Your Partner for Businesswww.wirtschaftsraum.bern.ch

Bern lies at the heart of Europe. Bern is the political centre of Switzerland. Bern is remarkable for its dynamic, innovative and stable economy. Bern is renowned for its excellent quali­ty of life. In a nutshell, the Bern Economic Area offers signi­ficant location advantages.

The Federal City of Bern is where the most important political decisions are taken. Influential national and international as­sociations have their headquarters in Bern and diplomatic mis­sions are situated here. The proximity to political decision makers facilitates direct and unbureaucratic discussions be­tween representatives from business, politics and adminis­tration – an undeniable asset for the Bern Economic Area in the competition to attract businesses.

Further major advantages are Bern’s role as a cultural and lin­guistic bridge between German­speaking Switzerland and Western Switzerland, the strong research presence at the Uni­versity of Bern and the city’s universities of applied sciences, and the generally high level of workforce training.

The Bern Economic Area enjoys all the benefits of an attractive business location and demonstrates exemplary economic, political and financial stability. Moreover, with the historical old town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the River Aare and its diverse natural and recreational environment the city offers a unique atmosphere to live and work.

Have we sparked your interest in the Bern Economic Area? Feel free to contact us. We are at your service.

Welcome to the Bern Economic Area

Hans­Jürg Gerber, Director BERN ECONOMIC AREA

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Paris

Berlin

Madrid

Stuttgart | 3 hParis | 4 h

Wien

Rom

Bern

BERN

Basel | 1 h

Zürich | 1 h

Mailand | 3 h

Zermatt | 2 h

Genf | 2 hLyon | 1,5 h

London

Location advantagesBern Economic Area

References

SME­friendly environment

Economic stability

Headquarters of prominent international companies

Highly skilled workforce

Strong clusters and diverse networks

Dense transport network

At the heart of Europe

Closeness to national politicians

Quality of life in the local recreational area

Low cost of living

Attractive leisure, sports and cultural activities

Linguistic and cultural bridge

International conference city

Hub of national infrastructure decisions

Globally successful research and educational institutions

For a list of companies, organisations and associations which put their trust in Bern as a business location visit our website at www.wirtschaftsraum.bern.ch

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``SME-friendly environment and headquarters of prominent international companies 1 A favourable fiscal climate is one of the key parameters for healthy economic development. Corporate taxation for a medium­sized company in the Canton of Bern amounts on average to approx. 20 % of earnings before taxes approx. 25 % of earnings after taxes

``Economic, political and financial stability For years the labour market has been relatively crisis­resistant. The average annual unemployment rate (2015) is 2,6 % 2

``Highly skilled workforce 44,8 % of over 25­year­olds have completed tertiary education. 3 This high level of educational attainment clearly exceeds that for Switzerland as a whole (25,9 %).

``Strong clusters and diverse networks ICT cluster Bern, precision cluster, medical cluster, consulting cluster, energy cluster, design centre. American Women’s Club, International Club of Berne, Swiss­American Society, The British­Swiss Chamber of Commerce, Swiss­German Club, Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, Kiwanis

``Dense transport network Bern’s local public transport network is the second largest suburban railway system in Switzerland. It carries over 120,000 passengers daily in 1,000 trains. 4

``At the heart of Europe Bern lies at the heart of Europe and is one of Switzerland’s transport hubs with links to the rest of Europe. Thanks to its EuroCity and InterCity connections Bern is fully integrated into the European high­speed rail network.

``Closeness to national politicians The political groundwork is laid in the Federal City of Bern. The proximity to politi­cal decision makers facilitates direct and unbureaucratic exchanges between busi­ness people, politicians and administrators.

``Quality of life in the local recreational area With its old town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the River Aare and the region’s diverse natural and recreational environment Bern offers a unique atmosphere to live and work.

``Low cost of living Compared to cities such as Geneva and Zurich the cost of living in Bern is low.

``Attractive leisure, sports and cultural activities Bern leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to recreational activities. A wide range of sports and cultural facilities is available.

Location advantages in detail

1 Bern Economic Development Agency2 beco Berner Wirtschaft3 City of Bern Statistical Services (2013)4 http://www.s­bahn­bern.ch

« Bern offers our business guests everything they need: unique ambiance, top infrastructure, and a diverse programme of activities.»

Iris Flückiger, General Manager Hotel Schweizerhof Bern

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« Bern offers our business guests everything they need: unique ambiance, top infrastructure, and a diverse programme of activities.»

Iris Flückiger, General Manager Hotel Schweizerhof Bern

Bern Economic Area CHF 104,034

Canton of Bern CHF 75,865

Switzerland CHF 78,432

Above-average gross domestic product(per capita 2014)

Outstanding educational location

`` University of Bern, numerous research institutes, Bern University of Applied Sciences`` International School of Berne, Ecole française de Berne, Ecole cantonale de la langue française, The British School of Berne

Balanced sector profile

`` Health and medical technology`` Environment and energy`` Telecommunications and information technology`` Consulting`` Public administration`` Semi­public enterprises, banks and financial institutions

The Bern Economic Area performs well in various fields

Attractive sports location

The Bern Economic Area is a sports location

`` with numerous recreational sports facilities ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools to artificial ice rinks and grass courts and pitches`` with top­class sports clubs such as Berner Sport Club Young Boys BSC YB (football), Schlittschuh­Club Bern SCB (ice hockey), BSV Bern (handball) and Volley Köniz (volleyball)`` with state­of­the­art sports facilities, such as the Stade de Suisse (BSYCB, capacity: approx. 32,000 seats) and the PostFinance Arena (SCB, capacity: over 17,000 seats)

Moreover, Bern is regularly the venue for major international sports events, such as the 2013 Mountainbike & Trial Europe­an Championships, the 2011 European Ice Skating Champion­ships and the 2008 UEFA European Football Championships.

Excellent conditions for innovation

The Bern Economic Area is an attractive location for existing and new high­tech companies thanks to

`` a proactive innovation policy with target­oriented funding instruments`` high­quality advisory services for the relevant firms`` successful cooperation between universities (University of Bern, Bern University of Applied Sciences, higher vocational education institutes, etc.) and companies

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Cities and cantons have long competed with each other in terms of economic attractiveness and development and the same is true of the regions.

The Bern Economic Area brand was intro­duced as the platform for an effec tive presentation of the region. The Bern Eco­nomic Area has two main customers. Firstly the City of Bern, for which – in its capacity as an economic agency – it handles business­related political activi­ties. Secondly, the Bern­Mittelland Re­gional Conference, on behalf of which it

manages business matters and provides services for 33 municipalities.

The Bern Economic Area strives to attract companies and to preserve and cre ate jobs. Its objective both now and in the future is to enhance the region’s busi­ness appeal, provide favourable condi­tions for companies and heighten aware ­ ness of its activities.

In figures

Area 947 sq. km.

Inhabitants / usual resident population 2014 402,520

Number of employed persons 2014 298,923

Unemployment rate (annual average 2014) 2,6 % (Switzerland: 3,3 %)

Nominal gross domestic product 2014 CHF 104,034

Support in location enquiries 2013/2014 123

Commercial events 2013/2014 (incl. trade fairs) 50

Number of participants in BEA events 2013/2014 approx. 1,400 persons

The Bern Economic Area competence centre

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Clava-leyres

Münchenwiler NeueneggLau-pen

Kriech-enwil

Bowil

Jegenstorf

Köniz

MühlebergFeren-balm

Gur-brü

Wiler-oltigen

Golaten Wohlen

FrauenkappelenBern

MeikirchKirchlin-

dach

Wald

Oberbalm

Kehr-satz

Muri

Oster-mundigen Stett-

len

BolligenIttigenBrem-garten

Zolli-kofen

Diemers-wil

VechigenWalkringen

Landis-wil

Arni

Worb

Allmendingen

Linden

Freimet-tigen

OberthalBig-len

Schloss-wil Gross-

höchstetten

Mir-chel

Zäziwil

Ober-hünigen

Nieder-hünigen

Moos-seedorf

Mün-chen-buch-see

Bäris-wil

Matt-stetten

Urtenen-Schön-

bühl

Wig-gis-wil

Deiss-wil

Zuz-wil

Belp

Rubigen

Wicht-rach

Gerzen-see

Konolfingen

Ober-diessbach

Brenzi-kofen

Täger-tschi

Häut-ligen

Kirchdorf Ja-berg Kie-

sen

Opp-ligen

Herb-ligen

Mühle-dorf

Lohns-

Mühle-thurnen

Kirchen-thurnen

Gelter-fingen

Münsingen

Noflen

Guggis-berg

Rüschegg

SchwarzenburgRüeggisberg

Niedermuhlern

Riggisberg

Rüm-ligen

Kauf-dorf

Toffen

torf

Legende

Mitglied TKW

Nicht-Mitglied

Fraubrunnen

Iffwil

Bern-Mittelland Regional Conference: Perimeter

Bern Economic Area (84 % of inhabitants) Non­Bern Economic Area

Municipal boundaries (2014)© Amt für Geoinformation Kt. Bern

Political regional structure

Eighty­five municipalities cooperate closely in the Bern­Mittel­land Regional Conference. They coordinate supra­munici ­ pal tasks, find common solutions and implement joint projects. Their shared goal is to develop and promote the Bern­ Mittelland region as an attractive place for residents to live. Thirty­three of these municipalities (the City of Bern and sub­urban communities) act as a single unit in location compe­tition, location development and business promotion. They make up the BERN ECONOMIC AREA and provide a com­petent point of contact for partners and interested parties from business and politics.

THE BERN ECONOMIC AREA

1 www.bernmittelland.ch/de/ueberuns/index.php 2 beco Berner Wirtschaft3 Business Census 20084 beco Berner Wirtschaft

Area 1: 947 km 2

Inhabitants/usual resident population 2014 2: 402,520 personsOver 14 000 companies in the secondary and tertiary sectors 3

298,923 persons in employment, which is 9,7 % higher than 10 years ago 4

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The cluster policy pursued by the canton is a central part of Bern’s economic strategy. Its objectives are to boost economic performance, bundle core competences for location promotion and drive knowledge and technology transfer. The Bern Economic Area coop­erates closely with the existing cluster organisations. These were founded by companies active in the relevant sector and developed to meet the needs of their members.

`` tcbe.ch – ICT Cluster Bern, Switzerland www.tcbe.ch aims to strengthen the tel­ecommunications and information tech­nology sector (ICT).

`` Precision cluster www.cluster-precision.ch offers a plat­form for companies, suppliers and edu­cational and research institutions active in the precision industry and micro ­ technology.

`` Medical Cluster www.medical-cluster.ch is a Switzerland­ wide network of manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and research companies in the medical technology value­added chain.

`` Consulting cluster www.consultingcluster.ch endeavours to enhance competence in consul ting and services for interested business circles and to systematically integrate the public and private service structures. `` Energie cluster www.energie-cluster.ch creates greater value­added and more jobs through innovation, energy efficiency and renew­able energies in Switzerland.

`` Design centre www.designnet.ch advocates the role of design in the Swiss economy and raises awareness of good design among the population at large.

Cluster Organisations

« The Bern Economic Area is the central hub in the transfer of medical knowledge.»

Uwe E. Jocham, Senior Vice­President CSL Behring

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Bern: the political centreModern states depend on an efficiently fun ctioning political centre. This is where future perspectives are elaborated and the foundations laid for the social, econo­mic and ecological development of a country. Bern has fulfilled this func tion ever since the federal state was foun ded; it occupies a special position as the seat of government, parliament and adminis­tration and as the location of numerous public­law entities and public service companies. As the political crystal lisation point of national policy Bern has thus become a key place to be for associations. As the political centre Bern is the most important and most emotional meeting place in Switzerland. It is the country’s political and business hub.

`` Bern is the seat of the federal, cantonal and municipal governments.

`` Important federal offices, national and international organisations and diplo­matic representations reside in Bern.

`` Bern is an ideal location because of its proximity to Swiss politicians and the large administrative centres.

`` The political centre with its jobs and trai­ning facilities benefits the entire region and helps to boost the economic power and competitiveness of the whole can­ton. `` In order to strengthen the network, con­tacts with resident associations, orga­nisations, institutions and companies are maintained and continually expanded. In turn the network is used to help attract new associations, organisations, insti­tutions and companies.

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Services and competences`` Corporate service (advice, information, etc.)

`` Customised site finding (provision of premises, land designated for commercial use, inspections, etc.)

`` Point of contact for regional economic questions

`` Communication, public relations, platforms for customers and partners

`` Thematic meetings and networking

`` Pooling and representation of interests on political issues

`` Mediator function

`` Dense network of regional contacts `` Broad­based network in political, commercial and academic circles

`` Immediate proximity to politicians

`` Profound knowledge of SME concerns

`` Modern, customer­oriented advice

`` Tailor­made services

The BERN ECONOMIC AREA is at your service

Imprint

Published by WIRTSCHAFTSRAUM BERN, Nägeligasse 2, Postfach, CH­3011 Bern, Switzerland T +41 (0)31 321 77 00, F +41 (0)31 321 77 80, www.wirtschaftsraum.bern.ch

Photos: Copyright Bern Tourismus and Daniel Fuchs

Design: Agentur 01, Bern

Printed by: Stämpfli AG, Bern10 11

Partners who rely on us

« Galenica has deliberately concen-trated its Swiss activities in Bern and created 1,500 jobs here.»

Etienne Jornod, Chairman of the Executive Board of Directors,Galenica Group

« The hotel business in Bern+Mittelland concentrates on advocating the inter-ests of all its members vis-à-vis politi-cians, trade and industry and the gen-eral public. In doing so we can rely on the support of the BERN ECONOMIC AREA.»

Melitta Kronig­Hischier, Executive Director, Hotellerie Bern + Mittelland

« The Swiss Venture Club has its roots in Bern’s SME economy. It maintains close ties with this network and is com-mitted to the Bern Economic Area.»

Hans­Ulrich Müller, President, Swiss Venture Club

« Bern has a long tradition as a sports city. The Federal City hosted the European Football Championships in 2008, the World Ice Hock-ey Championships in 2009 and the European Ice Skating Championships in 2011. The ‹mira-cle of Bern› in the venerable Wankdorf Stadi-um in 1954 remains unforgotten to this day.»

Barbara Hayoz, Administrator, Stade de Suisse Wankdorf Nationalstadion AG« As a private education provider with a

broad range of courses up to univer - sity of applied sciences level we contri-bute to the attractiveness of the Bern Economic Area.»

Sandra von May­Granelli, Owner and Chair of the Management Board, Feusi Bildungszentrum AG

« Our clinic is the largest centre for heart and vascular surgery in Switzer-land. Close ties with high-tech part-ners in the Bern Economic Area enable advanced medicine to profit from extensive, on-the-spot, technical know-how.»

Thierry Carrel, heart surgeon, Inselspital

« The Swiss Post Office with almost 11,000 employees and just under 400 trainee positions in the Canton of Bern alone is a national company firmly committed to the Bern Economic Area. The new Post and PostFinance headquarters and the new Postparc building near the railway station are evidence of this commitment to the Federal City.»

Susanne Ruoff, Group CEO, Die Schweizerische Post

« I like the BERN ECONOMIC AREA as an organisation because of its compe-tent, bright and dedicated staff. That is ideal for the Bern Medical Compe-tence Centre.»

Margret Kiener Nellen, Member of the National Council / Administrator, Inselspital und Spital Netz Bern AG

« Bern is now an attractive conference city thanks to the ultra-modern Kur-saal and BernExpo conference centres and the University of Bern.»

Prof. Daniel Buser, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern

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WIRTSCHAFTSRAUM BERN

Nägeligasse 2 Postfach CH­3011 Bern, Switzerland

T +41 (0)31 321 77 00 F +41 (0)31 321 77 80

www.wirtschaftsraum.bern.ch wirtschaftsraum@bern.ch