On Tuesday evening, around 90 entrepreneurs and stakeholders from Liechtenstein and the surrounding region gathered at the University of Liechtenstein. The goal of the event was to present concrete approaches for how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can successfully meet the challenges of sustainability regulations.

Business and Sustainability – A Profitable Symbiosis

Deputy Prime Minister Sabine Monauni opened the event with the words: “Business and sustainability are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary: they complement each other and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.” Precisely because the term sustainability is now used almost to excess, she emphasized the importance of bringing it to life through such events and the various practical case studies presented.

Impulses for a Sustainable Future

Antonio Hautle from the UN Global Compact Network Switzerland & Liechtenstein highlighted in his presentation the opportunities that arise from a sustainable business strategy. Fabian Schierscher from Terramo AG shed light on the impact of new regulations on SMEs, while Mario Semadeni from Plaston AG provided practical insights into the implementation of sustainable measures in day-to-day business operations.

A “mood barometer” conducted by Hartmut Hübner (Meet Your Purpose) revealed the participants’ main challenges: roughly one-third cited “unclear strategies” and almost as many “lack of knowledge” as the biggest obstacles to achieving sustainable goals.

Panel Discussion: Perspectives and Solutions

In the panel discussion moderated by Rector Christian Frommelt, Christoph Ospelt (Lenum AG) explained: “The Rhine Valley region has numerous large companies that are supported by a dense network of regional suppliers. These suppliers will increasingly be drawn into the reporting obligations of large firms in the future.”

Brigitte Haas from the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LIHK) emphasized that major companies such as Hilti, ThyssenKrupp, Herbert Ospelt Anstalt, Ivoclar, and Hoval place strong emphasis on knowledge-sharing when it comes to sustainability. She noted: “The first step is often the hardest.” Hilti put it succinctly: “Seek the CO₂ and find the money.” Large companies can help SMEs identify stumbling blocks and overcome them.

Marco Büchel (Büchel Blech AG) encouraged participants: “For anyone who doesn’t know how to start: just get started. Sustainability is important for small companies, too.” Katja Gey, Head of the Office of Economic Affairs, added: “Sustainability today is synonymous with profitability and is an essential part of modern corporate management.”

Practice-Oriented Workshops for SMEs

To conclude, the University of Liechtenstein presented the workshop series “SME Practice Forum: Mastering Sustainability Regulation”, which will provide SMEs in 2025 with concrete tools and best-practice examples. Topics range from sustainability management and ecological responsibility to digital transformation and social responsibility.

Culinary Finale and Networking

The LIHK-sponsored aperitif, prepared with regional products from Vegaluna, offered plenty of space for stimulating discussions after the event. Companies and speakers took the opportunity to network and share their experiences.

Sustainability as an Engine for Liechtenstein’s Business Location

The event, supported by LGT Private Banking and the government, impressively demonstrated how companies can strengthen their competitiveness through sustainable strategies while also contributing to the development of Liechtenstein as a business location.

Further information and registration: www.uni.li/weiterbildung