How does a region manage to not only keep up but set new global standards? This question was the focus of our summer event, GZA Perspektiven 2025. The Greater Zurich Area offers companies from around the world not only excellent framework conditions but also a unique innovation environment. That's why we bring together leading minds from business, politics, academia, and administration every year - to exchange inspiration, sharpen perspectives, and further shape the future of our location together.
Economic headwinds and setting the right priorities: Tariffs against Switzerland, new uncertainty in long-standing partnerships, geopolitical tensions, and fragmented markets - the economic policy headwinds are real and are also testing the Greater Zurich Area. It is all the more important to look forward and set the right priorities: it's not about speed, but about quality. Not more noise, but more clarity. Not show, but substance.
That was the guiding idea of our annual summer event on August 19, 2025, at Lakeside Zurich. Around 150 decision-makers discussed why it is often that one extra percent of excellence, foresight, and cooperation makes the decisive difference - and how this mindset secures the location's attractiveness in the long term.
Event highlights
A particular highlight was the keynote by Carmen Walker Späh, President of the Greater Zurich Area Foundation and Head of Economic Affairs for the Canton of Zurich, put the motto "The Magic of 1%" into a broader context. She emphasized that the region provides optimal conditions for excellence to flourish, encompassing innovative companies, smart regulation, and a high quality of life. It requires full commitment and cooperation from everyone to create an environment where the best can thrive, turning the region into one of the world’s most advanced hubs for innovation.
Prof. Dr. Yulia Sandamirskaya (ZHAW) demonstrated how excellence emerges in robotics and cognitive systems and why the Greater Zurich Area is a magnet for top talent worldwide. Robotics will shape all areas of life in the future - from aging and education to environmental protection. What is essential is the interplay between disciplines, which fosters real innovation. This is how the "Silicon Valley of Robotics" with international appeal has developed in Greater Zurich - her goal: intelligent robotics for everyone.
Prof. Dr. Ralph Ossa (University of Zurich) explained in conversation with Dr. Balz Hösly, Chairman of the GZA Board of Directors, that predictability is more important than speed. In a rapidly changing world, Switzerland stands out for its stability, adherence to the rule of law, and neutrality. These "quiet strengths" give the Greater Zurich Area a tangible location advantage, and could lead to even more international top professionals choosing this region.
Marc Stampfli (NVIDIA) took the audience on a journey from an ETH spin-off at Technopark to a global tech success story at Europaallee. NVIDIA grew in Zurich because the right talents were available. Today, the Zurich team works on topics such as Omniverse, robotics, or automotive. His message: True innovation arises where AI is really understood and applied, for example, in the development of new medicines.
After the inspiring presentations, guests spent the evening engaging in intensive networking over a rich apéro. These very conversations make the difference: They show how closely local excellence and international competitiveness are linked. For global companies, the Greater Zurich Area is not just a haven but above all a location where visions can turn into tangible success.
The evening’s conclusion: With that crucial extra one percent, it is possible to jointly shape the future of the Greater Zurich Area for the benefit of the entire region and all those who want to invest, research, and grow here.
Photos of Perspektiven 2025
See all pictures on Flickr. All photos © Greater Zurich Area AG (GZA) / Boris Baldinger; may be reused only for non-commercial purposes with full credit.
A special thanks to Michel Studer (Ongroup) for the visual summary and Boris Baldinger for the photography.
The evening summarized: Graphic recording by Michel Studer
Live-drawn at the GZA Perspektiven 2025, Michel Studer from Ongroup captured the major themes and key points of the discussions and presentations with keen eyes and skillful hands.
