Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness
What does it take to lead organizations through geopolitical uncertainty?
At the Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness, we analyze how global power shifts, economic fragmentation, and strategic rivalries are redefining the drivers of business success. We examine the evolving relationship between geopolitical forces and corporate competitiveness and support leaders in identifying risks early, seizing opportunities, and adapting their strategies to these new realities.
Leadership & Team
Continuing Education
Our part-time continuing education programs help you advance in our core areas of expertise. Current developments are systematically analyzed and linked to relevant concepts and theories. In our courses, you benefit not only from the extensive expertise of ZHAW but also from external guest lecturers drawn from our broad international network.
- MAS Geopolitics & Information Security – coming soon
- DAS Applied Diplomacy – Navigating the International Arena with Confidence
- CAS Foreign Affairs and Applied Diplomacy – Including Excursions to Bern, Brussels, and Geneva
- CAS Geopolitics and Business Strategy – From Scenario to Decision
- WBK Diplomacy in the Digital Age – Foreign Policy in the Digital Age – with a Excursion to Tallinn
- WBK Diplomacy & Information Security – Security Policy in the Age of Hybrid Threats – with an Excursion to Vienna
- WBK Business Skills Training - The Middle East
Service and Consulting Offerings
Drawing on scientific insights and proven research methods, we help you overcome the current challenges facing your company or organization. Our extensive project experience, the combined expertise of the International Management Institute, and a well-established network of contacts in the business, political, and academic communities make us a strong partner for consulting and services.
Reference Projects:
- Nearshoring solutions
We have studied the nearshoring trend in more detail and developed an IT Nearshoring Index from it, which is updated annually. This company-specific and personalized nearshoring index is able to determine optimal nearshoring locations. This enables companies to be supported in their location evaluation by means of location risk assessments. Several IT companies have already made use of this service of a customized index. - Applied Negotiation
Our International Negotiation specialist Khaldoun Dia-Eddine regularly trains companies and their employees in negotiation techniques, including an established Swiss security company. - Digital Diplomacy
The CGC develops analyses on the success factors of the digital transformation and what these mean for digital foreign policy. - Secretariat for the Switzerland-Japan Parliamentary Group
Since 2016, Dominique Ursprung has served as secretary of the parliamentary group, which supports exchanges between parliamentarians from Switzerland and Japan.
Previous Service and Consulting Activities:
- Geopolitical Risks in a Fragmented Economy
Economic fragmentation presents companies with new challenges. A project funded by Innosuisse has developed a new stress test—a practical tool that offers Swiss companies certainty, guidance, and strategic support. - Management of the Office of the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce (SJCC)
For six years (2016-2021), Dominique Ursprung managed the office of the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce. The Zurich-based association promotes Swiss-Japanese economic relations and has 300 members. All six years ended with a profit, raising the chamber's profile as a key player in bilateral relations.
International Business Podium
As part of the International Management Institute, the Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness regularly organizes events with speakers from all over the world as part of the ZHAW International Business Podium. The IBP deals with current political and economic developments and discusses the topics that affect business and management with experts and academics. It is primarily aimed at our students, but is also open to the general public.
Swiss Managers Survey
Der Wirtschafts-Barometer der Schweiz
The Swiss Managers Survey is an annual study that captures the state of the Swiss economy. It highlights the trends shaping today’s business landscape and addresses the most pressing challenges companies face, backed by rigorous academic research.
Drawing on a nationwide network of universities of applied sciences and robust methodologies, the survey delivers actionable insights for decision-makers in both business and politics. Its findings inform strategic conversations around digital transformation, geopolitical risk, ESG priorities, and other critical issues facing organizations today.
Trade Councillor Luncheon
The Trade Councillor Luncheons, organized by the Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness (CGC) together with the Delegation of the European Union in Bern, are an exclusive lunch series featuring keynote insights from leaders in business and academia on current trade policy and geopolitical developments. The events focus on open dialogue and personal exchanges among economic diplomats accredited in Bern.
Learn more: Trade Councillor Luncheon
News
New Podcast Episodes on Iran: Khaldoun Dia-Eddine Analyses Geopolitical Dynamics and Negotiations
21 May 2026
In two new episodes of the podcast "Geopolitics in Motion", the ZHAW Center for Geopolitics and Global Competitiveness explores the geopolitical developments surrounding the war in Iran. Khaldoun Dia-Eddine provides expert insights into current negotiations, international power dynamics, and the broader geopolitical context.
Swiss Managers Survey 2026: “Geopolitical Crosswinds”
19 May 2026
As geopolitical uncertainty remains high, Swiss firms are facing new challenges for their business activities and competitiveness. This year’s survey explores how Swiss firms are affected, how risks materialize in business activities, and how companies are adapting. It also examines the importance of the bilateral agreements for Swiss firms and their operations.
The survey takes 7 to 9 minutes to complete. Respondents will receive exclusive access to the detailed results. The survey is available in four languages.
Thank you for your valuable time and participation.
Geopolitical Escalation in Venezuela: IMI and CGC Expertise Assesses Current Developments
6 January 2026
The escalation in Latin America raises fundamental questions about the international order, power projection, spheres of influence, and the future role of the United States in global politics. At the ZHAW International Management Institute, and particularly at its ZHAW Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness, there is extensive expertise to assess these developments from geopolitical, economic, and institutional perspectives.
Is Switzerland a reliable security partner for Europe? ZHAW article for "De Facto"
15 December 2025
What place does Switzerland have within the new security developments on the European continent? Dr Alina Nychyk and Felix Lisibach from the ZHAW Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness explore this question in an article for the political portal De Facto.
“Those who continue as before risk being caught off guard by the next shock”: Prof. Florian Keller in a ZKB interview
15 December 2025
Rising uncertainty, shrinking markets: resilience is becoming increasingly important for Zurich-based SMEs. In an interview with Zürcher Kantonalbank, Florian Keller, ZHAW expert in geopolitics and competitiveness, explains how companies can remain successful.