Canton of Zurich – on the pulse of the action
The canton of Zurich offers good framework conditions for companies and the population. The location promotion supports resident companies, cultivates economic external relations, promotes the innovative capacity of the location by networking the actors in future-oriented branches of the economy and accompanies settlements.
The canton of Zurich is an important growth driver in the Swiss economy. Its gross domestic product (GDP) was more than CHF 143 billion in 2017. That corresponds to more than 20 percent of Swiss GDP. This means that the canton of Zurich has the greatest economic output and added value within Switzerland. The added value can be increased by companies, research and educational institutions and specialist organizations cooperating along the value chain in clusters such as financial services, life sciences, creative industries, cleantech, aerospace, information and communication technology. According to the Statistical Office, the canton of Zurich generates more than 20 percent of the Swiss gross domestic product (GDP) with an annual GDP volume of over CHF 120 billion. This is the greatest cantonal economic added value in Switzerland.
Maintaining international relationships is also an opportunity to directly follow and actively influence international developments in both the economic and political spheres. The business contacts acquired in this way are of direct benefit to the representatives from business, science and administration based in the canton.
In terms of quality of life and standard of living, Zurich has held top positions in international rankings for many years. The city of Zurich emerged as the winner of the well-known Mercer study on quality of life seven times in a row. It has been in second place since 2009. The study compares 230 cities based on 39 criteria such as health care, entertainment, shopping, schools, housing, environmental issues, and the political and economic situation.
A new index also measures the economic and social distribution of prosperity for the first time, and the metropolis on the Limmat ranks first among 113 cities, as zh.ch writes: The “Prosperity and Inclusion in Cities Seal and Awards Index” not only measures economic growth, but above all its quality and what proportion the different population groups have in it. Zurich scored particularly well in terms of work, living, leisure, security and education. Vienna follows in second place, ahead of Copenhagen, Luxembourg and Helsinki. In the inner Swiss city ranking, Zurich ranks first and Winterthur third.
Testimonials
Carmen Walker Spah
Government Councilor,
Director of Economics
Thanks to the first-class universities, the availability of specialists, the excellent infrastructure and the high innovative strength of our economy, the canton of Zurich is a highly attractive location for companies.
David Allemann
Co-founder On
Zurich is cosmopolitan, cool and rethinks. It is important that many creative minds live and work in Zurich who drive the location forward in terms of creativity and innovation. So Zurich remains unique.
René Kalt
Managing Director
Innovation Park Zurich
Universities and numerous innovative companies make Zurich a perfect location for networking science and business. The Innovation Park Zurich contributes to this knowledge and technology transfer, making Zurich even more innovative.
Mario Jenni
Co-Founder &
CEO Bio-Technopark Schlieren-Zurich
Zurich is an excellent life sciences location due to numerous health and technology companies as well as excellent universities. The “Paradeplatz” of the biotech scene is located in Schlieren and is becoming more and more important nationally and internationally.