Resilience Act poses considerable practical challenges for manufacturers," explains Jan Wendenburg. He cites specific examples: "In industrial manufacturing, where control and production systems are used for decades and regular security updates are required to ensure compliance. In the IoT industry, such as smart household appliances, constant maintenance of the software bill of materials is also necessary in order to quickly identify and rectify potential vulnerabilities." Companies need to work closely with their suppliers and use third-party software testing tools, such as binary analysis solutions, to ensure security monitoring upon receipt of goods and throughout the product lifecycle. "Only automated processes and tools for vulnerability and compliance analysis make it possible to meet the new legal requirements in an economically viable and efficient manner," says Jan Wendenburg.

Source: Onekey

CRA and Switzerland

The provisions of the Cyber Resilience Act also affect Swiss companies, particularly if they wish to export products with digital components to the EU. Network devices such as routers and switches, industrial control systems and software products are affected. Swiss companies wishing to export such products or other products with digital elements to the EU are obliged to meet the requirements of the CRA and must provide corresponding proof of conformity. According to information from the Federal Office for Cybersecurity BACS, the majority of products are considered "non-critical". This means that a self-declaration is sufficient as proof of conformity. However, for products such as intelligent door locks, alarm systems, wearable medical devices and the like, the requirements for conformity are higher and require an assessment by a third party.

red. / swisscybersecurity.net / Redguard AG

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/cyber-resilience-act-fordert-produktanpassungen/

Dalith Steiger-Gabler was honored with the Empowering Women Award at the League of Leading Ladies Conference 2025 in Interlaken. The co-founder of the AI hub SwissCognitive was recognized for her long-standing commitment to promoting women in technology-related professions.

Steiger is regarded as one of the leading voices in the field of artificial intelligence and pursues a socially minded approach. A graduate in mathematics and business informatics from the University of Zurich, she repeatedly emphasizes the role of AI as a tool for social progress and equality.

The jury - consisting of Charlotte Parnack (The time), Ulrich Rotzinger (View) and Sandra-Stella Triebl (Ladies Drive Magazine) - justified her decision by saying that Steiger "embodies the zeitgeist like no other". "She stands for empowerment in an area where women urgently need more visibility and a voice." For example, through her support of initiatives such as Women in AI, Girls Can Code or TechFace or as a mentor.

Steiger's aim is to motivate women worldwide to get involved in male-dominated professional fields: "I want to inspire women worldwide and show them that technology is not just a male domain - it belongs to (and helps) all of us," she said at the award ceremony.

Since 2022, the Empowering Women Award has been presented at the annual League of Leading Ladies Conference, which brings together international leaders from business, science and society. The conference was held for the twelfth time.

The long-standing partner of the event, Porsche Switzerland, emphasized the importance of visionary thinking: "Real innovation is created when we have the courage to imagine something new," said CEO Holger Gerrmann. The award is an expression of this aspiration.

The Swiss Handball Association SHV and Spar Switzerland are ending their long-standing collaboration at the end of the current season. The retailer's logo has been present in Swiss women's handball since 2012 - including as the namesake of the Spar Premium League, on the national team's jerseys and in the Spar Handball app.

The partnership has contributed significantly to the professionalization and visibility of Swiss women's handball over the past 13 years, as SHV Central President Pascal Jenny emphasizes: "Without Spar, the current successes of Swiss women's handball would hardly have been possible."

With its commitment to women's handball, Spar has used a broad platform over the years and has supported the association not only financially, but also with its app-based club support. According to the press release, more than CHF 200,000 has been distributed to the clubs via this tool.

Now, a reorientation towards more local involvement has led to the dissolution of the partnership. Gary Alberts, CEO of Spar Switzerland, explains: "Due to our new positioning as a fresh food neighborhood market, the focus in communication and thus also in sponsoring has changed significantly." In future, the company wants to concentrate on locally anchored activities. However, the emotional connection to women's handball will remain.

The last joint season will be completed in spring 2025.

With the project "Bucher Connect service platform" Bucher Municipal pulled off a coup that caused quite a stir. The team won over the expert juries three times - in the "Marketing", "Productivity" and "Technology" categories. The reward: three gold medals. But it got even better. In the final vote, the project, together with its implementation partners Eyekon and Intelliact, also won over the public - and secured the main prize. The title "Master of Swiss Web 2025" went to Bucher Municipal. The jury, the community and the audience agreed: this performance is outstanding.

"Benchmark for digital fleet management"

The "Bucher Connect Service Platform" offers local authorities a precise overview of the use, condition and location of their vehicles - whether for cleaning, winter maintenance or waste disposal. Daniel Liebhart, jury president of the "Technology" category, spoke of a "benchmark for digital fleet management" and a "prime example of 'the Internet of Things as we want it'". The marketing jury saw the platform as a "beacon project for pioneering marketing". And Rafael Perez Süess, jury president of the "Productivity" category, highlighted the IoT-supported control of the vehicles as particularly beneficial in his laudatory speech.

IoT real-time data

The "Best of Swiss Web" award honors digital excellence - and that is exactly what the "Bucher Connect Service Platform" is. It helps cities and municipalities to use smart IoT real-time data to fulfill their public mandate efficiently, sustainably and economically - for clean and safe cities.

In the video, Roland Schuler, Director IoT & Digital Services Platform at Bucher Municipal, explains what the project is all about: measurably increasing the productivity of municipal vehicle fleets with digital support. The platform shows how intelligent technology can help to optimize processes and use resources wisely. Bucher Municipal sees itself not just as a provider, but as a partner at eye level - together with its customers, for a smarter future in urban areas.

Three gold medals and the title "Master of Swiss Web": This award is emblematic of the innovative strength and quality with which Bucher Municipal sets standards in the field of digital fleet management. A well-deserved triumph - and a strong signal to the industry.

Quality assurance (QA) measures are an integral part of industrial production workflows as well as various processes in different non-industrial areas. QA permeates many processes and revolves around the technological spectrum of vision, image processing, sensor technology, measurement and testing technology, including state-of-the-art software and evaluation technology. The tradition of Control, the international trade fair for quality assurance, includes a focused thematic relevance, a high professional level and a high level of internationality. Dozens of exhibiting companies from Switzerland will also be present again. "We are delighted that around a third of the exhibitors are coming from abroad again this year," announces Fabian Krüger, Control Project Manager at trade fair organizer P. E. Schall. "The companies are currently finalizing their exhibition portfolios and will be presenting interesting innovations on the subject of quality assurance to trade visitors," says Krüger. "In Halls 3, 5, 7 and 9 of the Stuttgart exhibition center, various types of measurement technology will be presented and presented in a way that is relevant to all industries. One of the top themes is artificial intelligence (AI), the use of which will be demonstrated in many areas of the trade fair," promises Krüger.

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/fachmesse-control-2025-praxis-und-zukunftsorientiert/

Superpower Sustainable Marketing

Growing with a new marketing model.

• Birgit Berthold-Kremser, Stefanie Kuhnhen and Franziska Mozart
• Publisher: Haufe
• Publication year: 2025
• Pages: 256
• ISBN: 9783648184592

Is marketing just about selling products? Not at all. If you believe the authors of this book, marketing has the "superpower" to transform companies and even society - in the direction of sustainability and a sense of responsibility. The book shows marketing managers how they can actively shape change instead of just reacting to trends. It includes the well-known 4Ps of marketing, new KPIs and exciting perspectives on the marketing of the future. All in all, an inspiring guide for anyone who wants to combine marketing and sustainability in a meaningful way.

getAbstract rating: 9

Qualities:

• Realizable
• Systematic
• Inspiring

Leading hybrid teams successfully

This boosts team spirit and productivity when working between the office and home office.

• Alexandra Altmann
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH
• Publication year: 2024
• Pages: 272
• ISBN: 9783527511921

If you want to keep a team of people together who work partly in the office and partly remotely, you have to lead differently than before. Hybrid teams are successful when they have a strong sense of togetherness, are fit in digital communication and when results count more than presence. Online trainer Alexandra Altmann explains in detail and with lots of practical tips and examples how to form such a team and reshape your own leadership role. This is how teams can be welded together - no matter who is sitting where.

getAbstract rating: 8

Qualities:

• Comprehensive
• Realizable
• Practical examples

Crisis communication practice book

Strategies for more credibility, transparency and trust.

• Marco Cortesi and Stefan Häseli
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH
• Publication year: 2025
• Pages: 317
• ISBN: 9783527512089

Only those who are prepared will get through potential crises well. Crisis communication plays a decisive role in this. In times of multiple crises, no company can afford not to plan ahead and train its processes for the event of a crisis, say the authors of this guide. Its structure is not always stringent and much is repeated. In some places, a deeper analysis of the examples is missing. Nevertheless, the practical book is suitable as a first introduction to the important topic of crisis communication.

getAbstract rating: 7

Qualities:

• Realizable
• Practical examples
• For beginners

Clever visualization

Think, explain, inspire and guide better with Sketch4effects.

• Siegfried Bütefisch
• Publisher: BusinessVillage
• Publication year: 2023
• Pages: 184
• ISBN: 9783869807072

Sketchnotes are a simple means of visualizing ideas off the cuff. They are not an art, as graphic designer Siegfried Bütefisch emphasizes. Anyone can learn to create sketchnotes and use them to enhance their presentation. Sketchnotes are also helpful in group work to develop thoughts, explain connections and visualize goals. The author provides many practical tips and useful templates for this. With 50 exercises, he gets readers straight into action - his book becomes a sketchbook. You want to get started right away.

getAbstract rating: 8

Qualities:

• Practical examples
• For beginners
• Inspiring

On Wednesday, the country's best recruiters were chosen in Zurich and the current recruiting trends were presented to 150 guests. With outstanding results in all categories, Helsana achieved this year's overall victory, ahead of Migros Bank and Graubündner Kantonalbank.

The Best Recruiters study examined the recruiting quality of the 450 largest employers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the twelfth time. The results were presented for the first time by Christian Pasteka, who took over the management of the study at the beginning of 2025. His predecessor Agnes Koller will continue to act in an advisory capacity. The new Best Recruiters portal was also presented at the event, which enables companies to carry out individualized analyses and comparisons based on the study results.

The study results at a glance

While TikTok and video content continue to gain ground and usability is also making significant progress, the study results also point to clear deficits in the areas of cyber security, leadership communication and speed of response to applications.

The Best Recruiters study is particularly critical of the IT security of career websites. Only six percent of the sites surveyed are adequately protected against data breaches. In addition, loading times on mobile devices are often too long, which makes them difficult to use.

Shortcomings are also evident in the application process. A test with a fictitious inquiry from a 17-year-old about opportunities to get to know and try out the company revealed that 59% of companies did not respond. Compared to the previous year, this is a decrease of 32 percentage points.

The topic of leadership continues to play a subordinate role in recruiting. Only two percent of job advertisements contain information on leadership style, and the topic is rarely addressed on employers' career websites. Diversity within management is hardly ever made visible.

The use of video content is highlighted positively: 72% of career websites now use videos, three quarters of which provide concrete insights into everyday working life. Social media is also increasingly being used for recruiting purposes - LinkedIn remains the leader, while TikTok is gaining in importance with an increase to 17 percent. At the same time, there is still room for improvement in community management on platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram, as interaction rates are below ten percent.

The winners of the Best of Swiss Web competition lifted a total of 79 awards at the gala night in Dübendorf on Thursday evening: 11 gold, 25 silver and 43 bronze.

As the best web project of the year, "Bucher Connect Service Platform" won the title of Master of Swiss Web 2025. The project was commissioned by Bucher Municipal and developed by Eyekon and Intelliact.

The project also won three gold medals in the "Marketing", "Productivity" and "Technology" categories.

"Best of .swiss" award for Zermatt Tourism

Zermatt.swiss from Zermatt Tourism won the special "Best of .swiss" prize for the best web project with a .swiss extension. The website "invites you to enjoy a relaxing visit online by combining our six Swissness criteria of quality, innovation, design, down-to-earthness, trustworthiness and multilingualism", praised jury president Fabian Unteregger. At the heart of the site is the easy-to-use accommodation search function, which transparently rates all types of accommodation in good Tripadvisor style. "At no point do you virtually fall into a crevasse or sprain your ankle while surfing in Zermatt."

Goldbach Crossmedia Award for Arosa Tourism

The Goldbach Crossmedia Award was also presented for the eighth time as part of the Best of Swiss Web Award Night. With a multichannel strategy paired with AI, creativity and community engagement, Yoveo | Team Farner and Arosa Tourism were able to secure the gold trophy at this award night.

In the Campaign the Swiss population was asked to formulate their personal dream of a perfect vacation in the mountains. With the help of AI, over 43,000 of these submitted dreams were visualized. In a further step, various advertising subjects were prepared in a channel-optimized way and presented cross-media - on social media, as TV commercials and on cable cars, public transport buses, limited-edition stamps and bath towels.

In line with the brand promise "Arosa makes dreams come true", numerous submissions were not only visualized, but also realized. The well-known tourist destination gave away wellness weekends or après-ski experiences to all participants. Ultimately, this co-creation approach not only led to a wide range of advertising opportunities, but also lent the campaign authenticity and created a collective experience.

Silver went to the campaign "Werbung naja, Zins gut." by Bank Cler, realized by Neu Creative Agency. And bronze went to "Migros as Playmobil" from the client Migros Supermarket, realized by the Wirz Group.

The "LXmas For You" campaign by the airline Swiss, realized by MSM Digital and Tamino Productions, won the audience award donated by Goldbach. In the run-up to the Award Night, customers, agencies and all other interested parties were able to vote for their favorite campaign.

The BoSW Gold winning works at a glance

• Brand Experience: Nemo broke the trophy
• Business: Chopard - The Future of Ethical Luxury Commerce
• Creativity: WOZ - The News In The News
• Digital Commerce: Marketplace Zermatt - Matterhorn
• Innovation: democratizing the accessibility of live events
• Marketing: Bucher Connect service platform
• Performance Campaigns: The apprenticeship campaign for Gen Z
• Productivity: Bucher Connect service platform
• Public value: democratizing the accessibility of live events
• Technology: Bucher Connect service platform
• User Experience: Images of Switzerland Online

(Joël Orizet/tme/swi)

Founded in 1976, the CGI Group claims to be one of the largest independent providers of IT and business process services in the world. With 91,000 consultants and experts worldwide, CGI offers a broad portfolio of services - from strategic IT and business consulting to system integration, managed IT and business process services through to intellectual property solutions. The company notes that the outsourcing of IT services has evolved into various forms of cooperation for managed services, which have become an integral part of the modern IT landscape. However, there are still persistent myths about the alleged dangers and risks involved. According to CGI, however, they do not stand up to critical scrutiny:

1. Latent dependenciesSince the first outsourcing concepts, the term "vendor lock-in" has made IT managers' foreheads sweat. It describes the dependency on an external service provider from which there is no escape, or only a very expensive one. But as old as this term is, it is also outdated. Exit scenarios are clearly regulated in modern managed services contracts, for example with regard to data portability. They are also designed to be so flexible that any necessary adjustments to changing task profiles can be implemented quickly and jointly. Hybrid models with a clearly defined division of labor between internal IT and the managed services provider (MSP), in which critical IT components remain within the company, are also a proven means of combating dependencies.
2. Loss of control and managementIn the past, problems often arose when control functions were outsourced or not adapted to the new distribution of roles. A planned distribution of tasks, in which critical IT areas and the management and coordination of providers remain within the company, removes the fear of losing the ability to control and manage your own processes. The type of contract design is also decisive here. The service level agreements (SLAs) set out in the contracts define the type and scope of IT services in detail, while clearly regulated escalation mechanisms describe how to deal with deviations. Regular reports and constant insight into the processes also ensure the necessary transparency. In this way, companies always keep the reins in their hands and at the same time benefit from the innovative strength and scaling advantages of external service providers.
3. Loss of internal know-howProbably the least well-founded fear is that of an outflow of internal IT expertise. In fact, the opposite is the case, and for a whole range of reasons. MSPs are not a replacement for the IT department, but an extension of it. Instead, they bring in external expertise which, if set up correctly, does not replace the company's internal know-how, but complements it with expert knowledge and best practices. This ensures a fruitful exchange through regular reviews, workshops and transparent communication channels, expands the knowledge spectrum of the IT department and also relieves it of many operational tasks. This frees up resources, allowing IT departments to concentrate on their core competencies, innovation initiatives and strategic IT planning within the company.
4. Loss of flexibility and agilityThe days when rigid, standardized contracts caused frustration are long gone. Instead, modern SLA models are designed from the outset to be highly adaptable. This makes it possible to react quickly to changing conditions or implement new ideas quickly. In addition, innovation initiatives often come from the MSPs themselves. Their quality results not least from the fact that they are always at the forefront of technological development - they must therefore be geared towards flexibility and agility per se. They are constantly researching and investing in new technologies, be it cloud computing, artificial intelligence or automation tools. Of course, the companies they work with also benefit from this.
5. Security concernsThe closer the cooperation between companies and external service providers, the more important the aspect of confidentiality and security mechanisms regarding the protection of sensitive data and information. The skepticism towards MSPs often overlooks the fact that data protection is in their own best interests. They invest at least as heavily in state-of-the-art security infrastructures and security teams as the companies themselves. Many MSPs have even turned this area of expertise into a business model in its own right and offer superior security solutions in accordance with the strictest compliance standards (ISO 27001 or GDPR, right up to solutions in the field of data protection). Sensitive data is therefore very often better protected by a specialized provider than by an internal solution.

"The myths surrounding managed service providers are the expression of an outdated understanding of IT services," explains Ralf Bauer, President CGI Germany. "Instead, modern managed services are based on the principle of cooperation at eye level. The service provider acts as a trustworthy, strategic partner that contributes its expertise without exerting pressure or taking control. Companies can only benefit from their expertise and the latest technologies they provide, while at the same time setting the direction."

Source: CGI Germany

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/fuenf-mythen-ueber-managed-services/

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in safety-critical areas, making the trustworthiness of these systems ever more important. Inadequately evaluated AI systems can cause serious social risks - from discriminatory algorithms and physical safety risks to misdiagnosis in a medical context.

Certification scheme as a bridge between technology and regulation

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI) and the Institute of Applied Mathematics and Physics (IAMP) at the ZHAW School of Engineering are jointly researching this current topic. The result is the "CertAInty" certification scheme, which provides a structured framework for the assessment of AI technologies. "The certification of AI systems by an accredited body increases trust, accelerates acceptance and enables their use in safety-critical applications," explains Ricardo Chavarriaga from the ZHAW School of Engineering. Joanna Weng, who is leading the project together with him, explains: "The CertAInty scheme bridges the gap between the abstract regulatory requirements of the EU AI Act and concrete technical methods for the assessment of AI systems."

Four core aspects of trustworthiness

The certification scheme comprises four central dimensions:

• Reliability: Reliable system performance under different conditions
• Transparency: Traceability of AI decision-making processes
• Autonomy and control: Definition of the degree of human supervision
• Safety: Avoidance of undesirable consequences in critical areas of application, for example in healthcare or autonomous transportation systems

For the reliability dimension, for example, an optimized selection was identified and validated from over 55 metrics and 95 methods. "Our certification scheme now offers a practicable methodology and a pragmatic basis for developers, companies and regulatory authorities and the responsible use of AI technologies," explains Joanna Weng.

Practical validation

The applicability of the scheme was demonstrated using several real examples, such as the AI-supported detection of construction vehicles using computer vision. The reliability of AI-supported detection was systematically evaluated against interference factors such as weather influences and image distortions.

The project is of particular importance due to the EU AI Act, which came into force on August 1, 2024 and will be fully applicable from August 2, 2026. This regulation will introduce mandatory certification for high-risk AI systems, covering precisely the dimensions addressed by CertAInty. For high-risk AI systems embedded in regulated products, an extended transition period applies until August 2, 2027. A regulatory regime is also expected in Switzerland in the near future. In addition, Swiss companies that sell their products in the EU must comply with the requirements of the EU AI Act. "The project anticipates the emerging regulatory framework and provides a methodical bridge between the requirements and practical implementation," emphasizes Chavarriaga.

The company CertX now uses the certification scheme as the basis for its services and offers a systematic and independent assessment of AI solutions in Switzerland. The results of the project were also presented at various conferences, including the Swiss Conference on Data Science 2024, where the team from the ZHAW School of Engineering won the Best Paper Award has won.

Being a leader in AI ethics assessment

For interested specialists from industry and academia, the ZHAW is offering the first multi-day course on AI assessment in May in collaboration with the IEEE Standards Association: "IEEE CertifAIEd Assessor Training" to.

Source and further information: www.zhaw.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/zhaw-entwickelt-zertifizierungsschema-fuer-ki-systeme/

In ten years, Live Lab has developed from a small team into an established agency with almost 30 employees. Now it is taking the next strategic step with its expansion into the Middle East. "Dubai, Riyadh, Doha - these are places where an incredible amount is currently happening," explains co-founder Maximilian Souchay. "There is hardly a more exciting region for live communication at the moment, and we want to be right in the middle of it and help shape these developments."

The economic upturn in the Middle East is visibly characterized by tourism, events and investments in the corresponding infrastructure. The region is increasingly positioning itself as a global hotspot for business, sport and culture. Major international events are attracting audiences from all over the world and creating a growing demand for innovative live communication.

Right time

A key success factor for the expansion that had been sought for years was the right local management. In Ties Hendriks, a former Zurich resident and event expert who has been working in Dubai for years, Live Lab has found the ideal location manager.

"The region is one of the most exciting markets for events and brand experiences," says Hendriks. "The Middle East is a global hub for creativity and innovation - and I'm looking forward to establishing Live Lab here and setting new standards together with local and international partners."

International orientation with a clear goal

With the expansion, the agency now has the opportunity to provide customers in the region with even more targeted support and to further expand its own position on the international market. One example of this is Expo 2025 in Osaka, where Live Lab has a team on site all year round to support various projects.

Ethical innovation is becoming increasingly important. Ethical innovation describes the ability of companies to integrate values and principles into their business models and at the same time further develop their competitiveness. It is not just about complying with legal requirements, but actively making a positive contribution to society. This is what Werner von Allmen, CEO of the Swiss Excellence Forum, writes in the introduction to the conference brochure. Ethical behavior can not only be understood as a moral duty, but also brings other tangible benefits, von Allmen continues. Companies that are aware of their responsibility and actively assume it also enjoy a higher level of trust and loyalty among customers, employees and investors, which leads to a competitive advantage in the long term.

Renowned speakers - and visionaries

This year's program of the Future Leadership Forum on 7 May 2025 is also to be understood in this sense. Thomas Schori, founder and CEO of Tide Ocean SA, will present his company's innovative 3-pillar ethics program. Philosopher and publicist Isolde Charim will speak via online link about the paradoxes of today's economy. Philipp von Michaelis, CEO Global Clearance Solutions AG, and his companies are committed to security and the restoration of habitats worldwide - including through the removal of landmines. In his presentation, he will introduce these activities and then talk about moral compasses and sustainable leadership in the subsequent panel discussion together with Mirjam Brach, Managing Director of Schweizer Paraplegiker Forschung AG and Prof. Dr. Michael Hengarter, President of the ETH Board.

Swiss Ethics Award 2025: The nominees

The Swiss Ethics Award will also be presented as part of the Future Leadership Forum. A jury has nominated five outstanding projects for the Swiss Ethics Award 2025 that stand out for their ethical responsibility and innovative strength:

• 1001 Organic - The Honest Flavor. The company stands for first-class spices directly from Zanzibar and for ethical trade with local spice farmers.
• E. Schellenberg Textildruck AG: Innovative technologies for sustainable textile production
• Lonza Group AG: Responsible procurement
• Max Felchlin AG: Healthcare at the origin of cocoa
• mymyio GmbH: CircularOffice - Revolution through circular economy

The Swiss Ethics Award recognizes ethical projects in business. All of these projects are examples of how companies assume responsibility in a special way and are committed to sustainable and value-oriented corporate management.

Further information and registration for the event: https://www.swiss-excellence-forum.ch/de/events/swiss-ethics-award-2025

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/wo-visionaere-die-zukunft-gestalten/