Economic development
for the canton of Schaffhausen
From «problem child» to «Area for Makers»
Project
In the 1990s, Canton Schaffhausen was struggling with an economic crisis: the collapse of heavy industry had led to company closures, skyrocketing unemployment, and residents leaving the canton in droves. To break the cycle, the canton established a professional Economic Development Agency in 1998, with generis AG taking the lead.
The goal of the economic development agency: to transform Schaffhausen’s economy and make the region a more attractive place to work, live, and do business. Generis works closely with the cantonal Governing Council and the Department for Economics, implementing comprehensive strategies and services to grow the region’s attractiveness. Among these strategies are the settlement of new businesses, support for existing companies, active location marketing (under the tagline “Schaffhausen – Are for Makers”), programs and initiatives fostering innovation and technology, tailored support for startups and entrepreneurs, and projects to improve the structural conditions of the region.
The Economic Development Agency has helped Schaffhausen develop into one of the most successful, diversified, and innovative regional economies in Europe. And today, instead of the cautionary tale of the 90s, Schaffhausen is a shining example of how entrepreneurial thinking and long-term strategy can successfully transform a region.
