Insights from Our Event on a Sustainable Supply of Critical Raw Materials and Semi-Finished Products to Switzerland
Biel as a Meeting Place for Key Players
On 13 May, Biel became a hub for key players from industry, politics and research. Organised jointly by the ESM Foundation, SATW, Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne and the Empa, the event focused on ensuring a sustainable supply of critical raw materials and semi-finished products for Switzerland. The event was supported by the Canton of Bern’s Economic Development Agency.
In-Depth Discussions in Closed Workshops
The morning began with closed-door workshops comprising a total of eight sector-specific working groups, in which participants engaged in intensive discussions for a good two and a half hours. The discussions were lively and practical, highlighting just how relevant the topic is across all sectors. There was a consensus that supply risks are a key issue.
Particular emphasis was placed on the high level of import dependency of individual companies or countries. Geopolitical tensions and socio-economic factors, among other things, make such concentrated supply chains risky. At the same time, it became clear that Switzerland often plays specialised niche roles in global supply chains and is less dependent on raw materials themselves than on semi-finished products, components and – in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors – chemicals.
Key Priorities
Various areas for action were identified during the workshops. These include, in particular, greater transparency regarding material flows and quantities, the diversification of supply sources – even if this is often only possible to a limited extent in practice – the expansion of strategic stockpiling, and the strengthening of international alliances and trade agreements. At the same time, the central role of the circular economy was emphasised. Key approaches here include design for recycling, improved disassembly and remanufacturing, as well as the targeted promotion of research and development and the scaling up of innovative solutions. In addition, regulatory incentives for the use of secondary raw materials were identified as crucial.
Public Segment and Panel Discussion
During the subsequent public segment, the morning’s discussions were presented to a wider audience and placed in a broader context. Representatives from industry and political decision-makers – including National Councillors Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (The Centre), Simon Michel (The Liberals) and Gerhard Andrey (The Greens) – shared their perspectives.
During a lively panel discussion, the challenges and potential solutions were explored in depth from the perspectives of politics and business. It became clear that securing the supply of raw materials and the transition to a functioning circular economy can only succeed through close cooperation between all stakeholders – and that a societal commitment to and openness towards innovation are crucial to remaining internationally competitive.
Takeaway: Urgent Need for Action – a Shared Commitment
Overall, the event demonstrated that there is a pressing need for action – and an equally strong willingness to work together to drive forward concrete solutions.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all contributors, speakers, panellists and the enthusiastic workshop participants for their valuable contributions, open discussions and shared insights. The findings will be incorporated into a guide designed to provide practical guidance on how to manage supply risks and strengthen the circular economy.
