Companies look positively to the future despite difficult environment
Published: Thursday, Jun 6th 2024, 07:21
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Despite ongoing challenges, managers at Swiss SMEs are more optimistic about the future than they were a year ago. This is the result of a survey conducted by the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" and the Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences in the run-up to the Swiss Economic Forum (SEF), which begins this Thursday.
The NZZ SME Barometer calculated as part of the study shows a slight improvement in the competitive situation for 2024 with an increase of 1.6 index points compared to +0.6 points in the previous year, according to the press release on the survey.
SMEs were positive in their assessment of their own competitiveness and the potential for sustainable business. The companies surveyed were concerned about legal regulations, the shortage of skilled workers and Switzerland's unclear relationship with the EU.
Nevertheless, there are signs of a slight easing in the shortage of skilled workers compared to previous years. In addition, an "overwhelming" proportion of respondents stated that their company had recently hired people over the age of 50.
AI is becoming increasingly important
The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is moving further into the focus of companies. 74% of the companies surveyed see the need to adapt their business model in order to take advantage of the opportunities offered by AI. According to the press release, this figure was 60 percent in the previous year.
The NZZ conducted the survey of 303 managers in collaboration with the Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Switzerland and wanted to know what particularly concerns them and how various factors are likely to develop over the next twelve months. The NZZ SME Barometer was calculated from the expectations.
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