ETH Zurich and the University of St.Gallen (HSG) have joined forces to establish the ETH-HSG Manufacturing Alliance, an initiative designed to enhance Switzerland’s industrial competitiveness and foster the next generation of talent. By leveraging the combined strengths of both institutions, the alliance aims to drive innovation in research and industry practice.
Strategic Industry Partnership
The alliance is supported by 13 prominent industrial partners, including Roche, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Takeda, SHL Medical, Nestlé, Lindt & Sprüngli, Givaudan, Schneider Electric, Schindler, Endress+Hauser Flowtec, VAT Group, and SFS Group. Together, they have committed CHF 2.1 million to fund the initiative from January 2025 for an initial three-year period.
Developing Future Talent for Swiss Industry
A key pillar of the alliance is the Circle of Scholars, a unique talent pool that initially comprises six highly qualified doctoral students. These scholars, employed at either ETH Zurich or HSG, will collaborate closely with industry partners on cutting-edge research in areas such as operational excellence, global production networks, artificial intelligence in manufacturing, and sustainable business practices.
Unlike traditional industry-sponsored doctoral programs, where research is typically confined to a single corporate sponsor, this model fosters cross-industry collaboration. The alliance partners benefit from shared expertise and collective research outcomes. Additionally, members gain access to exclusive events such as the Operations Executive Forum, the St.Gallen Production Management Conference, and other high-level industry exchanges.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Industrial Innovation
“With the Manufacturing Alliance, we are establishing a platform that not only translates academic research into industrial practice but also actively involves corporate partners in shaping research priorities. “Our goal is to create a network that strengthens Switzerland as a global industrial hub while driving innovation in high-quality, wiss-made products.””
Prof. Dr. Thomas Friedli from the Institute of Technology Management (ITEM-HSG) at the University of St.Gallen
Despite challenging economic conditions, Swiss companies continue to express confidence in the country’s industrial landscape. The Swiss Manufacturing Survey 2024, conducted by the University of St.Gallen, highlights a growing trend of companies reshoring production to Switzerland to capitalize on local innovation and economic stability. These findings underscore the importance of initiatives like the ETH-HSG Manufacturing Alliance in unlocking the full potential of Swiss manufacturing.
“What sets this initiative apart is its hands-on approach—doctoral students work on real-world industry challenges from day one. This benefits companies while providing young researchers with invaluable practical experience.” For instance, scholars may apply AI-driven analytics to optimize manufacturing processes in participating firms.
Prof. Dr. Torbjörn Netland from ETH Zurich
Invitation to Join the Alliance
The ETH-HSG Manufacturing Alliance welcomes companies from diverse industries to join this pioneering network. By participating, businesses gain access to cutting-edge academic insights, practical solutions, and the opportunity to engage directly in impactful research projects.
For organizations seeking to drive industrial innovation and strengthen Switzerland’s position as a global manufacturing leader, the alliance offers a unique platform for collaboration and growth.
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