Review of the KMU Swiss Symposium Brugg
Jobs are necessary for a healthy economy. A rising government quota, regulations, laws and the like prevent rapid adaptation to new circumstances in order to create work and jobs. However, there is currently also a lack of interest in learning skilled trades. Parents are tied up with childcare, so although there is potential for workers, they are not available. At the Brugg symposium, the topic was examined from various perspectives and the "Swiss Entrepreneur Award" 2024 was presented.
The KMU Swiss Autumn Symposium was held for the 15th time. Almost 250 entrepreneurial personalities met in Brugg to gain inspiration and network. Around 30 exhibitors framed the program during the breaks with their products and services. Before the start of the symposium, Aktionariat AG held its prologue. Its CEO Murat Ögat explained the advantages of digitally tokenized shares for Swiss stock corporations, such as capital procurement and employee participation.
In his welcoming address, Armin Baumann, initiator of KMU Swiss, emphasized that economic sector 2 (industry and commerce) is the main pillar of an economy. He also mentioned that jobs are being outsourced in this sector and that there is a shortage of workers. Increasing regulations, laws and objections would also prevent rapid adaptation to new circumstances. As the initiator of the OYM, Dr. Hans-Peter Strebel recounted his exciting career from pharmacist to pharmaceutical manufacturer to the initiator of the OYM and the hurdles and obstacles that had to be overcome. Chris Oeuvrai gave a fitting presentation on the effects of narcissism in business and showed how such people can be recognized.
The second block of presentations was opened by Regina Kuratle, Head of the Center for Continuing Education at the Schwyz University of Teacher Education. She explained education policy and what it could and should contribute. Following this, Sigrun Gudjonsdottir from Iceland showed how women who were "mainly involved at home" became successful entrepreneurs online and thus took on responsibility for themselves. Carol Häusermann then shed light on working models from history to the modern age and their respective effects and gave her outlook on the future of work.
In the final block of speeches, the highest political dignitary in Aargau, Cantonal Councillor Dr. Markus Dieth - the current mayor of the canton - spoke about Aargau as an "employer" at the heart of the Basel-Winterthur-Lucerne economic triangle, which accounts for two thirds of GDP. Patrizia Laeri, CEO of ellex, journalist and former SRF stock exchange presenter, explained how women can be recruited as skilled workers. This could be achieved through more flexible day structures and parental leave, among other things.
The Swiss Entrepreneur Award 2024...
The event concluded with the presentation of the "Swiss Entrepreneur Award", which was initiated by the business magazine Prestige Business and KMU Swiss. The award recognizes a Swiss company or entrepreneur who has created sustainable value through far-sighted action. The choice was made by the expert jury, which consists of selected Swiss executives. Leandro Niederer, owner of Hergiswiler Glas AG, was named the winner of the 2024 award. Popularly known as "Glasi Hergiswil", the company impresses with its traditional, high-quality craftsmanship and has a 200-year history. With its exclusively handmade glass work, the company is the last glassworks in Switzerland. The Niederer family rescued the company in 1975 and led it to new shores. Today, Leandro Niederer is the third generation to run the company. His entrepreneurial activities were honored with the presentation of the "Swiss Entrepreneur Award". In addition to the trophy, he received a gross media package of 100,000 Swiss francs, which can be implemented and placed in the bauRundschau and Prestige Business titles.
An outlook:
The next KMU Swiss Symposium will take place in Baden on March 20, 2025. Its topic "Creativity and corporate culture: the basis for sustainable innovation" will once again bring exciting speakers and guests to Baden. A company visit to a well-known company will take place beforehand.
Source: www.kmuswiss.ch
