Leading industries and companies
Life Sciences and Chemical Industries
Basel
has the highest density of successful life science-enterprises world wide. With Roche and Novartis,
the headquarters of two of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies are located in Basel. But that
is only half of the big picture. The Life Sciences cluster in Basel also comprises many smaller companies
and highly successful start-ups. Basel is part of the trinational Bio Valley stretching from Basel to
Strasburg in France. It is not just the local pharmaceutical, bio- and medtech companies that profit
from this dynamic cluster of life science-enterprises. All other branches of trade take advantage of
its innovative potential, too. The chemical industry and nanotechnology are also well represented in
the Basel area with companies that include Syngenta, Lonza, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Clariant and Huntsman.
Medical technology is focusing increasingly on the interface between life sciences and medical technology.
With Straumann and Synthes there are already two world leaders that are based here in Basel.
Logistics
and Commerce
Its optimal location and accompanying public transportation
system make Basel Switzerland’s logistics center. The main road and rail routes for Europe all intersect
in Basel, and global players like Panalpina make excellent use of this. Trading companies are also well
represented in the Basel region.
Creative Industries (Art,
Fashion, Design, Architecture)
Art, design and architecture play an important role
in Basel and are closely linked to its economy. The annual BaselWorld trade fair
has turned Basel into one of the most significant commercial centers for the watch and jewelry business.
Over almost 40 years, Art Basel has established itself as the leading trade fair
for contemporary art worldwide, and Basel architects – with Herzog & de Meuron as the biggest stars
– are internationally acclaimed.
Financial Services, Insurances
and IT
As a top business location, Basel also is a prime financial
center, where UBS, the world’s largest asset manager, and the Bank for International Settlements have
their headquarters. Besides financial services, which include insurance, private banking and risk capital
companies, leading IT organizations also offer their services here.
Find
more details on industries and leading companies in Basel here
