Fribourg: The Growth Hub of Switzerland – A Video Series
Why Switzerland
Fribourg Growth Hub, an 8-part video series featuring Jerry Krattiger, Managing Director of the Fribourg Development Agency, explores the diverse economic sectors that make Fribourg the “growth hub of Switzerland”.
From bioeconomy and Industry 4.0 to agrifood innovation and strategic connectivity, each episode highlights the unique strengths and opportunities within this dynamic canton. Below, you’ll find a complete listing of the episodes and their release dates. Stay tuned for monthly updates!
Episode 1: Intro to Fribourg’s Economy and Demographics
In this first episode, Jerry Krattiger introduces the dynamic and rapidly evolving canton of Fribourg. With Switzerland’s youngest population, a remarkable 25% growth in residents over the past 15 years, and a thriving economy, Fribourg is setting benchmarks in sustainable development.
The canton is driven by two standout sectors: bioeconomy and Industry 4.0, which build on its existing strengths to create a fertile ground for innovation. Furthermore, with accessible land and a collaborative approach to development, Fribourg offers unmatched opportunities for industrial and community growth.
Episode 2: Bioeconomy and Industry 4.0
In this second episode, Jerry Krattiger delves into two standout sectors driving Fribourg’s economic success: bioeconomy and Industry 4.0. The bioeconomy sector, encompassing 30% of the canton’s GDP, ranges from agricultural production to the creation of high-value biotech products and molecules for fragrances. Meanwhile, Industry 4.0 accounts for 10% of GDP and labor, focusing on automation, robotics, and digital innovation.
Discover how Fribourg’s unique strengths, such as its vibrant population, accessible land, and strategic planning, have attracted global players like Rolex and Nespresso. From Gruyère cheese to cutting-edge 3D printing and biotech solutions, this episode highlights how Fribourg seamlessly integrates tradition and innovation to propel its economy forward.
Episode 3: Innovation Centers and Technology Parks
In this third episode, Jerry Krattiger highlights Fribourg’s innovation centers and technology parks, which serve as hubs for cutting-edge development in bioeconomy and Industry 4.0. From the bluefactory innovation district in Fribourg city, emphasizing life sciences and decarbonization, to the agrifood-focused AgriCo campus in the Broye region with over 250,000 m² of constructible land and extensive testing facilities, these centers exemplify Fribourg’s commitment to sustainable innovation.
Additional sites include Marly’s fine chemistry hub with its renowned iPrint center, home to the development of Ferrari red ink, and the high-tech Le Vivier science park in Villaz-Saint-Pierre, dedicated to automation and robotics amid the scenic Swiss countryside.
With complementary facilities like the Romont brownfield area offering densified industrial space and technological halls, Fribourg provides unparalleled opportunities for businesses seeking to thrive in an innovative and collaborative environment.
Episode 4: Fribourg’s Life Sciences Sector
In this fourth episode, Jerry Krattiger shines a spotlight on Fribourg’s burgeoning life sciences sector. Although relatively small with approximately 3,300 full-time employees (FTEs), this sector generates an impressive CHF 1.5 billion in annual value creation, highlighting its significant economic impact.
Spanning pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices, the life sciences industry aligns closely with Fribourg’s strategic focus on bioeconomy and Industry 4.0. International leaders like Alcon, managing its global supply chain from Fribourg, and companies such as Medion Grifols and UCB Farchim, underscore the region’s importance as a life sciences hub.
With substantial growth over the past decade, Fribourg’s life sciences sector remains a priority for development, driving innovation and value creation on a global scale.
Episode 5: Fribourg’s Historical Industrial Transformation
In this fifth episode, Jerry Krattiger delves into Fribourg’s remarkable journey of industrial transformation. Over the decades, major international players have chosen Fribourg as their base, reshaping the region’s economic landscape. From Liebherr’s move to Bulle in the 1970s, which marked the beginning of Fribourg’s industrialization, to Richemont’s global operations hub, Michelin’s R&D center, and Nespresso’s cutting-edge facility in Romont, Fribourg has consistently attracted world-renowned companies.
Today, the region continues to thrive, with Rolex’s billion-franc investment solidifying Fribourg’s reputation as a modern industrial powerhouse. This legacy of innovation, coupled with state-of-the-art infrastructure, makes Fribourg a beacon for industrial and economic growth in Switzerland.
Episode 6: Sustainable Construction in Fribourg
In this sixth episode, Jerry Krattiger highlights the innovative strides Fribourg is making in sustainable construction. Anchored by the canton’s bioeconomy, the construction sector is embracing biosourced materials and groundbreaking technologies such as decarbonized steel and wood-enriched concrete.
Fribourg’s partnerships with leading institutions like EPFL, the University of Fribourg, and the School of Engineering and Architecture have catalyzed projects such as the Smart Living Lab, a cutting-edge research hub focused on sustainable construction and future living. The forthcoming Smart Living Building, set to begin construction in 2026, will serve as an experimental space for testing new materials, sensors, and data-integrated designs, propelling Fribourg to the forefront of sustainable innovation in the construction industry.
