Neuchâtel’s Industrial Smart Map, an award-winning AI-powered tool for economic promotion

The canton of Neuchâtel’s innovative Industrial Smart Map, an AI-powered tool showcasing the region’s industrial ecosystem, has been recognized with one of the prestigious 2024 Réseau Place Économique Suisse award.

The Industrial Smart Map, an advanced tool created by the Service of the economy (NECO) of the canton of Neuchâtel to promote its industrial ecosystem, has won one of the 2024 Réseau Place Économique Suisse award. This accolade highlights the map’s impact in advancing economic promotion through cutting-edge innovation and strategic insights.

Launched to provide a dynamic and interactive representation of the industrial ecosystem in Neuchâtel, the Industrial Smart Map offers unparalleled visibility into the region’s markets, know-how, products, and services. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the platform collects and analyzes data from company publications, patents, and scientific papers to deliver real-time updates and actionable insights.

Designed as a user-friendly interface, the map organizes companies into 10 strategic clusters, such as Watchmaking, Luxury, and Microtechnology, while allowing users to search by markets, products, or services. Its unique AI-driven process features three iterative phases: data collection, analysis, and insight generation. These capabilities provide a powerful tool for identifying trends, fostering collaboration, and attracting investment.

A game-changing tool for economic promotion

Katharina Hopp, president of the jury for the Réseau Place Économique Suisse awards, praised the project: “Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, the Industrial Smart Map is continuously updated, ensuring long-term relevance. Its intuitive design and ability to represent entire value chains make it a scalable and impactful resource for economic promotion.”

The Industrial Smart Map was one of three projects recognized at the 2024 Réseau Place Économique Suisse awards. Alongside Neuchâtel’s innovative platform, the awards honored GGBa’s creative Jimmy Jackson campaign for its engaging approach to investment promotion and Baden’s BAUZONE 5400 project, which revitalized the city center while maintaining its economic appeal during major construction works. These projects exemplify the diversity and ingenuity driving economic promotion across Switzerland.

The Industrial Smart Map not only highlights the canton’s industrial strengths but also serves as a valuable networking tool, connecting local businesses and showcasing the region’s global potential. Its innovative approach has already drawn interest from other cantons and regions, underscoring its scalability and adaptability.

This recognition cements Neuchâtel’s position as a leader in economic promotion and innovation. By enabling stakeholders to visualize and leverage the region’s industrial expertise, the Industrial Smart Map exemplifies how AI can transform economic ecosystems and drive sustainable growth.