Despite the reserve of Swiss industries rendered cautious by the financial crisis in Europe, CSEM has managed to maintain its volume of services and concludes the 2012 financial year with a healthy balance sheet and a balanced result. At its Annual General Meeting (AGM), the center announced a significant increase in the number of mandates for industry and a turnover of nearly 70 million francs.
Following the financial crisis in Europe and in a general climate of caution, Switzerland has remained relatively unaffected by the economic slowdown in surrounding countries. CSEM revenues for the year 2012 recorded only a very slight decline to CHF 69.9 million (2011: 70 million). The center also consolidated its level of services, especially to industry.
“Projects with industrial partners largely increased in 2012, which particularly pleased me”, said Mario El- Khoury, CEO of CSEM. Despite the less favorable economic climate, CSEM has maintained its number of direct industrial mandates at a high level, and is particularly satisfied by the significant growth in revenues from projects funded by the Commission for Technology and Innovation CTI (+133%). “This reconfirms the appropriateness of the initiative in times of crisis and our privileged position as an institution dedicated to innovation and technology transfer”, said El-Khoury.
With its regional sites in Alpnach, Landquart, Muttenz, and Zurich, CSEM led 185 projects, mostly in Switzerland. These regional centers allow CSEM to work in partnership with, and in close proximity to, local businesses and to work with local high schools. These synergies support innovation efforts and contribute to regional and national economic development.
In addition to private and public mandates, strict cost management and strengthened control of operational processes have also positively influenced the operating result which was CHF 41'084. “It is with confidence and enthusiasm that CSEM has started the year 2013” concluded Claude Nicollier, Chairman of CSEM’s Board of Directors.
Following the AGM, CSEM announced its strategy for the photovoltaic (PV) field, and what it intends to achieve in the coming years with the new PV-center. Christophe Ballif, head of the PV division, made a presentation on the opportunities for tomorrow’s energy supply, including China’s role, and explained CSEM’s place as an innovation driver in the solar industry.
New members on the Board of Directors
Following the election of Neuchâtel’s State Council on May 19, 2013, the AGM took note of the change of board members representing the canton and the city of Neuchâtel. State Councillors Mrs. Monika Maire-Hefti and Mr. Jean-Nathanael Karakash were unanimously elected as representatives of the Canton of Neuchâtel, together with City Councillor Mr. Olivier Arni as representative of the City of Neuchâtel. The AGM also renewed the mandates of the other members of the Board of Directors.