The Swiss Governance Forum 2025 reflects on the most pressing issues and the latest advances in healthcare. "The balance between necessary regulation and freedom of innovation is the key to a sustainable healthcare system," says Rudolf Blankart, Professor of Regulatory Affairs at the Competence Center for Public Management at the University of Bern and Director of Regulation at sitem-insel. "We need evidence-based framework conditions that ensure quality and at the same time enable new approaches to solutions." Rudolf Blankart will open the forum together with Virginia Richter, Rector of the University of Bern. The half-day event is aimed at decision-makers in public administration and politics, stakeholders in the healthcare system and scientists working at the interface of management, economics, law and medicine.

Local and global perspective

The forum will show how scientific findings support political decisions and how the efficiency, quality and access to healthcare systems could be improved. A central focus will be on international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). "Healthcare systems around the world are facing similar challenges: rising costs and the simultaneous demand for the highest quality and accessibility," emphasizes Blankart. "The international comparison and the continuous exchange of experience between service providers, industry and science help us to identify effective solutions."

High-caliber speakers

The Swiss Governance Forum 2025 will also focus on system innovations and how players in a highly regulated healthcare system can improve innovative approaches, efficiency, quality and access. In order to discuss these challenges, the forum brings together various stakeholders and offers lectures and panel discussions with leading experts from science, politics, administration and industry, for example:

• Matthias Glück, CEO of Post Sanela Health AG
• Anne Lévy, Director of the Federal Office of Public Health, FOPH
• Dr. Ricarda Milstein, Health Policy Analyst in the Health Division of the OECD
• Annamaria Müller, health economist and expert in the Swiss healthcare system, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Fribourg Hospital (HFR) and President of the Swiss Forum for Integrated Care (fmc)
• Dr. Niowi Näf, Chief Strategy Officer of the Hirslanden Group
• Prof. Dr. Virginia Richter, Rector of the University of Bern
• PD Dr. Caroline Schlaufer, lecturer at the Competence Center for Public Management (KPM) and Head of the Ethics and Policy Lab of the Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases MCID at the University of Bern.
• Dr. Michaela Tschuor, member of the Lucerne cantonal government and head of the Department of Health and Social Affairs
• Benjamin Wyss, PhD student at the Chair of Regulatory Affairs at the Competence Center for Public Management (KPM), University of Bern and research assistant at sitem-insel
• Prof. Dr. Thomas Zeltner, internationally recognized expert on health issues and health systems, medical doctor, lawyer, professor of public health at the University of Bern and honorary doctor of the University of Neuchâtel
• Prof. Dr. Rudolf Blankart, Professor of Regulatory Affairs at the Competence Center for Public Management (KPM), University of Bern and Director of Regulation at sitem-insel

The Swiss Governance Forum is organized every two years by the Competence Center for Public Management (KPM) at the University of Bern and is dedicated to current and relevant topics in public management. It offers a platform that promotes the exchange between science, public administration, politics and industry. The aim of the forum is to incorporate scientific findings into political and entrepreneurial decision-making and at the same time to create a deeper understanding of the practical challenges in science.

Source and further information: www.kpm.unibe.ch/sgf

The balancing act between economic performance requirements and numerous mandatory training courses presents many companies with major challenges. Which methods and formats actually lead to sustainable learning success? The conference offers insights into the latest scientific findings on human performance in safety-relevant contexts, effective learning processes and the legally secure design of instructions. Important topics include didactics, methodology, psychological influencing factors and innovative training formats that are increasingly proving their worth.

Companies such as BKW, Swisscom and Graubündner Kantonalbank will share their comprehensive safety training concepts and discuss their experiences in a clear and practice-oriented manner. This symposium is aimed at specialists and managers from the fields of safety, personnel development, training, operations and organization as well as those responsible for prevention and risk management. Supervisory bodies and representatives of employee and employer organizations as well as consultants in the field of safety will also find valuable impulses for their work.

The conference is organized by SAVE AG. This company specializes in the practical transfer of knowledge between security experts on the subject of risk management,
Corporate security, building security, safety and health protection (AS&GS), fire protection, information and infrastructure security, civil protection as well as machine and process safety, incident prevention, natural and environmental hazards, guarding and integral security concepts. The SAVE AG team can draw on a large network.

Further information and the complete conference program

More than 600 participants from various industries visited the digital platform on May 13 and 14, 2025 to gather information, gain new ideas for their work and exchange experiences. The wide range of topics was also reflected in the number of participants. The two keynote speeches and practical examples were particularly popular.

Highlights with depth and perspective

The psychologist and hacker Linus Neumann drew attention with his trenchant view of IT security under the title How to blow an entire IT security budget without attackers noticing captivated a large audience. In his keynote speech, Dr. Alexander Künzer from the management of ConSense GmbH ConSense Features, Versions and Visions not only provided an outlook on the new ConSense 2025.1 software version, but also showed participants in concrete terms where AI is already supporting processes today. Two highly frequented user presentations proved that good practical examples are particularly appreciated: The WMF Group and the Wieland Group impressively demonstrated how Integrated Management works in practice - from promoting acceptance to global scaling. A total of 2,500 participants took part in the conference program of presentations and discussion panels.

New platform, new possibilities

The relaunch of the trade fair platform, which significantly improved the virtual experience, was also very well received by the audience. Many participants praised the clear design, the simple navigation and the smart download options, which made it possible, among other things, to easily watch presentations with a time delay. One participant put it in a nutshell: "The clarity and simplicity of the navigation from the lobby is brilliant - and the media library with all the presentations is a real added value." Even after the official end of the EXPO, this benefit remained for a while: Registered participants can still access the contents of the media library until June 13 - a service that is being actively used.

Source and further information: ConSense GmbH

From June 28, 2025, digital products and services in Germany must also be accessible to people with disabilities. With the entry into force of the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) marks the beginning of a new era of digital responsibility. The BFSG obliges providers to design digital applications in such a way that they are also accessible to people with disabilities. The supposed extra effort for compliance is actually an investment in digital resilience and trust: Because only systems that are both secure and accessible are truly future-proof. Security software provider FTAPI explains what this means for the industry in concrete terms.

Accessibility becomes mandatory - this is what the BFSG specifically regulates

The Accessibility Reinforcement Act implements the EU Directive of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) into German law. It obliges companies to make a range of digital products and services accessible. (This also applies to Swiss companies operating in the EU, editor's note).

The German BFSG generally applies to companies that offer certain digital products or services to consumers - for example in the areas of e-commerce, banking, telecommunications or software. Micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than two million euros are exempt, provided they only provide services. However, companies in the B2B sector may also be indirectly affected, for example due to customer requirements or public sector tenders.

The requirements are based on the international WCAG guidelines (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). The aim is to design digital offerings in such a way that they are perceptible, operable, comprehensible and robust for all people, regardless of disabilities. Violations of the BFSG can be challenged by the responsible market surveillance authorities. If a company fails to comply with a corresponding request, fines of up to 100,000 euros may be imposed. Competitive disadvantages are also a real possibility, for example through exclusion from tenders or damage to image.

Accessibility is a safety issue

Accessibility also plays a significant role with regard to the growing demands on cyber security. Anyone who thinks about security holistically must include accessibility - otherwise digital exclusion will result. "Technology must not exclude anyone - not even when it comes to security," says Ari Albertini, CEO of FTAPI. "Anyone who develops digital solutions has a responsibility: for protection and for participation. Accessibility is not a contradiction to cybersecurity, but a logical extension of it."

For providers of security solutions, digital accessibility means far more than just adjusting the contrast or font size. Interfaces with security-critical functions - such as authentication, password management, user guidance for error messages or navigation through security settings - are particularly affected. Providers are faced with the task of securing access without making it more difficult, for example with alternatives such as barrier-free token solutions, biometric procedures or individually configurable authentication methods.

What companies should do now

Between regulatory pressure and a growing degree of digitalization, many companies are faced with the challenge of thinking about accessibility and security at the same time. This is not a contradiction in terms - on the contrary. FTAPI names five concrete measures to master the alliance:

1. Combining accessibility and security-by-design
   Both topics must be part of the development process from the outset - not an appendage.
2. Integrate standards
   The WCAG 2.1 for accessibility and the BSI basic protection catalogs for IT security can be perfectly coordinated.
3. Carry out tests with those affected
   Not only penetration tests, but also usability checks with users with restrictions reveal critical vulnerabilities.
4. Use barrier-free security mechanisms
   For example, through alternative authentication methods, clear error messages or accessible security dialogs.
5. Promoting awareness in the team
   Accessibility is not just a matter for IT - product management, UX, support and legal should also be trained.

Why accessible software is also economically worthwhile

In addition to the legal necessity, accessibility is also economically smart: it opens up new target groups, reduces support costs through better usability and increases the chances of winning public tenders. Enabling digital participation also strengthens customer satisfaction, brand perception and employer attractiveness - and therefore your own competitiveness.

Accessibility and cybersecurity are not separate worlds - they are two sides of the same coin. Inclusion also means that all people can participate safely in digital life. Those who take both seriously not only fulfill legal requirements, but also create digital solutions that strengthen trust, assume social responsibility and are sustainable in the long term.

Source and further information: FTAPI

The sixth DigitalBarometer was published on May 21, 2025. This year's study was once again initiated and implemented by the Risk Dialogue Foundation and supported by the Mobiliar Cooperative. It is a representative study for Switzerland with differentiated analyses of various areas of digitalization. The annual survey highlights changes in the debate and social dynamics. This year's edition sees a strong desire for digital balance, but also identifies a growing concern about social cohesion.

Digital Switzerland: top in infrastructure, flop in digital inclusion

The population sees Switzerland's greatest strengths in the context of digitalization in the digital infrastructure (54%), the research landscape (49%) and the innovative strength of the economy (43%). At the same time, the results clearly show where the Swiss population sees the greatest deficits in digital development: Dealing with people who are unable to keep pace with digitalization is the biggest perceived weakness, with 58% of mentions. This finding has not changed since the first measurement by the DigitalBarometer 2019. The lack of political commitment to digitalization (45%) and Switzerland's lack of digital independence (43%) are also viewed critically.

Mental health: Switzerland struggles for digital balance

The majority of the Swiss population rates digital applications positively for their well-being - especially organizational and learning apps (67%), health apps (64%) and messenger apps (62%). Games are also widely accepted: a third of the Swiss population plays games every day, regardless of gender, age and education. Almost half (49%) also perceive the influence of games on their own well-being as explicitly positive. Respondents are more critical of social platforms such as Instagram and TikTok: 39% see them as a burden on their well-being, while only 31% see them as beneficial. There is also a strong desire for digital balance among the population: eight out of ten people support corresponding measures in the school context (81%) or the establishment of targeted offline spaces (78%).

Strong perception of danger with simultaneous potential for local engagement

Two thirds of the Swiss population (66%) believe that social cohesion is at risk in the context of the digital transformation. Manipulation and disinformation in particular are perceived as a major risk by 78TP3T. Around half are also concerned about a lack of social interaction and declining solidarity (51%) as well as increasing polarization and division (45%). More modern, more transparent administration (76%) and new access to education (65%) are seen as the main opportunities for strengthening cohesion. 51% of respondents also attach particular importance to local engagement in the context of digitalization. "I am particularly pleased with this finding," says Daniela Ramp, project manager at Risiko-Dialog. "It shows that the population sees the potential of digitalization for low-threshold and flexible social engagement as an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion."

Where robots are welcome and where they are not

The Swiss population has clear knowledge gaps in the area of artificial intelligence: 52% state that they know little or nothing about it. The acceptance of robots depends heavily on their area of application: while surgical robots in surgery with 59% or driving robots in public transport with 46% enjoy a rather high level of acceptance, patrol robots in public spaces with 30% or robots as team members with 26% are less accepted, for example. Anna-Lena Köng, project manager at Risiko-Dialog, explains this as follows: "These differences indicate that people trust robots for technical tasks, but react hesitantly in social interactions and in safety-critical areas".

Conclusion: Digitalization requires a dialogue of values and foresight

Project managers Daniela Ramp and Anna-Lena Köng draw the following conclusion from this year's DigitalBarometer: "In future, we as a society will have to deal more closely with weighing up the social, economic and ecological opportunities and risks of the digital transformation. Fundamental values such as freedom, security, equality and sustainability must be discussed and reconciled, and we must learn to deal with uncertainties. The results of the DigitalBarometer 2025 make it clear that an open, inclusive dialog on values such as freedom, security, sustainability and equality is needed in order to shape the digital transformation responsibly.

Source: Risk Dialogue Foundation

A new global survey by certification company DNV shows that while six out of ten food and beverage companies recognize food waste and loss as a significant problem, less than a quarter have put the issue at the top of their strategic agenda. This indicates a large gap between awareness and action. In the ViewPoint survey, which involved 375 companies from Europe, America and Asia, 85% of companies say they are taking action to reduce food loss and waste, but only 44% have established systems in place. Furthermore, less than one in three companies are aware of the upcoming introduction of the ISO 20001 management system standard, which is designed to help companies minimize food loss and waste along the entire supply chain.

Problem recognized - solutions missing

"Food loss and waste is both a sustainability challenge and a missed business opportunity. Our findings suggest that while companies recognize the scale of the problem, many are still at the beginning of their journey towards more effective, system-wide structured solutions," says Barbara Frencia, CEO of Business Assurance at DNV. The report highlights the complexity and scale of the problem. Companies cite a variety of causes, from process inefficiencies and human error to limited shelf life data and overproduction. Nevertheless, 43 percent of respondents believe that more than 10 percent of unavoidable food loss and waste could be reused for other purposes - but only 19 percent currently do so.

Food waste brings sustainability problems

Food loss and waste is increasingly becoming a sustainability issue and a financial burden for the global food and beverage industry. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over 1 billion tons of food was wasted worldwide in 2022. The survey highlights the collective opportunity - and responsibility - of the industry to drive significant change. "There is a clear business case for taking decisive action on food loss and waste to reduce costs while helping to feed the world's population. A structured approach, reliable data and best practice standards are crucial for companies to translate their intentions into measurable results," concludes Frencia.

Further survey results

The survey revealed further important results. For example, only 24 percent of companies stated that food loss and waste is at the top of their agenda. And 30 percent believe that only a small proportion of their food waste is preventable, while a further 28 percent believe that the majority could be prevented. Again, 75 percent have integrated food loss and waste into their sustainability strategies, but only 40 percent report on it publicly. Reporting is still predominantly manual, with more than half of companies using spreadsheets.

Source: DNV

The Association of German Engineers (VDI e.V.) is a major German technical standard setter and regularly publishes guidelines for best manufacturing practice. A new guideline now deals with the subject of corrosion. Corrosion is one of the most common causes of damage to metallic components, especially when they are in contact with aqueous media. The guideline VDI 3822 Sheet 1.2 E describes in detail the various types of damage, damage phenomena, causes and processes that occur in such cases of damage. Analyzing this damage is a crucial step in developing targeted measures to prevent and rectify damage.

VDI 3822 Sheet 1.2 E focuses on the scientifically sound selection of suitable test methods and the structured and comprehensible evaluation of the individual results obtained. The guideline thus offers specialists, materials experts and quality managers in particular a valuable tool for root cause analysis and risk assessment of corrosion problems.

The guideline is part of the comprehensive VDI 3822 series of guidelines, which is dedicated to the systematic failure analysis of technical products. Its aim is to use standardized procedures to increase the safety, durability and cost-effectiveness of technical systems. A well-founded damage analysis not only enables the reconstruction of the damage process, but also the targeted optimization of materials, processes and products.

The VDI 3822 Sheet 1.2 E "Failure analysis; damage to metal products due to corrosion in aqueous media" was published in January 2025 and is available for €147.50 from DIN Media available.

Source and further information: VDI

The Swiss Siemens companies are recording significant growth. This is shown by the latest quarterly figures. This growth is being driven largely by digitalization, according to the statement. "We are seeing strong growth in the software business in all areas. With our digital solutions, we are accelerating the digital transformation of Switzerland in the areas of buildings, industry, mobility and healthcare," says Gerd Scheller, Country CEO of Siemens Switzerland. "The Mobility business in particular is recording a positive sales trend. The Vectron locomotives in particular continue to enjoy great popularity in Switzerland."

Various major projects implemented

In the current financial year, Siemens has implemented a large number of forward-looking customer projects in Switzerland, according to the company. For example, the Baden Cantonal Hospital (KSB) was opened at the end of February. KSB is relying on a cooperation with Siemens. Thanks to solutions such as an open IoT platform from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, an app-based navigation system and state-of-the-art Siemens building technology, KSB has become one of the most modern hospitals in Switzerland and Europe. Siemens also commissioned the latest blue GIS medium-voltage system in Davos in January 2025. The switchgear is completely free of climate-damaging sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and guarantees a safe, clean and reliable power supply for around 40,000 people.

Above-average growth in Smart Infrastructure

The Zug-based global business unit Siemens Smart Infrastructure, which employs around 78,500 people worldwide, also reported positive key figures. Revenue increased by 11 % to €11.030 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year and the profit margin climbed from 17.4 % to 20.6 %. "We have now been able to increase our profitability globally for 18 quarters in a row. We have also achieved above-average growth in Switzerland and have won several large orders from data centers and customers in the energy and industrial sectors," says Matthias Rebellius, Global CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure and member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG. "We received a lot of positive feedback on Siemens Xcelerator at our Transform 2025 customer event in Zurich in March. This open, digital platform helps Swiss companies to optimize their operational efficiency and overall quality and to successfully master challenges such as sustainability, cyber security and increasing competitiveness."

Leading in many areas

In Switzerland, the Siemens companies have a strong market position in building technology and energy distribution (Smart Infrastructure) as well as in industrial and drive technology (Digital Industries and Siemens Industry Software). The company also holds a leading position in rail technology (Siemens Mobility). Siemens is also the majority owner of Siemens Healthineers, a leading provider of medical technology with a strong presence in Switzerland. Siemens Energy is a separately managed company in energy transmission and generation, which is also active in Switzerland. Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy.

Source: Siemens

Swiss air navigation service provider Skyguide has been recognized for its commitment to the environment: It is the first air navigation service provider in the world to achieve the so-called full maturity level 3 of the international environmental program "GreenATM" (more on this below). Skyguide is thus seeking to underline the fact that environmental awareness is an integral part of its corporate culture. This rating was awarded by the international air navigation services industry association CANSO. It thus recognizes skyguide's leading role in the sustainable development of air navigation services - both in Switzerland and beyond its borders. "This recognition is proof that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand in aviation," says Alex Bristol, CEO of Skyguide.

Flight paths play an important role

In 2023, skyguide became the first air navigation service provider ever to receive GreenATM recognition. The traffic routes on which air traffic controllers guide aircraft on a daily basis play an important role here. Whereas in the past a network of major airways criss-crossed the Swiss skies, on which air traffic controllers guided aircraft, pilots now have a much freer choice of routes. "For the airlines, this means that they can opt for more direct routes - and therefore need to refuel less fuel," says Bristol. This has a double effect on CO2 emissions: Shorter routes require less energy. In addition, an aircraft that carries less fuel is lighter - and therefore needs less kerosene.

Skyguide also achieved this first ecological recognition at the time thanks to its energy-efficient infrastructure and the environmental awareness of its employees in their respective activities. Further examples of skyguide's ecological commitment include

• participation in the federal government's "Exemplary Energy and Climate" initiative,
• the promotion of direct and freer route selection in air traffic
• the active involvement of employees and partners in environmental projects

"The 2023 award was just the beginning for us," Bristol looks back. After the classification, air navigation service providers must prove over a period of two years that they are sustainably strengthening their commitment to the environment. This is the only way to achieve full recognition at the respective ecological maturity level.

Drones instead of airplanes survey the navigation systems

Skyguide has further intensified its efforts since 2023 and has taken on a pioneering role, for example, when it comes to the regularly required survey flights. This involves calibrating
technicians, for example, the instruments of the landing systems at the airfields. "Where possible, we no longer use a survey aircraft for this, but rely on a drone instead," says the Skyguide boss. This is a measure that has an impact on the ecological footprint.

This ultimately led to CANSO being able to confirm the Swiss air navigation service provider's ecological maturity level 3 after successfully passing several audits - something that no other air navigation service provider has ever achieved, as Skyguide proudly announces. For CEO Alex Bristol, however, it is clear: "This recognition is undoubtedly an important step for us and reflects our commitment to sustainability. However, we don't see it as the end goal, but rather as a stage in recognizing ourselves and our pioneering work.
to develop further." Skyguide intends to further strengthen its commitment to more climate-friendly flight paths. Bristol sees potential for improvement in arrivals and departures, for example. "Instead of letting the aircraft ascend or descend like a staircase as they do today, we want to increasingly guide them on a continuously ascending or descending route," says Bristol. This will have a positive effect on fuel consumption.

Source and further information: Skyguide

GreenATM, an environmental standard for air navigation services

The GreenATM program was launched by CANSO in 2022 to make the environmental performance of air navigation service providers comparable worldwide and to improve it in a targeted manner by air navigation service providers exchanging information. It assesses how environmentally friendly air navigation service providers work - both in their own processes and in the management of air traffic. It examines 24 areas, including infrastructure, operations, energy consumption, procurement and governance. Independent auditors assess the participating air navigation service providers and classify their environmental performance into one of the program's five maturity levels. Further information: Green ATM Environmental Accreditation Program - CANSO

This year's Swiss Quality Day did not take place in the Kursaal in Bern as usual, but in the BERNEXPO congress center. The event, organized by the SAQ Swiss Association for Quality, once again offered a diverse range of topics under the motto "Taking off with vision". The event marked the start of the SAQ's 60th anniversary year. What began six decades ago with the work of a few steadfast quality specialists has developed into a strong organization throughout Switzerland that has since been able to set new standards for many industries.

Foresight in corporate management and security

The conference motto could almost be taken literally during the presentation by Leila Schwab, Chairwoman of Village Élargi. This is a holding company that emerged from the diversification of the timber construction company Schwab-System. It now also includes companies in the fields of 3D scanning, consulting and even game development. Leila Schwab outlined the opportunities offered by such an "expanded world": Cross-divisional projects, better consideration of employees' skills (architects can also be puzzle developers or marketing managers) and also flexible working time models. For example, the 4-day week has been established or employees have three "feel-good hours" per week. The results: Greater satisfaction among staff, more time for the family and, last but not least, an effective means of being an attractive employer.

In his subsequent presentation, Dr.-ing. Bruno G. Rüttimann from inspire AG showed that Lean Six Sigma is anything but an "outdated system". He pointed out that many companies do not fully understand the system established by Toyota. Much remains piecemeal; it is not enough to focus solely on avoiding "muda" (Japanese for "waste"). Rather, lean must be understood as kaizen-based just-in-time production. Rüttimann also took a hard line on the concepts of smart factory, automation and digitalization. "If you automate an underperforming system, you simply end up with an automated underperforming system". Against the backdrop of rapid technological development, he concluded his presentation with the call: "Before we learn to fly, we have to learn to walk. Because we are still crawling."

A far-sighted approach is also needed when it comes to security. Presenter Andrea Vetsch spoke about this with Martin von Muralt, Delegate of the Confederation and Cantons at the Swiss Security Association (SVS). He sees three major challenges for security in the present and future: firstly, the combination of climate change with geopolitical instability and migration; secondly, the vulnerability of critical infrastructures; and thirdly, social polarization as a result of information bubbles. All of this alone makes crisis management difficult. Switzerland's federal structure adds to this. "Authorities must be close to citizens and transparent. That creates trust. Because without trust, no crisis can be managed," says Martin von Muralt. The topic of cyber security was also addressed. Ensuring cyber security is not a question of technology, but a management task, said von Muralt.

Of courage, sustainability and AI mediocrity

Marc Hauser, entrepreneur and skydiver, gave a rousing talk about his adventure of flying with the Jetstream. He talked about his extensive preparations for this jump, which was ultimately successful from a balloon at an altitude of 7,600 meters. The fact that the hot-air balloon's burner failed at times and the chin strap of his helmet would not close made the success of the undertaking all the more spectacular. Marc Hauser gave the audience the tip to set themselves higher goals, because: "Realistic goals are own goals".

Another talk focused on the re-manufacturing and upcycling of furniture: Davide Mastrodomenico from Girsberger AG reported on various projects on how furniture can be refurbished so that it can be used again "as new" and thus given a second life. The fact that the market for this is very large is shown by the fact that chairs worth 150 million Swiss francs are sold in Switzerland every year. If their quality is right, they can also be renewed. Mastrodomenico calculated that this could save around 50 percent of the cost of buying a new chair. The real supreme discipline, however, is upcycling. Stylish office furniture is created from disused waste garbage cans, even equipped with power sockets. "Upcycling could become the industry of the future," said Davide Mastrodomenico, pointing out that many companies have a lot of office furniture sitting around that is no longer being used.

Patrick Karpiczenko, comedian, film producer and lecturer in artificial intelligence, concluded the event with his humorous examples of what is and is not possible with AI today. He showed how to deal with AI-generated mediocrity and pointed out that humans still have to decide when "good enough" really is enough.

Diverse world of quality

Other items on the program included elevator pitches from the exhibiting companies and four workshops, where new and tried-and-tested approaches to quality management were discussed and the topic of "upcycling" was explored in greater depth using a current business case. The analogy between referees and quality managers was also fascinating: both have to enforce rules and sometimes show the red card, i.e. take unpopular measures. Last but not least, AI was another focal point. Thanks to the use of AI in management systems, efficiency gains of up to 50 percent can be achieved, as was demonstrated using examples.

The next Swiss Quality Day will take place on April 21, 2026 - at the end of the SAQ's 60th anniversary.

www.tsq.swiss

The Zurich Logistics Colloquium celebrated its 40th anniversary this year! The event was founded 45 years ago by Peter Rupper. He was the guest of honor at this year's event in the ETH Lecturers' Foyer. 71 guests from industry and commerce were able to follow three practical presentations with great interest.

Smart logistics for machine tools

After the welcome to the anniversary edition of the event by the two event chairs Dr. Peter Acél and Prof. Dr. Konrad Wegener, Dr. Fabian Stoop, Technical Director at Lestoprex AG, kicked off the lecture series with his presentation "Highly complex, expensive, indispensable". He focused on smart logistics in the machine tool supplier industry. The machine tool (WZM) is a key technology. Switzerland plays a leading role among hundreds of manufacturers worldwide: precision, innovation and reliability have enabled it to assert itself as a niche market leader with an export quota of over 80 %.

Machine tools are long-term capital goods with life cycles of up to 30 years and more. Dr. Stoop emphasized the importance of efficient logistics services over the entire life cycle of the machines, from production to spare parts logistics and recycling. Competitive pressure constantly demands innovation from suppliers, while at the same time small batch sizes and strict regulatory requirements (e.g. ESG) must be met. Stoop illustrated this with two case studies: Clamping systems, safety-relevant, high-precision components, and modular coolant hoses, so-called C-parts with a high variety of combinations; standardization is the key.

Circular economy for electrical appliances

Pasqual Zopp, Managing Director of SENS eRecycling, spoke about the importance of efficient take-back and recycling of electrical appliances under the title "Circular economy in action". He showed how a voluntary, effective circular economy works successfully. He also mentioned an innovative collection and pricing concept developed together with Dr. Acél & Partner AG.

In Europe, the average household owns 74 electr(on)ic appliances, of which around eleven are broken or unused. Electronic waste is a complex type of waste. Worldwide, only 23% is professionally recycled. Thanks to SENS and Swico, Switzerland is a pioneer in returning recyclable materials to the cycle. The rate here is 95%. The system is financed by the advance recycling fee, which covers all costs for collection, logistics, recycling and administration.

There is a need for action to educate the public. Many consumers do not know what counts as an electrical appliance - a question that was also raised in the subsequent discussion. There is also a lack of convenient return options. Zopp presented the "Electro Recycling Bag" as a solution. Inspired by the return concept for used Nespresso capsules, the bag was created in collaboration with Swiss Post.

Recycling starts at the source

Nicolai Solenthaler, COO of soRec AG, closed the lecture series with his presentation "Recycling starts at the source" on the key functions of information and logistics. soRec specializes in the physical recovery of recyclable materials from electronic scrap, industrial metal waste and municipal materials (e.g. glass, aluminium). It sees recycling as an industrial process that should begin at the source, i.e. the point of disposal. High-quality recycling is only possible if materials are properly collected, sorted and passed on with the correct information. The motto "Leading in Closing Circles" sums up this philosophy. Precise information on material composition, origin and shape along the entire production chain enables a direct decision to be made as to whether a material can be shredded, sheared or supplied directly as special steel. Without information, time-consuming sorting is necessary. Solenthaler shows that the success of high-quality recycling management depends to a large extent on the installation of sensible collection concepts, information systems and logistical solutions. High-quality recycling does not start at the end, but at the beginning of the chain.

The evil of the throwaway society

In the ensuing discussion, one of the frustrations voiced was that intelligent recycling strategies were only combating symptoms of the true evil of the throwaway society: non-replaceable or separable components and a lack of repair options. The situation in the industry due to developments in the USA was also addressed. Uncertainties are making planning more difficult and China is becoming increasingly important for us.

After a brief review and closing remarks on the anniversary logistics colloquium by Prof. Dr. Konrad Wegener, the guests continued their discussions with speakers and organizers over an aperitif riche with a magnificent view of the lake and the sea of lights of the city of Zurich.

Source and further information: Dr. Acél & Partner