So Swiss!, so innovative: multidisciplinary ERI dialogues and showcases at Shanghai pop-up
In November 2022, Swissnex in China joined forces with the Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai, SwissCham and other Swiss institutional and corporate partners to launch the ten-day “So-Swiss!” pop-up event at the INLET in Shanghai. Swissnex curated a wide range of activities, including expert panel discussions and interactive exhibits, alongside public lectures on innovation and entrepreneurship, vocational education and interdisciplinary research, aiming to showcase Switzerland’s innovative prowess while encouraging the bilateral exchange of knowledge and ideas.
“Archaeology of Light” exhibit and space sustainability lecture
A key highlight of the So Swiss! pop-up was the immersive VR experience “Archaeology of Light”. Created by the EPFL Laboratory of Astrophysics (LASTRO) and eM+, it invites visitors to chart their journey through time and space within the most detailed 3D model of the universe to date. At the Café des Sciences: Space Exploration and Sustainability lecture, Swissnex brought together experts from EPFL and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to share their perspectives on the prospects for global collaboration in space sustainability with a diverse public audience both on-site and online.
VPET Education Day
VPET (Vocational and Professional Education and Training) is a key driver of workforce development. And on VPET Education Day, Swiss public and corporate representatives, local universities and vocational training schools gathered at a roundtable to explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing VPET in China. A white paper on Swiss VPET was released at the event, outlining the best practices used by Swiss companies in their vocational training programs. Participants were given a comprehensive overview of the vocational training ecosystem through the Swiss VPET exhibition presented by the Embassy of Switzerland in China.
Swiss Innovation Summit
At the Swiss Innovation Summit, Swiss startups and companies shared examples of cutting-edge Swiss innovation across various industries while illustrating their ingredients for success in the Chinese market. They demonstrated that Swiss companies should put a premium on speed and agility and tap into the vast local talent pool. Entrepreneurs aiming to succeed in the Chinese market are also advised to actively investigate opportunities beyond the major coastal cities and collaborate with local stakeholders and customers to create shared benefits and value.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19-related challenges, the So Swiss! pop-up event introduced Swiss excellence in education, research and innovation to a diverse Chinese public audience, further strengthening the connection between the two countries for meaningful bilateral cooperation in the future.