The construction and energy efficiency sector is a mainstay of the Fribourg economy. It derives a great deal of its strength from the canton’s dense network of international firms, high-caliber SMEs, clusters, competence centers and research organizations. The 2023 edition of Fribourg Network Freiburg, the official business magazine of the Fribourg Development Agency (FDA), explores this economic powerhouse and its impressive ability to generate and nurture innovative and impactful initiatives. The magazine was unveiled at bluefactory, the fast-growing low-carbon innovation district in downtown Fribourg.

Fribourg’s construction sector is part of the bioeconomy, which the cantonal government has made a priority of its development strategy. The industry is built on rock-solid foundations and has the necessary flexibility to prepare for the next major upheavals that it will face due to the climate challenge, ever-diminishing resources and digitalization.

Olivier Curty, Minister of Economic Affairs and Vocational Training, is very proud of what the canton’s building sector has achieved so far, “Whatever the area of specialization – wood, metalworking, concrete, plastics, civil engineering or energy efficiency – Fribourg companies enjoy a stellar reputation throughout Switzerland and beyond thanks to the depth of their knowledge and expertise.”

The construction industry can rely on the valuable support of the Building Innovation Cluster (BIC), which provides the sector with fresh impetus, and the Smart Living Lab, a leading center of competence on the future of the built environment. As Jerry Krattiger, Managing Director of the Fribourg Development Agency (FDA), points out, “We have an environment that is conducive to the emergence of new partnerships and innovative projects. The conditions are excellent, the skills and the will are there, so all we need to do is harness their collective power to build our future!”

LAUNCH OF 2023 EDITION

The Fribourg Development Agency (FDA) unveiled the latest edition of Fribourg Network Freiburg on Wednesday, 6 September 2023 at the bluefactory innovation district. Notable attendees included Jacques Boschung, President of Bluefactory Fribourg-Freiburg SA, and Remo Daguati, President of the Swiss Location Promotion Association (SVSM). During the event, representatives from the Smart Living Lab research and development center, JPF Holding SA and Lutz Architectes, as well as Agnès Petit, the founder of Mobbot talked about their work in the building and energy efficiency sector, and discussed industry trends, innovation potential and challenges.

FNF MAGAZINE: IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Fribourg Network Freiburg (FNF) is the official magazine of the Fribourg Development Agency (FDA). Published annually since 2004, the magazine takes a closer look at the latest products, projects and business news from the canton, as well as the companies, universities, research institutes, centers of expertise, and technology and innovation parks behind them. Of particular interest are the bioeconomy, Industry 4.0 and technology transfer.

The digital version of FNF is available in English, French and German. The easy-to-navigate website www.fribourgnetwork.ch offers additional editorial and multimedia content, and is regularly updated throughout the year.

Hard copies of FNF are available in English only. The 2,000 copies printed every year are distributed among international business circles, Swiss embassies and consulates abroad, as well as the leading consulting firms and economic development agencies in Europe, America and Asia.