Google and S-GE launch initiative: "Export Digital"

In the long term, more and more exporters are striving to position themselves in distant markets. The "Export Digital" initiative www.exportdigital.ch aims to help them achieve this. "Digital tools pave the way to international growth, especially for SMEs," says Daniel Küng, CEO of S-GE, "SMEs benefit from the simplicity of online tools. They also offer them added value when dealing with distant markets, as many tools can be used all over the world directly from a Swiss desk. And tackling distant markets is more important than ever for exporters after the currency crisis." Patrick Warnking, Country Director of Google Switzerland, adds: "Exporting has completely new opportunities for companies via digital: finding new customers in existing and new markets, better service, increased customer dialog. Companies now need to invest in their digital channels and digital know-how. We are pleased - together with Switzerland Global Enterprise - to be able to support Swiss exporters in this difficult year for exports with specific tools and free training and thus make a contribution to Switzerland as a business location. The topic of digital transformation should be a priority on the 2016 agenda of every management and every company."

Digital tools as part of an overall strategy

In many cases, SMEs still lack capacity and expertise, both in terms of internationalization itself and in terms of digital tools. In addition to digital channels, a good partner network and other marketing and sales channels are also required in the target market. Cultural and regulatory differences should also not be underestimated. "Market entry remains a complicated undertaking. Digital tools must therefore be part of an overall strategy," says Daniel Küng. "Export Digital" aims to impart the necessary digital know-how and provide practical tools and e-learning modules.

The platform brings exporters together with Google, Switzerland Global Enterprise and other organizations. The aim is to provide answers to all kinds of export-related questions, from internationalization strategy, financing and insurance to technical issues relating to customs and taxes. The initiative by Google Switzerland and Switzerland Global Enterprise is therefore supported by Credit Suisse, PwC, Amber Road and Serv Schweizerische Exportrisikoversicherung.

Global user growth and a wealth of digital tools

Today, just over 2 billion people worldwide are online. In the coming decade, around 5 billion more people will gain access to the Internet. This reveals the true dimension of the Internet's potential as an export and economic factor.

An export project can be driven forward in a variety of ways via digital channels - starting with analyzing the demand for your own products in potential target markets, identifying customer potential through to online marketing and sales via e-commerce - increasingly also via mobile devices. The use of digital channels is therefore indispensable for Swiss companies today if they want to address and acquire new consumers abroad, regardless of whether they are in the B2B or B2C sector.