NEUCHÂTEL - neuchateleconomie.ch. Living Innovation.pdfprecision innovation reliability creativity competitive ness high technology added value quality of life proximity openness

NEUCHÂTEL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

NE

UC

HÂ

TE

L E

CO

NO

MIC

DE

VE

LOP

ME

NT

Department of Economic Affairs

Service of the Economy

Avenue de la Gare 2

CH–2000 Neuchâtel

+41 32 889 68 20

[email protected]

neuchatelinvest.com

PRECISION INNOVATION RELIABILITY CREATIVITY COMPETITIVE

NESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY ADDED VALUE QUALITY OF LIFE PROXIMITY

OPENNESS PASSION PRECISION INNOVATION RELIABILITY CREATIV

ITY COMPETITIVENESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY ADDED VALUE QUALITY

OF LIFE PROXIMITY OPENNESS PASSION PRECISION INNOVATION

RELIABILITY CREATIVITY COMPETITIVENESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY

ADDED VALUE QUALITY OF LIFE PROXIMITY OPENNESS PASSION


NESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY ADDED VALUE QUALITY OF LIFE PROX

IMITY OPENNESS PASSION PRECISION INNOVATION RELIABILITY

CREATIVITY COMPETITIVENESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY ADDED VAL

UE QUALITY OF LIFE PROXIMITY OPENNESS PASSION PRECISION

INNOVATION RELIABILITY CREATIVITY COMPETITIVENESS HIGH

TECHNOLOGY ADDED VALUE QUALITY OF LIFE PROXIMITY OPEN

NESS PASSION PRECISION INNOVATION RELIABILITY CREATIVITY

COMPETITIVENESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY ADDED VALUE QUALITY

OF LIFE PROXIMITY OPENNESS PASSION PRECISION INNOVATION

RELIABILITY CREATIVITY COMPETITIVENESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY

ADDED VALUE QUALITY OF LIFE PROXIMITY OPENNESS PASSION


NESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY ADDED VALUE QUALITY OF LIFE PROX

IMITY OPENNESS PASSION PRECISION INNOVATION RELIABILITY

CREATIVITY COMPETITIVENESS HIGH TECHNOLOGY ADDED VALUE

OUR OBJECTIVES: HELPING YOU ESTABLISH

YOUR PROJECT, OFFERING SOLUTIONS,

SUPPORTING YOU WHEN STARTING OUT, AND BEYOND.

WELCOME TO NEUCHÂTEL!An invaluable interchange between research and development centres, higher education institutes, renowned know-how and innova-tive enterprises. An environment that gives rise to tomorrow’s solutions and offers fertile ground for your development and success.

“ In the canton of Neuchâtel, everything is geared towards industrial development: favourable working conditions, support for innovation, the presence of research centres and a highly qualified workforce”.

André Haemmerli Managing Director, Medos International Johnson & Johnson Group










NEUCHATEL

GENEVA

PARIS

LONDON

FRANKFURT

1H50

1H50

ZURICH

MILAN

BARCELONAMADRID

MUNICH

PRAGUE

VIENNA

BUDAPEST

BERLIN

BRUSSELS

LYON

HAMBURG

BORDEAUX

TUNIS

ATHENS

KIEV

MINSK

SOFIA

WARSAW

BELGRADE

NICE

AMSTERDAM

STOCKHOLMOSLO

LISBON

ALGIERS

DUBLIN

ROME

ISTANBUL

An international skills hub, particularly in the domains

of microtechnology and watchmaking, the canton

of Neuchâtel is home to innovative companies in all

pioneering sectors, supported by applied research

centres of worldwide repute. These prestigious part-

ners will help you develop your products.

By establishing or developing your company in the

canton, you will also benefit from some of the most

competitive fiscal conditions in Switzerland and even

a dnfi lliw uoy ,secruoser namuh fo smret nI .dlrow eht

pool of highly motivated talents-specialists across the

NEUCHÂTEL, BIRTHPLACE OF INNOVATIONLand of visionaries and entrepreneurs, the canton of Neuchâtel offers much more than picture-perfect landscapes. It’s the cradle of innovation and creativity: a region where traditions reflecting internationally renowned achievements rub shoulders with ideas that will shape the future.

whole value chain who usually speak several languages.

Last but not least, Neuchâtel offers a rare quality

of life. Located between lakes and mountains, at

the crossroads of major urban hubs and European

capitals, the environment–both cosmopolitan and

human in size-is irresistable. The political stability of

the country, its low crime rate and civil tranquillity,

together with the quality of the education and health

system as well as the facilities on offer, will contribute

to the success of your project on both economic and

personal levels: a success that the whole family will

be able to share.

NEUCHATEL

GENEVA

PARIS

LONDON

FRANKFURT

1H50

1H50

ZURICH

MILAN

BARCELONAMADRID

MUNICH

PRAGUE

VIENNA

BUDAPEST

BERLIN

BRUSSELS

LYON

HAMBURG

BORDEAUX

TUNIS

ATHENS

KIEV

MINSK

SOFIA

WARSAW

BELGRADE

NICE

AMSTERDAM

STOCKHOLMOSLO

LISBON

ALGIERS

DUBLIN

ROME

ISTANBUL

NEUCHATELATELA

GENEVA

PARISPARISP

LONDON

FRANKFURT

ZURICH

MILAN

BARCELONA

MUNICH

PRAGUE

VIENNA

BUDAPEST

BERLIN

BRUSSELS

LYLYL ON

HAMBURG

BORDEAUX

NICE

AMSTERDAM

ROME

From start-ups to multinationals:

linked by innovation

Precision mechanics, microelectronics, MEMS

and MOEMS microsystems, microfluidics and

mechatronics… every area of microtechnology and

nanotechnology is represented in the canton. These

sectors are continually evolving through the creation

of ever-smaller and more complex products.

Practical applications are infinite, because Neuchâtel’s

industrial fabric attracts the gems of global industry

in sectors as varied as medical technology, pharma-

ceuticals, watchmaking, luxury products, machine

tools, precision instruments, information and com-

munication technology (ICT) and renewable energy:

a wealth of leading names, supported by strategic

services companies specialised in international brand

management, intellectual property and supply-chain

management, private banking and even family office

services.

Whether you are a start up, a small to medium enter-

prise, a family business or a multinational company, in

Neuchâtel, you will benefit from all the advantages of

a high-tech cluster resolutely focused on the future.

inventing tomorrow’s technology today

When you choose the canton of Neuchâtel, you’re

placing a winning bet on innovation. Because Neu-

châtel is founded, above all, on a continual desire to

imagine tomorrow’s solutions: to develop, produce, sell

and transfer them to other applications. The proof?

The first tactile watch was developed in the canton: a

technology used today by millions of consumers all over

the world, most notably on smartphones and tablets.

The roots of Neuchâtel’s innovation originate in watch-

making, the region’s primary source of economic

development for over three centuries. The people of

Neuchâtel developed and applied their know-how in

precision and the infinitely small to other pioneering

sectors, including medical technology, electronics,

machines, renewable energy and aero-spatial

industries.

A veritable hub of microtechnology skills, the canton

has established itself in the international arena as one

of the indispensable players in future technology,

especially nanotechnology. Here you will find pres-

tigious laboratories and centres for applied research,

as well as specialists across the entire value chain, all

of whom are potential partners for improving existing

products or developing new ones.

“ Over the centuries, Neuchâtel has forged a meticulous, persevering spirit that enables it to succeed in domains of excellence. Its know-how in precision and mechanics attracts leading names in watchmaking and medical technology, who set up alongside local enterprises revered all over the world”.

François Thiébaud Chief Executive, Tissot Watches Member of Swatch Group General Management



















services.





















industries.





























services.





















industries.





























services.





















industries.











Corporate tax levels among the most competi-

tive in the world

The canton of Neuchâtel is also founded on a firm de-

sire to support business success in the region, aided

by competitive framework conditions. The tax sys-

tem plays its role. Corporate tax rates are among the

lowest in Switzerland-a country that is already ranked

as one of the top ten countries worldwide with the

most attractive and stable tax laws.

Thanks to a recent, ambitious, euro-compatible

reform that divides corporate income tax by two, the

gobal tax level (city, canton, confederation) will be

at a rate of 15,61% by 2016–well below the national

average. At 0.001%, capital gains tax in Neuchâtel is

the lowest in Switzerland for holding and domiciliary

company. As the profit income tax is deductible from

capital tax, a partial-if not total tax exemption is thus

possible on capital.

Income from abroad is taxed at a fixed cumulative rate

of 11.11% for pure domiciliary company and 12.66% for

mixed companies.

Recruiting the specialists you need

Setting up your business in Neuchâtel gives you

access to a highly-qualified workforce.

Enriched by a long history of innovation and

industrialisation, the canton is overflowing with

technical specialists and talents from the re-

gion’s prestigious universities and higher educa-

tion institutes. From research to commercialisa-

tion, through design, production, management,

marketing, legal, financial and information technol-

ogy–here you will find every link in the value chain.

A cosmopolitan environment, strong purchasing

power and an outstanding quality of life will allow

you to attract international personnel. With bilateral

agreements guaranteeing the free movement of

persons between Switzerland and the European Un-

ion, recruiting beyond frontiers is a mere formality.

In addition to skilled human capital, there is also high

productivity, flexible labour laws and social peace–a

trait that is deeply anchored in the local culture thanks

to an excellent relationship between business and

social partners.

“Here, companies benefit from a rare trilogy: a highly-qualified workforce, an extremely constructive relationship with local autho-rities and social partners and an exceptional geographical situation and quality of life”.

Jean-Kley Tullii Manufacturing Director, Cartier Watches


tive in the world



















mixed companies.






















social partners.




tive in the world



















mixed companies.






















social partners.




tive in the world



















mixed companies.






















social partners.



At the heart of worldwide economic activity

With no less than five neighbouring countries–Ger-

many, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein–

Switzerland is at the centre of European economic

activity. By establishing your business in the canton

of Neuchâtel, you benefit from a strategic location in

the heart of Europe. In just one or two hours by road or

train, you can access international airports in Geneva,

Basel, Zurich and Bern, operating nearly six hundred

flights a day. You can also land your own private plane

or helicopter at Eplature business airport in La Chaux-

de-Fonds, right in the heart of the canton.

Thanks to highly-developed road and train networks,

both modern and reliable, you can reach the European

capitals in just a few hours. Furthermore, an optimal

time zone (GMT +1) allows you to work with Asia in

the morning and the United States in the afternoon.

Cosmopolitan and open to the world, the canton of

Neuchâtel has a long history of cultivating internatio-

nal exchanges. A trend that has grown considerably,

thanks to the bilateral agreements for free movement

between Switzerland and the European Union: an

undeniable advantage for the canton and, above all,

for your activities.

A dynamic, safe and favourable environment for

entrepreneurship

Switzerland has established itself as an economic

player at the forefront of the world stage thanks to

the dynamism of its businesses, the stability of its

institutions and its international openness.

Located at the heart of Europe, Switzerland benefits

from the advantages of free-exchange with the

European Union. The political stability of the country,

the quality of its institutions and lifestyle, the reliability

of its economically-favourable political decisions and

the state’s low debt explain the choice of Switzerland

as a place to invest and settle.

The level of training and productivity are among the

highest, internationally. In 2012, the country was

ranked no.1 for the second year in the worldwide in-

dex for innovation published by INSEAD and WIPO

(World Intellectual Property Organization). After

Japan, Switzerland is also the country with the most

patents registered per inhabitant in the world!

By choosing the canton of Neuchâtel, technology

start-ups, small to medium businesses, multinatio-

nals, holding and specialist companies will find fertile

ground for their success and the development of their

employees.

Foreign companies that have chosen to establish

themselves here, as well as those who continue to

develop here after several decades, are proof of the

dynamism and attractiveness of the region.

From the health system to the transport networks

(road, train and air) as well as education and housing,

the living and working conditions offered in the canton

of Neuchâtel are both stimulating and serene.

Neuchâtel: renowned for education and training

The concentration of “grandes écoles”, universities

and establishments with international reputations

makes the canton of Neuchâtel a hotspot for knowl-

edge. Your children and young adults will appreciate

the variety of subjects and courses on offer as well

as the quality of the Swiss education system, which

receives regular praise.

Switzerland also excels by its heavy investment in

training, with expenditure per student amongst the

highest in the world and, additionally, very low uni-

versity fees. Thus, the canton of Neuchâtel can of-

fer its students Bachelor and Master programmes

recognised in 45 countries, designed to meet the

most stringent demands in business and research.

Certain university courses in Neuchâtel are unique in

Switzerland, if not in Europe, such as the Masters in

International Taxation or a specialisation in the fight

against Business Crime.

For younger residents, compulsory public education

(until the age of 15-16) and high school (until the age

of 19-20) are free. Naturally, children of expatriated

families can attend a private international school,

offering bilingual lessons in French or English from

the age of 3.

In addition to an academic syllabus, apprenticeships,

combining on-the-job training in a company and the-

oretical lessons in a professional school represent a

particularly solid base for entering working life. This

kind of dual training is valued in the business field

and counts amongst the innumerable reasons for

Switzerland’s success.

“ Attracting talents to our canton is a real delight, enhanced by the satisfaction expressed by our new collaborators from abroad: Neuchâtel is a place on a human scale, where life is good”.

Anne-Marie Van Rampaey Human Resources Director, and Board Member at CSEM

Stimulating living environment, wonderful for

families

A green environment planted with vineyards and

forests, the canton of Neuchâtel offers incredi-

bly diverse, breathtaking landscapes. Your employ-

ees and their families will be charmed by the idyllic

way of life preserved from yet close to large urban

centers like Geneva, Zurich, Bern and Lausanne. They

may also enjoy bumping into high-ranking politicians

on the street corner–the sign of a close community

and security. Indeed, Neuchâtel has one of the lowest

crime rates in Switzerland, a country that is consi-

dered to be one of the safest in the world.

The canton is also a land of culture and history, with

no less than two UNESCO World Heritage sites,

including a lakeside archaeological site. The region

is also enriched by a multitude of leisure options:

outdoor activities, sport, gastronomy, culture and

countless community events organised in the name

of conviviality.

For your home, you will be able to choose between

contemporary or medieval architecture. Most houses

and apartments have unrestricted view of the lake,

vineyards or mountains and are offered at extremely

attractive prices compared with other Swiss “Riviera”

regions as Lake Geneva or Zurich area.

























the age of 3.











families


















of conviviality.































the age of 3.











families


















of conviviality.































the age of 3.











families


















of conviviality.







Our service at your service

As an administrative entity of the State, the Departe-

ment of Economic affairs is dedicated to promoting

the development of attractive and favourable frame-

work conditions locally, which reinforce business com-

petitiveness on international markets and contribute

to the success of innovative development projects.

Our mission is to develop strategic domains of activity

in the canton for the long term, to strengthen the

competitiveness and diversity of its economic struc-

ture, to boost employment and create added value.

Our team of multidisciplinary specialists is able to

understand the issues from all angles and above all,

can offer an adapted and personalised response.

A meeting point for the authorities, enterprises, insti-

tutions and academic establishments, we play the role

of a facilitator and can call upon our network of stra-

tegic partners according to your needs. Our actions

can take many forms and our services are, of course,

free of charge.

The Service of the Economy is YOUR privileged

partner-there to answer a simple question as much as

to offer dedicated support for the development of an

innovative business project or international initiative.

Because your success is the success of an entire region.

Department of Economic Affairs

Service of the Economy

Avenue de la Gare 2

CH-2000 Neuchâtel

+41 32 889 68 20

[email protected]

neuchatelinvest.com

NE

UC

HÂ

TE

L E

CO

NO

MIC

DE

VE

LOP

ME

NT

Documents

NEUCHÂTEL - neuchateleconomie.ch. Living Innovation.pdfprecision innovation reliability creativity competitive ness high technology added value quality of life proximity openness