Barely back from Davos, the State Councilor in charge of Economic Development received Radio Lac in his office this Saturday morning. Does the fiftieth edition of this great mass of the Davos Economic Forum (WEF) still make sense for the local economy? Pierre Maudet delivers his optimistic and realistic look on the challenges of the economic planet: Climate, boss morale, local initiatives and networking.
Radio Lac: You have just returned from Davos, what to remember from this 50e World Economic Forum?
Pierre Maudet: Geneva is always present there every year. Let’s remember that Davos is in Geneva since the WEF is headquartered there and carries out activities throughout the year. It’s about taking the temperature, the pulse of the planet, with lots of lectures, debates and opportunities to seize.
Two main challenges are emerging: the digitalization of society, namely the advent of digital technology and platforms, as well as discussions related to taxation and the job market. Sustainability and environmental issues are at the heart of the debates.
Much has been said about Donald Trump, Greta Thumberg and their opposing views on the economy. Does this correspond to what you have observed?
This is what we see, it’s obvious. The climate theme is on the agenda. It is also a concern of political and economic circles. Interesting phenomenon: In Geneva, last October we launched a major event on sustainable finance, that is to say the ability for bankers to direct investments in clean energy. Three months later, it had an extremely strong response in Davos. In the banking field, many meetings follow one after another with investors, and large companies in particular the oil giants who were present on these issues. Even if the news does not echo it, Davos is a showcase for Geneva. I was also there to present a whole series of initiatives taken by the universities, in particular the University of Geneva. This is an opportunity for us to present researchers, promote start-ups from the University and try to inject them into the real economy with large companies. For example, in the environmental field, the Faculty of Science has taken the initiative to present a whole series of new activities.
Seen from Geneva, Davos is an event that may seem high. In the midst of all Heads of State, and Federal Councilors, what is the place of a State Councilor?
It is very modest and depends on the activity that can be deployed. There is the visible part of Davos seen by the media: Donald Trump’s speech and strong positions. And there’s what’s going on behind the scenes and it’s actually more important. You can meet unexpected, original and interesting meetings there, like the Prime Minister of Finland, only 34 years old (Editor’s note: Sanna Marin, the youngest Prime Minister in the world). She is extremely dynamic, connected to equality issues. I was able to talk to her ten minutes informally. These meetings are always oriented towards sharing experiences and concrete stories. After Davos, these contacts remain precious in the same way as the Geneva entrepreneurs that I also find there.
The PwC study on the morale of big Swiss and international bosses suggests that the economic sky is darkening? Did you feel it?
I felt it. At the risk of surprising you, I do not feel that it is new. It’s the same thing every year. Today’s world is fraught with uncertainty. These vary from year to year. In 2018, it was taxation. This year, the eyes are on China and the American elections. The strong presence of Africa is a source of hope in the face of demographic decline in Europe. However, the natural resources and brains of this extremely dynamic continent must be preserved. In Geneva, we are also witnessing an acceleration of economic relations. This makes it difficult to understand the issues. The WEF does not lead to any decision but brings a lot of insights and reading keys on the world around us for example, on digital issues. I come out of it very optimistic and convinced that we are at the threshold of a year in which we will see a lot of solutions emerging. We will regain control over the climate issue using new technologies.
Do you have a concrete example on this?
Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to present with the University of Geneva and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) a real-time mapping system, with a predictive dimension, to anticipate climate change. Political and economic players have found it great. I see in it the ferment of a project that could develop in 2020 in Geneva. It consists in making visible, materializing and developing the capacity to anticipate these issues of temperatures, rising sea levels and possible migrations.
On the economic dashboard you have, what are the indicators to follow, in particular on this climate issue?
In Davos, during a discussion, the moderator asked the audience what his main economic concern was. On a planetary level, everyone responded – the climate -. However, at the local level, no one cited this answer! In fact, the answer begins outside your home, this also concerns Geneva. Today, this question has all the more resonance after the inauguration of Lake Geneva Express. We need to develop mobility plans within companies, encourage carpooling and flexible working hours as well as telework to improve environmental conditions.
This has a particular resonance this weekend (due to the peak of pollution)?
Particularly in recent days in Geneva.
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