How Lucerne is actively designing new workspaces
How can municipalities strategically develop business-friendly areas? The third "Location and business development in municipalities" forum in Lucerne presented practical approaches, tools and examples of best practice. Around 60 participants discussed ways to actively develop land for existing companies and new business locations.
At the beginning of April 2025, representatives from Lucerne municipalities and regional development agencies met for the third “Location and economic development in the municipalities” forum. The event was organised by Lucerne Economic Development and the Association of Lucerne Municipalities. The forum at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts focussed on the question of how municipalities can strategically secure and develop areas for economic activities.
Cantonal framework and digital tools
After the opening by Ivan Buck, Director of Lucerne Economic Development, and VLG President Sibylle Boos-Braun, the Business Development team presented practice-orientated tools. These included a guide and the digital tool from start.swiss, which enables automated welcome processes for new companies in the municipality. A step towards efficient administration and location management.
Cantonal planning as a driving force
André Duss from the canton of Lucerne presented the planned measures for the development of workplace areas in the draft cantonal structure plan. The focus was on areas for the expansion of local companies and attractive locations for new settlements. Coordination between the canton and municipalities is to play a central role in this.
Regional practical examples provide impetus
Specific projects were used to illustrate how municipalities are already taking action today. LuzernPlus demonstrated successful area management with LuzernNord, flanked by developments in LuzernSüd, LuzernOst and Rothenburg-Station. The Sursee Plus pilot project, presented by Matthias Senn, also showed how densified construction in work zones can also work for land-intensive companies. Florian Furrer from Schüpfheim gave an insight into the municipal process of zoning new employment areas, an example of forward-looking planning at municipal level.
Municipalities are actively shaping the future with
The forum made it clear that location and business promotion starts locally. Innovative approaches, digital tools and targeted cooperation between the canton, municipalities and regions are creating new spaces for entrepreneurial development. Lucerne shows how the future is being realised.