Volketswil wants to become more attractive with IPZ

(CONNECT) Volketswil is relying on cooperation with Innovation Park Zurich (IPZ) for its future prospects. At the event "Innovation Park Zurich - Opportunity for Volketswil", Marcel Muri, head of the Volketswil location promotion agency, said: "Volketswil is not simply a neighbor of the IPZ - we are part of a growing innovation area and we want to play an active role."

Around 100 participants discussed how research, high-tech and entrepreneurship can work even more closely together in the future. The Volketswil municipal administration pointed out in a message that "many innovative hidden champions from various sectors such as aerospace, communications/ICT, construction and construction suppliers as well as other future-oriented industries are already active in the area". Andrea Claudio Thöny, Managing Director of IPZ Operation, gave an input presentation on the development of the IPZ and the opportunities that arise for municipalities in the surrounding area.

According to the municipality, the dialog has made it clear that Volketswil wants to create spaces in which ideas can emerge, both digitally and physically: "The focus is on new exchange formats, stronger networking and, in the long term, the development of an innovation district along Zürcherstrasse and the development of the industrial area." In addition, the IPZ is currently looking into opening its digital networking portal for Volketswil as well.

The municipality speaks of a "spirit of optimism", while the location promotion agency says that although "a lot of work, courage and perseverance is still needed with regard to projects, infrastructure and area developments on the part of location promotion, business and the municipality", "the attitude for a strong ecosystem" has arrived. The audience asked several times about specific start dates and planned projects.

Muri pointed out that Volketswil should be developed as a business location "so that companies can grow, new partnerships can be formed and we can attract talented people who want to make a difference." Municipal president Philippe Pinto added that it was now a matter of "making sustainable use of the untapped potential, implementing the development step by step and actively involving the population". ce/mm