Workshop: Economic — European

From Research to Economic Value: This is how Zürich is strengthening an AI Ecosystem

The Greater Zürich Area has emerged as one of Europe's leading AI hubs, combining world-class research, entrepreneurial talent, deeptech startups and the presence of global technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, OpenAI and Anthropic.

But strong ecosystems do not sustain themselves. They need platforms that connect actors, create visibility, and accelerate innovation. Initiatives such as the Zurich AI Festival play a key role in strengthening these connections and fostering exchange between local and international AI communities.

Sabine Müller (Deputy managing director at Greater Zürich Area Ltd. and co-initiator of the Zurich AI Festival) shares insights into how AI ecosystems are built, strengthened and measured. Why are forward-looking international companies a cornerstone of long-term regional competitiveness? How does their presence create value beyond jobs and investment? And how can regions assess the impact of the interplay between global companies, startups, research institutions and public actors?

Drawing on Greater Zürich's experience this session explores how regions can translate research excellence into innovation, business activity and sustainable economic growth. Through interactive quizzes and discussion, participants will discover why the most successful AI regions are not necessarily the largest, but the ones that create the strongest connections between research, talent, startups, investors and global industry.