In March 2000, Patrick Aebischer took office as the presidency of the EPFL, a position he will occupy until the end of 2016. Under his direction, the school took off in international benchmarks and even tried to compete with his big Sister Zurich the EPFZ.
In 2001, Daniel Borel celebrated the 20th anniversary of Logitech. It is also the year when 80 million mice are sold worldwide – ten per second. Logitech is then considered a real “SwissTech” company.
On March 2, 2003, by 5-0, the Roman team of Alinghi won the 31e America’s cup. The union associated with the Nautical Society of Geneva thus becomes the very first team of the European continent to win this trophy, and this, from its very first participation.
These three events propelled the Lake Geneva Arc to the map of the territories which counts in the competition of nations. It was a glorious era. All hopes were allowed.
And yet, in just two decades, dreams flew.
Zurich took over in four significant directions: transport, polytechnic school, start-up and IA
Xavier Countess and Philippe Labouchère
In the match of the two major regions of Switzerland, the Lake Geneva arc and the Zurich metropolis, the one that largely dominates, despite a population more or less equivalent in number, is now Zurich. She took over in four significant directions: transport, polytechnic school, start-ups and artificial intelligence (AI).
The EPFZ is regularly ranked among the best world universities and is often the best classified in continental Europe. For example, she occupies the 7e Place in the QS World University Rankings 2026, while the EPFL is 22e. Whatever the rankings, the Zurich are always ahead.
In terms of rail transport, the gap is obvious. Initiated on May 27, 1990, the RER Zurichois is the first and most extensive in Switzerland (380 km of lines). The city station is a continental reference in terms of railway infrastructure and traveler experience.
In the innovation and entrepreneurship sector, the Zurich people create the most start-ups in Switzerland. According to Startup Radar, it is more than 30% of all the young shoots in the country.
Regarding the ecosystem of artificial intelligence, the sector of the future and a global issue, Zurich plays in the big leagues. The Lake Geneva is not at all in the same league despite certain assets to be asserted (such as the Idiap Martignerain).
Zurich is largely ahead. One point is everything. The observation is bitter.
In short, the Lake Geneva Arrk missed out on its history at the beginning of the 21st century
Xavier Countess and Philippe Labouchère
What happened? Many things, from which we extract the most sensitive.
The Lake Geneva arc has notably lost charismatic leaders, missed its investments in mobility, particularly with SBB, lacking in visions of the future by missing AI, lost a lot of energy by making local and compartmentalized microgestion from one canton to another. He also sent weak deputies to Bern, created too many unnecessary structures (there are more people who accompany start-ups than CEO to direct them), favored with investments without growth lever, refused to bring together his intercantonal forces to maintain hyper-local (example: university, HES, hospitals …). He was still mistaken to carry out major projects, and many other pitfalls. In short, the Lake Geneva Arrk missed out on its history at the start of XXIe century.
What to do?
It is absolutely necessary to restore a strong, coherent and futuristic vision to the Lake Geneva Metropolis by making choices, by finding a force in pragmatic action and imposing prestigious achievements. Be an engine and inspire generations. The well-being of everyone is well.
Go to the start of the school year to lay the foundations for such a goal.