The city of economy

The city of business

Innovation through tradition and cooperation

Business, science, researchand politics work together closely in St.Gallen. Active location promotion contributes to the innovative business climate. In 2007, 146 new companies were founded in the city, creating 344 new jobs. At the same time, the population increased in 2008 by 1.5 percent to 72,500. St.Gallen and the region are dominated by the textile industry. Names such as Akris AG, Bischoff Textil AG, Forster Rohner AG and Union AG are still known around the world for their top-quality textiles. Another flagship company known throughout Switzerland is brewer Schützengarten AG. Nowadays, the service sector dominates. The head offices of the Raiffeisen Group, the Helvetia Group and Switzerland's oldest bank, Wegelin & Co., are all based in St.Gallen. Industry is dominated by top high-tech companies in machinery, medicine, pharmaceuticals and electronics.

A climate of close mutual exchange between business, science, research and politics has arisen from the fields of education and research. Cantonal and municipal location promotion and organisations operating on many levels undertake active lobbying in the interests of a dynamic economy and offer companies tailored services.

Active regional policies and location promotion are having an effect: The number of people working in the city rose by almost ten percent between 2005 and 2008. Today around 66,000 people work at around 54,000 full-time jobs in the city.