18 Jun 2026
The second German-speaking Fribourg / Sense–See Business Forum took place in Düdingen and was organised by the School of Management Fribourg. The event focused on the importance of family-owned businesses in the region's economic development.
Significance with respect to the canton
State Councillor Olivier Curty, together with Jerry Krattiger, Director of the Fribourg Economic Development Agency, and Pascal Wild, Director of the School of Management Fribourg, highlighted the role of family-owned businesses from both economic policy and strategic perspectives. They emphasised that family-owned enterprises make a vital contribution to the canton of Fribourg’s economic stability, capacity for innovation, and long-term value creation.
Insights from the field
Through contributions from local family-owned businesses, the School of Management Fribourg specifically highlighted the perspective of regional companies. Liliane Kramer (Joggi AG), together with Dominic Aebi and Dora Aebi Küpfer (Aebi Kaderli Garten Center AG), highlighted that long-term thinking, a strong sense of responsibility across generations, and deep regional roots are among the key factors behind their success.
Research insights
In addition to the discussion, Jürgen Fritz, Head of Research at the School of Management Fribourg, presented recent findings on family-owned businesses in Western Switzerland. His analysis highlighted both their economic importance and their particular resilience.
A platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange
Through the Business Forum, the School of Management Fribourg fosters dialogue between business, policymakers and researchers, contributing to an informed discussion of key economic issues in the German-speaking Fribourg / Sense–See region.
The School of Management Fribourg would like to thank all participants for their commitment and for the high quality of their contributions.
Photos: Eva Bourgknecht / Eva Creative Media