Cleantech is an expanding market throughout the world, and Switzerland can participate even more fully as a research and activity centre. The second Innovation Conference, held in Basle on the initiative of Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, called for measures to help Swiss businesses position themselves in this market. A Swiss Cleantech Masterplan will encourage transparency in the sector.

To promote Swiss participation in the growing cleantech market effectively, the conference proposed the implementation of four actions in 2010: unite forces, maintain qualified staff, develop partnerships, and facilitate access to export markets, as proposed by the FDE (Federal Department for the Economy).

Initially the Masterplan Cleantech Switzerland will bring together everyone in the sector, no matter what they do and where they do it. A directory will be available at the end of 2010.

After that, initial and ongoing training for those innovating in clean technology will have to be developed. This is a matter of clarifying where cleantech qualified personnel are required, and what gaps in training programmes need to be filled.

Thirdly, SMEs active in this area can ask for an innovation cheque from the KTI agency for promoting innovation. This organisation can issue grants of up to 7,500 CHF to higher education institutions and public research institutes for research and development.
With its well-structured and networked industrial and research infrastructure, Switzerland can make a significant contribution to sustainable environmental management.
(Umwelt Perspektiven, Switzerland, http://www.umweltperspektiven.ch)

EEP Newsletter No. 172 | 02.12.2009