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Canton is not an economic backwater

This content was published on Jan 7, 2009 Commissioned by leading politicians, economists and businessmen in Ticino, the study shows that the canton is well positioned for growth. The 60-page report focussed on the development in the canton over the past two decades (1986-2006), and its prospects up to 2020. Even though Ticino’s economic productivity is six per cent lower than the Swiss…

Matterhorn is part of “New 7 Wonders” contest

This content was published on Jan 7, 2009 The mountain will vie with 260 other spectacular places including the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest and Loch Ness for a spot on the list, organisers of the Switzerland-based New 7 Wonders campaign said on Wednesday. More than a billion people are expected to pare down the list, which now includes entries from 222 countries, to…

Secrets of the Milky Way are revealed

This content was published on Jan 7, 2009 The researchers were able to draw a complete map of the galaxy’s unique spiral arms, confirming that there are four of the structures. The breakthrough could help other scientists engaged in the search for dark matter. Until now, the centre of the Milky Way has evaded observation because it is obscured by clouds of dust.…

Spin-offs from ETH Zurich reach record level

This content was published on Jan 6, 2009 In a statement on Tuesday, the Institute noted that six firms were created in computer science and communication technologies and in services, and four in biotechnology/pharmaceuticals. Four were established in electrical and electronics engineering, two in medical devices and one in micro- and nanotechnology. It noted that spin-offs had won over SFr1 million ($890,000) in…

More firms founded in 2008 but downturn likely

This content was published on Jan 6, 2009 In a yearly report released on Tuesday, Creditreform, the country’s association of creditors, noted that 36,861 new firms were registered in Switzerland in 2008. During that time 21,254 firms were dissolved, a ten-year low. That means Switzerland made a net gain of 15,607 new firms, up 13.3 per cent from 2007. Eastern Switzerland and Zurich…

You may smile!

This content was published on Jan 6, 2009 The 50 most prominent cartoonists in Switzerland have for the first time shown their work in a joint exhibition. Here is a telling look at a turbulent year.

Blind mouse improves Braille learning

This content was published on Jan 6, 2009 This time it is a Swiss researcher who is applying a bit of technical wizardry and a lot of practicality to help people get the hang of Braille’s binary code more quickly. Philippe Racine, the maker of the Mouskie, a mouse-software system, says that when launched, it will be a product with no competitors in…

Logitech to cut staff by 15 per cent

This content was published on Jan 6, 2009 The maker of mice, webcams and other computer peripherals – with offices in canton Vaud, western Switzerland, and Fremont, California – has about 3,500 salaried employees in a total work force of about 9,000. The company also withdrew its previous fiscal 2009 forecasts for sales growth of six to eight per cent and operating income…

Ski resorts fill up despite hard times

This content was published on Jan 5, 2009 Resort directors are crossing their fingers for the rest of the current winter, but they expect the economic crisis to hit hard next season. Verbier – popular with British, Russian and Scandinavian holidaymakers – reported a record start to the 2008-2009 season. According to Eric Balet, director of Verbier’s lift company, Téléverbier, there was a…

Unions urge companies not to lay off staff

This content was published on Jan 5, 2009 At a news conference in Bern on Monday the federation said companies filled their coffers during the economic boom, enabling them to keep staff in hard times. “No economisation should be allowed using the financial crisis as an excuse,” said the federation’s chief economist, Daniel Lampart. Only in emergency situations should firms introduce a shorter…

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