Marc Walder launches "Digital Zurich 2025"
At the WEF, Ringier CEO Marc Walder championed his «Digital Zurich 2025» initiative. Zurich is set to become a kind of Silicon Valley in the heart of Europe.
According to Schweiz am Sonntag, the idea of turning the greater Zurich area into a digital cluster of European significance had its breakthrough in the last two months when the high-profile committee was formed to drive the initiative forward. The committee includes prominent CEOs: Heinz Karrer (Economiesuisse), Harry Hohmeister (Swiss), Sergio Ermotti (UBS), Patrick Warnking (Google Switzerland), Urs Schaeppi (Swisscom), Andreas Meyer (SBB), Herbert Bolliger (Migros), Markus Hongler (Mobiliar), Detlef Trefzger (Kühne & Nagel) and Ivo Furrer (Swiss Life Switzerland). Politicians are represented on the committee by Zurich Mayor Corinne Mauch (SP) and Cantonal Councillor and Director of Economic Affairs Ernst Stocker (SVP).
According to Walder, the cross-industry initiative is not only aimed at Zurich as a media location, but will be open to all companies. All industries are facing huge challenges due to digitalization - especially the financial centre, according to Walter. The Ringier CEO therefore sees the idea as "a huge opportunity for this location and for Switzerland as a whole". The vision of Europe's digital capital is modeled not only on Silicon Valley, but also on Tel Aviv and New York, where Walder got the idea from Mayor Bloomberg and his "Media NYC 2020" initiative.
Specifically, "Digital Zurich 2025" has the following objectives: Supporting the digital transformation of Swiss companies, training digital talent, attracting start-ups and ensuring a good political framework. A kick-off event will be held in spring to provide information on how these goals are to be achieved. Zurich is in a good starting position thanks to Google's European location, but also faces strong competition from cities such as Berlin and London. For Google, the location has suddenly become more expensive due to the appreciation of the Swiss franc. However, the company is sticking with Zurich and wants to expand further, as Google CEO Eric Schmidt told the Switzerland on Sunday insured. (hae/SaS)
