scienceindustries Annual Event 2024

Sustainability as a strategy for the future: this was the focus of scienceindustries' 2024 Annual Event, which took place at the Marriott Hotel in Zurich on Friday, November 8, 2024. Around 80 participants gathered to discuss the competitiveness and sustainability of the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Matthias Leuenberger, President of scienceindustries and Country Head of Novartis Switzerland, emphasized the central importance of sustainability for the industry. Michael Grass, Member of the Management Board of BAK Economics, then presented the “Global Industry Competitiveness Index 2024” (GICI). The results show clearly that the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry is ranked second worldwide in terms of competitiveness (behind the USA) and even takes the lead in environmental sustainability.

In a lively panel discussion, Dr. Nathalie Casas (Empa), Michael Grass (BAK Economics), Dr. Matthias Halusa (BASF), Dr. Matthias Leuenberger (Novartis) and Thomas Vellacott (WWF) highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The discussion revolved around the balance between economic strength and ecological responsibility, as well as the importance of future-oriented framework conditions for sustainable innovation.

A photo gallery of the event offers insights into the day: