Following the successful reorganisation of our Economic Development unit, 2024 proved to be a prosperous year. By advancing the professional specialisation within our new units, Corporate Relations and Support and Innovation Promotion, the Office of Economy and Labour AWA intends to offer its clients even better and expanded professional services in economic development. In 2024, we launched several new innovation promotion programmes or were just about to inaugurate them by the end of the year. Our Corporate Relations and Support team has analysed and prepared new tools and instruments and is ready to implement them gradually.
Complementing these programmes and measures, the Cantonal Government and the Great Council have set the course for maintaining the attractiveness of the Basel-Stadt business location with the Basel Incentive Programme. Starting in summer 2025, companies can submit applications for direct financial support in areas such as innovation, social impact and environment to the Office of Economy and Labour via an electronic platform. This follows the successful approval of the Basel Incentive Programme in the referendum held on May 18, 2025. The government will provide 150 to 500 million Swiss francs per year for this purpose.
The message of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is thus two-fold: On the one hand, flexibility – the Basel Incentive Programme is an answer to changes in the international economic conditions that threaten to affect the business location adversely. On the other hand, the canton stands for stability and reliability. Even in times of considerable incertitude, it offers companies legal certainty, an attractive economic framework and targeted incentives for development and growth. The Office of Economy and Labour AWA remains the main point of contact within the administration for all companies based in Basel-Stadt. The teams and entire staff are excited to continue providing this service in 2025.
Samuel Hess
Member of the Management Board & Head of Economic Affairs
