Interview: Karin Jung, Head of the Department of Economics and Labor, Canton St.Gallen
In eastern Switzerland, lies the St.GallenBodenseeArea (SGBA), an initiative of the cantons of St.Gallen, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Thurgau. SGBA is one of the largest and the most cost-efficient of the various economic areas of Switzerland, and rests between Munich and Zurich. With three international airports within one hour’s drive, excellent transport links, and attractive real estate, the region remains one of Switzerland’s most attractive economic areas.
What sectors thrive in SGBA?
SGBA has a diversified, export-oriented economy, which is very industrialized. Some 80% of our manufactured goods are exported all over the world. It is a leading location for precision technologies and has an active ecosystem that caters to the automotive, optics, cleantech, and medtech industries. St.Gallen is the Swiss leader in precision, with twice the percentage of machine, electronic and metal industries in the area when compared to the rest of the country.
As well, we are leaders in ICT with a cluster of software, internet and IT companies. Of course, we also have renowned universities including the University of St.Gallen, and a growing hub for research in resource-efficient producers and renewable energy. In addition to premium research facilities and excellent human capital, companies find a supportive network to maximize their potential. Sectors like ICT have found exceptional software development and a fertile environment to develop innovative technology projects. Companies here are continuously producing innovative tech solutions.
SGBA and St.Gallen, in particular, offer an ideal business location for successful international operations, and remain popular locations for centralized corporate management functions. Our canton guides executives and companies with their expansion projects, and our expert advisors give comprehensive consultations to companies seeking to expand their operations and efficiently assess whether the SGBA region is the right base for their company.
What are St.Gallen’s highlights?
St.Gallen is looking for additional companies that complement the existing business ecosystem. New synergies can be fostered with companies that collaborate and add value to corporations already within our region. We have all the advantages: Swiss innovation and numerous technological leaders, high quality of life in a breathtaking landscape, bordering all German speaking countries, liberal labor laws, and the relatively low cost ratio of eastern Switzerland. Essentially, St.Gallen has all the high-quality elements of Switzerland, but with more affordability.
What is the work-life balance like?
The compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland holds beautiful old towns steeped in a rich historical heritage. St.Gallen is home to The Benedictine Abbey of St.Gallen, which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It holds one of the most breathtaking historic libraries in the world, that hosts the oldest known architectural plan dating back to the 9th century. The grounds are also home to a unique Baroque cathedral. They are key landmarks and a must-visit. In addition, St.Gallen hosts an excellent variety of nature, leisure and cultural activities for a well-rounded work-life balance.
The quality of life here truly has no comparison. Many of our American visitors come for business and stay to explore the varied landscapes and unique entertainment events such as our regional alpine festival and world-class opera performances. Tourists and residents can enjoy a morning mountain hike across the spine of the Alps, go swimming in the lake of Constance over lunch, and in the evening witness an elegant opera in the town center with the backdrop of the Cathedral. There is something for everyone in St.Gallen.
