The cooperation of the three leading HR education providers in Switzerland, which has been in place since summer 2019, is the answer to the strongly increasing demand for needs-based and in-service training for HR experts at all levels. The Swiss HR Academy is continuously expanding its range of practice-oriented workshops and seminars with a university option:

• HR Essentials seminars are designed for all HR managers who want to supplement and deepen basic competencies. Newcomers acquire specific professional competencies, deepen their basic knowledge and thus promote their professional career
• HR Advanced seminars offer new offerings for professionals in the field of Strategic HRM. The three most important keywords are: HR Transformation, Employer Branding and Culture Change. Here, HR professionals will find compact and practice-oriented focus topics to optimally position their area strategically.

The joint venture partners are pursuing the same goal: "Our seminar offerings are part of a long tradition of HR training in Switzerland. The focus is on Switzerland's dual education system, the diversity of topics, and the fit of our educational offerings, including the university option. The Swiss HR Academy aims for an integrated approach that consciously uses synergies," says Daniel C. Schmid, Managing Director of the Swiss HR Academy.

Since January 2020, the educational institute presents itself on its own homepage: www.swisshracademy.ch

It's not too late: at the end of January, you still have every chance to set the course for making 2020 something very special. And you've probably already heard all kinds of well-intentioned advice on how to do just that. I don't want to repeat them here.

More courage to make changes

When I look at the projects and coaching sessions I have done with my clients over the past few years, however, there are certainly some things where I would like to see more courage to make significant changes.

The old truth that if you do almost the same thing every year, you'll always get the same results, just holds true in the new decade. And minor improvements (which everyone makes) are also "the same" in this sense.

How 2020 will be better: 5 ideas

Here are five ideas for a very different (and therefore an even better) 2020, one or two of which will hopefully get you thinking and acting:

1. Seriousness. Don't always take yourself so damn seriously. We are all fallible individuals trying to make the best of our lives. The world turns without us. Looseness is often good for us.
2. Finiteness. Your life is finite. Finally, stop putting things off and start! Or at least plan a fixed start date in your calendar. Make the most of every day!
3. Thickness. You have all the power. They are incredibly powerful when it comes to positively influencing others. It's just that most people suppress that for fear of standing out too much. My tip: make the lives of at least three people a little better every day, specifically.
4. Determination. You decide about everything. Only over 95% of our decisions are unconscious, controlled by our programming. Make more conscious positive decisions in 2020 instead of getting lost in habits.
5. Speed. Action beats knowledge every time. Many people know a great deal, but make little of it. Others know less and create facts and successes instead. My tip: generate positive momentum for action, every day.

Well then, it's up to you! And if you've always practiced these suggestions anyway (which should make you less than one percent of my readers), pass these tips on to your teams and colleagues.

To the author:
Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer. Book author. Consultant. Coach. Speaker. www.volkmarvoelzke.ch

If new entrepreneurs dare to become self-employed, they start with a lot of commitment and ambition, but often without sufficient experience. "If you don't want to start your business from scratch, you can secure the rights to existing business concepts and enter the licensing or franchising business. This model is familiar to many from the system catering industry, but it is also represented in numerous other industries," knows Mike Warmeling, speaker and success trainer from Osnabrück and founder of Warmeling Consulting. But how does a license agreement differ from franchising and which form is best suited for inexperienced founders? Mike Warmeling knows the answers and clarifies the most important points below.

1. How are licensing and franchising related?

"Whoever purchases a license receives permission to use industrial property rights and special knowledge, a patent or work. With the purchase, the licensee obtains from the licensor, for example, the right to use a specific sales tool or business concept. Depending on the subject matter of the agreement, this permission is either tied to a specific period of time or is of permanent validity. Franchising, on the other hand, represents a type of cooperation between two independent companies. Every franchise agreement always includes elements of a license agreement, but goes far beyond this with differentiated rights and obligations for both parties. For example, founders not only acquire the rights to use a company and brand name in return for payment, but also an overarching marketing concept. This links all participants in the system and enables a uniform market presence. Franchisees also have a duty to implement the relevant business concept, while franchisors support them in doing so."

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these business models?

"As a rule, a pure license agreement only involves rights and no obligations other than the payment of a fee. Founders thus acquire tried-and-tested business models with which, on the one hand, they can also take off in a second career and, on the other, retain their entrepreneurial freedom. The situation is different with franchising, because here the contracts contain detailed specifications from the franchisor. This entails strict guidelines, and entrepreneurs cannot simply discontinue the business if they are not satisfied or if it fails to be commercially successful. Due to the strictly regulated implementation obligation, the franchisee is often limited in his own creativity. However, founders also benefit from this business model, as they receive support and backing from the franchisor."

3. Which model should founders choose?

"Anyone who decides to enter into a franchise or licensing system should first and foremost pay attention to the specific content of the contract to be signed or find out what rights and obligations they are entering into and what services the respective system provider offers. Which business model is the right choice for prospective self-employed persons depends on many factors, such as the industry or one's own objectives. For those who want to build a career on the side and make independent decisions, a pure license agreement can be advantageous. Franchising, on the other hand, is an option for founders who want to implement proven concepts one-to-one and as part of a successful company. In any case, it is advisable to seek an external and experienced opinion and not to make decisions too hastily."

Further information on franchises and licenses at www.warmeling.consulting

"For the 5th year in a row since 2016, we've been keeping a very close eye on what the world's most innovative brands and companies are doing right now. We wanted to know which new tools and
techniques are being experimented with and what became of those trends we had identified in recent years," says Birte Schnellen, Managing Director Grayling Switzerland. "The majority of the successful recipes from our trend research came from companies and brands that primarily target end consumers. This is because these brands are traditionally more likely to make their communication activities public than others. However, the insights gained are also valuable for B2B communications, stakeholder engagement or the public sector," Schnellen says.

Grayling's #5×20 - the five marketing and communication trends for 2020

• Trend #1: Better real than perfect. Authenticity and credibility are more important than perfection, especially for younger target groups. Brands are responding to this: they are relying more frequently on unvarnished content, unvarnished information, and full transparency. From a fully documented supply chain to insider Instagram stories to clear admissions and credible apologies. Honesty and credibility are also increasingly important for decision-makers in politics and business.
• Trend #2: Here and now. Campaigns for mobile devices - i.e., cell phones and tablets - work particularly well when the mobile takes center stage. That is, when they provide users on the move with information that is important and interesting for their particular location. For example, location-based stories and promotions or augmented reality overlays and PIN codes. Such offers bridge the gap between the physical and the digital world and reach people everywhere and at all times. For more attention and interaction.
• Trend #3: Together we can do it. Companies demonstrate what their values mean in real life. They use their moral influence to promote positive behavior among their customers. This involves incentives and tools for changing behavior or promoting new role models in society. Brands make decisions easier. Positive behavior change is not only of interest to brands, but also to governments and public authorities: campaigns by companies can therefore also serve to attract more attention and commitment from political decision-makers.
• Trend #4: Catch me if you can. Consumers of self-aware brands often have to work harder to get messages, special offers or products. The idea of fairness is increasingly central to this. Bored of intrusive, uncharitable advertising, many consumers appreciate this new kind of customer relationship, where you have to be more active yourself than usual, but are rewarded for it. Conversely, this gives companies the chance to build real relationships.
• Trend #5: Glad you're here. Communication is becoming increasingly fragmented. Digital platforms are losing trust. That's why companies are investing more frequently in real brand experiences, i.e. in real places and events. This creates proximity and trust. The well-being of customers and stakeholders increases due to the friendly and personal atmosphere. It also creates the feeling of being part of a brand family that people are happy to be involved with.

Source: www.grayling.com

Record sums for startups and spin-offs: juries of investors and successful entrepreneurs selected 75 new startup projects from Swiss universities for Venture Kick's 9-month funding program last year, providing 4.35 million francs in seed capital. Since the beginning of 2019, up to 150,000 francs per startup have been distributed. Since its launch in 2007, Venture Kick has disbursed a total of 29.25 million Swiss francs in seed funding for 675 spin-off projects from Swiss universities, thanks to the philanthropic commitment of private donors. This has triggered further investments of CHF 3.5 billion in these startups.

Financing rounds with record sums

The following venture kick startups realized funding rounds of over 10 million last year:

• Beekeeper AG raised $45 million to expand its team in Europe and the U.S., making it one of the world's fastest-growing SaaS startups.
• Polyneuron Pharmaceuticals AG has raised CHF 22.5 million from prominent French and U.S. investors. The Basel-based life science startup's breakthrough therapeutic approach treats autoimmune diseases of the nervous system.
• SWISSto12 SA has raised CHF 18.1 million to accelerate the industrialization and commercial deployment of its space-qualified 3D-printed components.
• Teralytics AG raised $17.5 million. The global leader in multimodal mobility intelligence uses data from telecommunications networks to support cities and transportation services.
• BioVersys AG received 16 million Swiss francs to strengthen its programs to combat tuberculosis and hospital-acquired infections.
• Versantis AG has raised 16 million Swiss francs for the development of its liver cirrhosis therapy. Worldwide, 850 million people live with liver disease and 2 million die each year.
• L.E.S.S. SA has raised CHF 14 million to industrialize production of its ultra-bright and ultra-thin lights for the automotive industry.
• DEPsys SA raised CHF 13.2 million to expand its power grid software worldwide.
• Gamaya AG has raised CHF 12 million in a strategic round with India's largest tractor manufacturer.
• Insolight SA won 10.6 million euros to industrialize its space-qualified high-efficiency solar panels.

New pilot project

In 2020, Venture Kick will not only increase the funding amount to CHF 5 million to finance 80 new projects (from 4.35 million in 2019), but will also launch a pilot project with a special "Venture Kick Life Science" track. This special track will focus on biotechnology and medical technology projects, both key factors in our country. In addition, Venture Kick plans to increase its focus on offering relevant technological solutions for a sustainable environment and tomorrow's food. "As a fully private and philanthropic initiative, Venture Kick is probably the most active seed investor in Europe in the last decade. It is great to see that the initial investment of 30 million Swiss francs has been multiplied by a factor of 118 through follow-on investments and that innovative Swiss start-ups have created 7,000 new jobs solving global problems," said Venture Kick co-managing director Beat Schillig.

Source and further information: www.venturekick.ch

Climate protection and sustainability are at the top of the agenda. If the goal of a climate-neutral Switzerland by 2050 is to be achieved, a determined commitment is needed from all sides. More and more SMEs are also making a commitment by launching promising projects or upgrading in terms of energy efficiency. However, in order to successfully implement such an undertaking in a cost-effective and sustainable manner, many companies need start-up assistance. They can now apply for this from the Swiss Climate Foundation. The foundation is accepting applications for financial support for climate protection projects until March 1, 2020.

Innovations for the climate in demand

SMEs in Switzerland and Liechtenstein that are developing an innovative solution for climate protection can apply online via the Website submit an application for funding to the Swiss Climate Foundation. The spectrum of innovations that have been supported by the foundation so far is broad: While some are developing energy-efficient glass facades thanks to the Swiss Climate Foundation's support (HyWin), others are tinkering with innovative composting methods (WormUp) or floor heaters for honey bees (Vatorex) - all of which are new products that ultimately benefit the climate. In addition, the foundation also supports far-reaching measures to save energy in the company's own operations. Applications for energy efficiency projects over CHF 20,000 can also be submitted until March 1. submitted be implemented. Smaller efficiency measures, so-called Standard measures, can be applied for at any time. Last year alone, the Swiss Climate Foundation invested CHF 4.2 million in climate protection projects and energy-saving measures by Swiss and Liechtenstein companies.

From the economy for the economy 

The Swiss Climate Foundation is again expecting numerous applications from companies with new ideas and advanced products that help promote climate protection. "Switzerland has been leading the global ranking of the most innovative countries for years. In particular, it positions itself at the forefront of research and education. This provides fertile ground for promising climate protection projects," says Vincent Eckert, Managing Director of the Foundation. "However, young companies that want to make a positive contribution to sustainable development with innovative business ideas often lack the necessary financial resources," adds Christian Hofer, member of the foundation's Board of Trustees and Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Raiffeisen Switzerland. "With its broad support in the business community, the Climate Foundation can make an important contribution to overcoming this hurdle."

Promotion of climate protection projects thanks to long-standing partners

The Swiss Climate Foundation can count on the long-standing support of 27 partner companies from Switzerland and Liechtenstein, including banks and insurance companies as well as service providers such as PwC Switzerland, Sanitas and SAP. The partner companies voluntarily donate their rebates from the CO2 emissions tax and thus make the commitment of the Swiss Climate Foundation possible in the first place.

In recent months, the Swiss Euler Hermes Export Forecast has steadily increased: At -0.35 points, it is currently significantly higher than three months ago (-0.93). However, the indicator continues to trend below the long-term nominal trend growth of 4.2 percent per year. The current barometer reading indicates that Swiss exports should return to the growth zone in three to six months. Temporarily, therefore, the official foreign trade figures are likely to be rather weak to moderate. Although there are signs of an improvement for Europe as a whole, this is at a low level.

Robust domestic economy worldwide

The robust domestic economy, which is reflected in solid employment, is having a stabilizing effect worldwide. This in turn supports consumer confidence and actual consumption. Record high stock prices are also having a stimulating effect; the stress indices on the financial markets have reached new lows. Global trade has bottomed out and, according to Euler Hermes, will grow by 1.7% in 2020 (2019: 1.5%). This trend is also underpinned by rising freight prices and higher metal prices, among other factors.

Return to the growth zone

"The Euler Hermes Export Forecast persistently quoted in the negative zone in 2019, which indicated below-average growth. The negative reports based on Switzerland's official foreign trade statistics for Q4 were therefore not surprising," said Stefan Ruf, CEO of Euler Hermes Switzerland. "It is now positive that the Euler Hermes Export Forecast shows a trend reversal. Therefore, the current weak phase of the Swiss export industry is likely to be of a temporary nature. However, the medium-term slowdown in the US - despite the new positive momentum in Asia - rather argues for a flat upward trend."

Quarterly assessment of export development

The Euler Hermes Export Forecast predicts the likely development of Swiss exports in the coming months. It is published quarterly and is based on a broad and up-to-date database. Leading indicators of industry, transport, financial and commodity markets as well as new sentiment indicators are taken into account. Finally, around 100 components are incorporated into a dynamic, predictive model. Compared with the actual exports of the Swiss export industry, the Euler Hermes Export Forecast has a lead time of around six months.

Tool for the assessment of future development and risk management

The Euler Hermes Export Forecast aims to show the medium-term trend of Swiss exports and imports and is a practical tool for estimating future export developments. Swiss exporters should use the Euler Hermes Export Forecast to strengthen their risk management. Exports and the international flow of goods are generally considered to be very solid leading indicators of economic activity - after all, producers often need to source inputs, such as raw materials and intermediates, abroad. This makes the Euler Hermes Export Forecast - as a leading indicator of the leading indicator, so to speak - one of the best economic indicators available.

Source and further information: Euler Hermes Switzerland

Finding suitable skilled workers is difficult for companies, but crucial to their success. The right choice of words in job advertisements alone results in 42 percent more applications.

Language in job ads influences skills shortage

Today, 70 percent of job ads have a male connotation, and in STEM professions (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology) even more than 90 percent ( see studies ). Accordingly, female professionals feel less addressed by them, in some cases even repelled. Companies that choose neutral or women-friendly language in their job ads receive 42 percent more applications. Accordingly, their selection is greater and they have a better chance of filling the position competently.

Tool supports quickly and easily

Companies are suffering acutely from the shortage of skilled workers. That's why the Diversifier from Witty Works offers a simple and fast solution. Set up online, it guides you step by step through the creation of a job ad. It analyzes German, French and English texts in real time for neutrality, marks phrases that are unfavorable and shows better alternatives. The tool also specifies the ideal structure, which is preferred by a wide variety of interested parties when reading. In addition, automatic publication on a job platform specifically for women in tech and digital from all over Europe is possible.

Comprehensive solution for women-friendly language

The Zurich-based start-up Witty Works has set itself the goal of increasing the proportion of women in tech and digital teams. Studies show that heterogeneous teams develop better products and services, promote innovation more strongly and positively influence the economic success of companies. "Feedback from our female customers confirms these study results. In addition, our support noticeably alleviates the shortage of skilled workers in the respective companies," co-founder Nadia Fischer expresses her delight. In addition to operating the Diversifier tool and the job platform, Witty Works provides holistic consulting to companies: from the complete application process to the sustainable retention of existing employees.

More about Witty Works: www.witty.works

Visable surveyed more than 80 SMEs about their economic situation in an online survey at the turn of the year 2019/20. Visable offers companies various options for increasing their reach on the Internet. Visable also includes the B2B marketplace "Wer liefert was" and the European B2B platform EUROPAGES.

Strong Swiss franc depresses profit

Asked generally about the consequences of the economic uncertainties, two-thirds (62.6 %) of SMEs said they were not feeling any impact. According to the Visable survey, the renewed strength of the Swiss franc appears to have little impact on the order situation and sales of Swiss SMEs. However, 24.1 percent of companies are suffering from a decline in profits. "Export-oriented companies are suffering from the strong franc. Because Swiss prices are becoming more expensive for foreign countries, Swiss companies are exposed to price pressure. If prices have to be lowered, the profit margin dwindles," explains Peter F. Schmid, CEO of Visable. A quarter of the companies are reacting to the more difficult economic environment by reducing or stopping investments. And another quarter are no longer advertising new jobs.

So while a strong Swiss franc has tangible consequences for some companies, the consequences of the US-China and US-Europe trade conflict are far less dramatic. Only 19.3 percent of companies believe that the trade conflict will have a negative impact on their company. As the Visable survey shows, the conflict has no negative consequences for the clear majority of 67.5 percent.

Europe gains importance for procurement

When it comes to the question of whether the more difficult economic conditions have changed the procurement strategy, some shifts are emerging with regard to the preferred trading regions. If the orientation of purchasing has changed, then European trading partners in particular are gaining in importance (26.5 %). However, there are also companies that increasingly purchase in China (10.8 %) or in the USA (4.8 %). At the same time, there are SMEs that believe that the markets in China and the USA are becoming less important. With regard to China, however, this seems to be irrelevant. For only 3.6 percent of the companies surveyed, China is losing importance. The U.S. market, on the other hand, does seem to be losing ground, with 7.2 percent of respondents saying this is the case.

"Some companies can capitalize on the trade conflict by stepping into the breach and selectively increasing trade with the U.S. or China," says Peter F. Schmid, CEO of Visable. "China is a little more important as a trading partner right now. That has to do with being a low-wage country, but also with the trade agreement with Switzerland. But the U.S. could follow suit later, if new prospects arise from the envisaged trade agreement," adds Peter F. Schmid.

Brexit of little relevance for Switzerland due to weak trade balance

The impending Brexit is virtually irrelevant for Swiss SMEs. Three quarters of the companies (75.9 %) stated that the UK's exit from the EU will not have any negative consequences for them. "England is far less important as a trading partner for Switzerland than Germany, the USA, Italy, France or China," explains Peter F. Schmid. "Because of the weak trade balance with England, the economic consequences of the Brexit are comparatively low," says the CEO of Visable.

More generally, despite the growing economic challenges, over half of the companies surveyed (53.7 %) believe that their competitiveness vis-à-vis the competition has remained the same. However, as many as 18.3 percent of SMEs have to contend with a more difficult competitive situation. In contrast, for 14.6 percent, competitive pressure has actually decreased.

Source: Visible

If brand awareness alone had been the decisive factor for success, then the winner of the Prix SVC Wirtschaftsraum Zürich would have been clear from the outset on January 16, 2020. Every child in Switzerland knows the "Zweifel" brand with its potato chips. Shortly before 8 p.m., the last doubts had been dispelled as to who would lift the winner's trophy in the end: Roger Harlacher, CEO and Delegate of the Board of Directors of Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG. According to jury president Daniel Läubli of McKinsey & Company, the final decision between the six finalists was particularly difficult.

Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG - a strong brand

However, Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG ultimately convinced the jury of experts in every respect. The crispy chips were professionally launched under the Zweifel brand as early as 1958. The incomparable taste and the visionary fresh service, which was on the road throughout Switzerland from 1962 with eye-catching Zweifel buses, made the chips known and sought after everywhere in no time. Today, Zweifel can look back on a success story spanning more than 60 years. The Zweifel company has been family-owned since its beginnings. In his laudatory speech, Steven Himmelsbach, SVC Regional Manager for the Zurich Economic Area and member of the jury, emphasized: "Zweifel has an unbelievable track record and has maintained its position as an undisputed leader for over 60 years. There is a lot of innovation and investment in this supposedly simple product." The success is based on many factors, three of which were also highlighted by Daniel Läubli: "Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG has not only succeeded in successfully continuing its history over generations, but has also created a strong brand that is unique in Switzerland. The decisive criterion for success has been to continuously reinvent the chips products and adapt them to consumer trends. CEO Roger Harlacher, who will hand over the reins of the company to Christoph Zweifel in June 2020, also emphasized the Swissness of Zweifel's products in an interview with presenter Nik Hartmann: Almost all raw materials come from Swiss agriculture.

HeiQ Materials AG and Medipack AG in second and third places

Second place goes to HeiQ Materials AG, the leading supplier of textile innovations based in Schlieren. Founded in 2005 during a hike in the Swiss Alps, the company has developed rapidly in the ensuing years. Its unique selling points are the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies on the market today.
The multinational company employs 85 professionals from 23 nations in 11 countries on 5 continents.
The bronze medal went to the system supplier Medipack AG from Schaffhausen. For more than 40 years and with over 200 employees, the family-owned company has been offering individual packaging solutions for the medical and pharmaceutical sectors - from development, blister cleanroom production and sealing technology to comprehensive packaging services.

Diploma rank for Cosanum AG, Optotune AG and the Toggenburg companies

The diploma rank was awarded to Cosanum AG, which has developed into the market-dominating healthcare logistics company in Switzerland, Optotune AG, the internationally active photonics company, and the broad-based construction supplier Toggenburger Unternehmungen. All in all, this year's Prix SVC Wirtschaftsraum Zürich awards ceremony in the Hallenstadion in front of 1,800 guests once again underscored the innovative strength of SMEs, which - often as "hidden champions" - form the backbone of the Swiss economy. For the regionally awarded entrepreneurial prizes of the Swiss Venture Club, the nominated companies each go through a multi-stage selection process, led by an independent jury.

More information: www.swiss-venture-club.ch

As Managing Director of Training & Style (kniggetoday.ch), Susanne Abplanalp has been passing on her knowledge of modern manners and professional appearance for years. A central theme of her seminars and professional articles is appreciative behavior. In the book "Der Office-Knigge" (The Office Etiquette), she has placed social competence and appreciative interaction at the center of her unconventional guidebook with 150 practical tips, numerous formulation examples and personal anecdotes. After all, adhering to the correct etiquette is important in business life, but it is even more important to create trust and sympathy among business partners.

The newly published book from the SKV publishing house is aimed at all people who want to improve their social and appearance skills in everyday professional life. Especially for younger professionals, "Der Office-Knigge" contains many important topics related to dealing with internal and external contacts.

www.verlagskv.ch

The Alpine Symposium always has a lot to offer: Entrepreneurial knowledge from well-known and lesser-known experts, economic policy assessments, but also plenty of entertainment and networking opportunities. After a one-year creative break, host Oliver Stoldt did not reinvent the wheel, but continued to rely on the tried and tested. Florian Inhauser made his debut as moderator and led through the two-day event at the Grandhotel Jungfrau Victoria in Interlaken in a whimsical and eloquent manner.

Patriot, EU and Roger Federer supporter

The Alpine Symposium 2020 had many highlights to offer. One of them was the appearance on Wednesday of the former speaker of the British House of Commons, John Bercow, who as a patriot remains convinced that Brexit is a mistake. However, he accepts Britain's democratic decision to leave the EU at the end of January, Bercow told a media roundtable at the Alpine Symposium. Bercow, who became a media star with his impressive "Order, Order" shouts during the Brexit debates, was quite moderate in Interlaken and did not comment on whether it would be better for Switzerland to be in or out of the EU. He said he understood too little about Swiss politics. Bercow did, however, see parallels between Switzerland and Great Britain after Brexit. With regard to Switzerland, Bercow, a licensed tennis instructor, declared himself to be an "all-time" fan of Roger Federer and scored points with his astonishing detailed knowledge of the world star, whom he once had the privilege of interviewing as a guest presenter for a British radio station.

I want to have fun

Popular with the audience were, among others, the keynotes of the "king of pickpockets" Christian Lindemann, the lawyer and hut warden Kai Leonie Tschan, the astronaut trainer Laura Winterling and especially the German Olympic champion and world champion in track cycling Kristina Vogel, who is paraplegic after an accident. Kristina Vogel, who still received the golden key of the city of Interlaken in the evening, showed herself fully motivated to enjoy life even in her wheelchair. "What is important is what we make of it," she explained set up. "Life is beautiful, I want to have fun".

But smart city specialist Ayesha Khanna, UBS innovator Martin Meyer, the founder of the think tank civicLab, Anja Wyden Guelpa, pilot and team coach Philip Keil, and Swiss brain researcher and Starmind and Mindfire founder Pascal Kaufmann, who argued for human-like artificial intelligence through a network of highly intelligent people, also knew how to inspire the audience. On Wednesday morning, Google Chief Innovation Evangelist Frederik G. Pferdt tried to convince the audience to turn away from the habit of always critically questioning ideas first and, as optimists, to recognize the opportunities and let them grow. Like Pferdt, marketing professor Marcus Schögel, in his humorous way, advocated allowing experiments and, above all, understanding customer processes and not thinking primarily in terms of the product.

A hacker attack can be expected at any time

Cyber security specialist Peter Hacker appealed to the visitors of the Alpine Symposium to expect a hacker attack at any time in view of the growing threats in cyberspace and to have a response plan ready. SRF Middle East correspondent Pascal Weber explained the background to the armed conflicts in the Middle East and why the USA and Iran consider themselves mortal enemies. TV journalist and China & Middle East expert Martina Fuchs informed the audience about the progress and intentions behind the new Silk Road pushed by the "powerhouse" China.

iPad magician and brainstore

In an exciting and unique performance, iPad magician and digitalization specialist Simon Pierro made digitalization visible at the Alpine Symposium 2020. "Get. It. Done." demanded the innovative entrepreneur Nadja Schnetzler, who has since realized more than 1,000 projects for her international clientele with 80 employees and 3,000 freelancers from her global ideas store called BrainStore, which she opened in 1997.

At the well-attended dinner on Tuesday evening, Alpensymposium founder Oliver Stoldt informed his audience that he intends to continue until at least the 20th edition. The next edition of the event, which defines itself as one of the leading knowledge transfer and networking events, will take place again on January 12 and 13, 2021, at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa in Interlaken. This year's edition attracted entrepreneurs, C-level, innovative entrepreneurs and representatives of SMEs.

www.alpensymposium.ch