Switzerland ranks seventh among the world leaders in innovation. At the heart of this dynamic, many project leaders are supported by start-up structures. These include the Innovation Booster-Microtech, Microcity, i-moutier and, of course, Alliance, which supports companies in technological innovation projects with universities. Read the interview with Antoine Jourdan, Director of Alliance, in the latest issue of PME Magazine.
Companies are not alone in the innovation process, and Alliance positions itself as the gateway to technological innovation projects.
What are the main growth challenges facing industrial companies today?
A culture of innovation is crucial to a company's success, enabling it to improve or develop new products and meet the challenges of today's changing markets, eco-responsibility and digital transition. Dynamism and intrapreneurship, determined by the will of management and employees, are decisive. Access to information, human and financial resources are both challenges and essential conditions. The path from idea to commercialization is a long one, and companies often have to forge partnerships to bring their projects to fruition.
How does your structure help these companies grow?
Alliance is the industrial liaison program for French-speaking Switzerland. Its mission is to support companies on their innovation journey, in collaboration with academic institutions. The innovation mentors innovation team specializes in all areas of technology. Thanks to their knowledge of industrial and academic circles, they are able to evaluate the innovation projects of
companies and contact the relevant laboratories. Very often,
public funding such as Innosuisse is required, and their support is invaluable in guiding companies and laboratories towards the appropriate funding tool. In 2023, the Alliance team helped set up some 90 innovation projects!
What are the key factors that every company needs to take into account to manage growth?
In today's fast-paced world, the speed with which you identify an opportunity and turn it into reality is key. While this is logical in business terms, it is less so when it comes to integrating new technologies into products or solutions. In this context, the company's agility will be essential, and its ability to collaborate with external players - other companies, the academic world - will enable it to broaden its horizons and stand out from the competition. Companies are not alone in this process, and Alliance is positioning itself as the gateway to technological innovation projects.
Get in touch with Alliance, who will guide you through your innovation journey!