The Canton of Neuchâtel reports a positive economic outlook for 2023, marked by remarkable growth in the number of new business establishments. The strong demand for available land underscores the urgent need for effective solutions. The Department of Economic Affairs remains strongly committed to actively supporting local businesses, demonstrating its determination to strengthen Neuchâtel’s economic vitality.
The Canton of Neuchâtel continues to prove its appeal to companies from outside the canton. In 2023, the Department of Economic Affairs supported 19 business setups, 13 of which were from abroad. Some of these companies have established partnerships with local stakeholders (manufacturers or research centers), which helps them take root in the canton and generates indirect economic benefits. The arrival of industrial projects from abroad further confirms the canton’s appeal as a region that creates high-value-added jobs in the secondary sector.
These new operations represent the potential for 104 highly skilled jobs over the next three years, particularly in the promising fields of blockchain, artificial intelligence, microelectronics, the machinery industry, and strategic business services.
Land Challenges: The Complex Equation of Land Availability
This dynamic growth observed in 2023 is accompanied by major challenges, particularly those related to land use. Strong demand for commercial space and land, combined with a limited supply of land, is putting pressure on the Department of Economic Affairs to find solutions tailored to businesses’ needs in terms of expansion or establishment. According to Matthieu Aubert, head of the Department of Economic Affairs for the Canton of Neuchâtel,
“This is a delicate balance, because the availability of land does not necessarily mean that it meets the needs of a company seeking to establish itself or expand, nor does it meet the prerequisites required by these companies. The Department of Economic Affairs is actively working, in collaboration with the municipalities, to maximize the value of every plot of land designated for economic activity available in the canton, adopting a thoughtful and prudent approach to its use.”
In this context, the creation of the Eastern Coast Economic Development Cluster (La Tène) remains essential to enhancing the Canton of Neuchâtel’s appeal as a place to work.
“It is crucial that the canton address this land-use issue by supporting the creation of new economic hubs to attract, under appropriate conditions, new companies that offer highly skilled jobs. The factories being built today incorporate21st-centuryjobs, technologies, and processes; the Canton of Neuchâtel cannot afford to miss this opportunity.”
explains Alain Ribaux, president of the Council of State and head of the Department of Economy, Security, and Culture (DESC).
Active support for local businesses
The Department of Economic Affairs supported Neuchâtel-based businesses as they faced the complex economic challenges that marked 2023. Geopolitical crises, inflation, the strong franc, and various shortages all contributed to a volatile economic environment, requiring businesses to be constantly adaptable. Despite these challenges, Neuchâtel’s economic ecosystem stands out for its remarkable dynamism and resilience. As the Neuchâtel economy experienced its first full post-COVID year in 2023, the Department of Economic Affairs remains committed to guiding and supporting businesses through the stages of their qualitative growth.
Check out these two companies based in the Canton of Neuchâtel in 2023
D4D Sàrl
This American company is developing a blockchain infrastructure known as “clockchain,” which is used to secure transactions and verify their timestamps. This application bridges the gap between blockchain technology and Neuchâtel’s centuries-old tradition of measuring time. Mr. Yamada, the company’s CEO, chose Neuchâtel in June 2023 because of its blockchain-friendly environment, with the aim of developing this technology.
Neo Spark Sàrl
Established in Val-de-Travers in September 2023, this French family-owned company (parent company: “Micro Érosion”) has more than 25 years of experience in the machining of precision production parts for the luxury, medical, and aerospace industries, among others. The company will conduct its production operations in the canton.