Technological innovation as the key to sustainability

1. Innovation as a path to solutions 

Sustainable technological innovations are critical to finding long-term solutions to environmental and social challenges. It's becoming clear that “traditional” approaches often fall short: regulations, while effective in developed markets, tend to be bureaucratic and difficult to enforce globally. Behavioral change is desirable but slow and cannot be mandated in a free society. That’s why we believe that technological innovation is the most effective path toward scalable, economically viable, and impactful solutions. 

Real-world examples highlight the potential of new technologies: 

• Superconducting power grids for loss-free energy transmission
• Electrochemical processes for cement production to drastically reduce CO₂ emissions
• Agricultural biotechnology using microbial solutions to reduce the need for fertilizers 

GZA proactively engages with companies active in these areas to drive innovation forward. 

2. Talent development – Sustainability through people 

Innovation is not just about technology - it depends above all on the people who create it. The Greater Zurich Area positions itself as a sustainability-conscious region and an international magnet for highly skilled talent working on sustainable solutions. The combination of talent attraction, immigration, and high quality of life is central to Switzerland’s innovation landscape. 

Our goal is to help shape an environment that fosters both sustainability and innovation. Switzerland has the opportunity to become one of the world’s most attractive places to live and work - by positioning itself as a responsible location where talented minds can actively contribute to sustainable development. 

3. Greater Zurich Area as a testbed for sustainable solutions 

Thanks to its efficiency, favorable innovation conditions, and economic stability, Switzerland - and particularly the Greater Zurich Area - offers ideal conditions for developing and scaling sustainable technologies. Here, companies and research institutions can build and test prototypes under real-world conditions before expanding to larger markets and achieving global impact. 

Examples of successful innovation support: 

• Fast commercialization of technologies through targeted support for startups and businesses
• Test environments for new energy solutions, particularly in renewable energy and energy storage
• Promotion of sustainable production processes in the pharma, medtech, and cleantech industries 

Together with the economic development agencies of our member cantons, GZA helps companies establish themselves and bring sustainable technologies to market more efficiently. 

4. Partnerships and synergies - Driving breakthroughs together 

Pursuing sustainability is a collective task that requires collaboration between companies, research institutions, investors, and public stakeholders. GZA sees itself as a platform that connects these actors to enable targeted sustainable innovation. 

Our strategy focuses on: 

• Collaborations between industry and academia
• International networks
• Trend scouting and identifying relevant stakeholders 

The Greater Zurich Area aims to anchor sustainability as an integral part of its investment strategy. By focusing our proactive market development on innovative technologies, talent development, Switzerland as an effective test market, and strong partnerships, we support a future-ready and economically sustainable living and business environment. Our strategy is based on the conviction that bold innovation and the targeted support of top talent are essential to creating sustainable solutions - both economically and ecologically. 

With the interim report planned for fall 2025, we will present concrete criteria and measures to show how we are effectively integrating sustainability into our investment strategy.