Green tech: opportunities for the canton of Grisons

The study analyses the economic and technological opportunities offered by green technologies for the canton of Graubünden and comparable mountain regions. It shows in which sectors sustainable innovation can be particularly effective - and which framework conditions need to be created in order to generate concrete added value.

The energy transition presents mountain regions with particular challenges - but also opportunities. For the first time, the study provides a data-based overview of where investments and innovations in the field of green tech are worthwhile for Graubünden and what framework conditions are necessary for this.

The study shows how green technologies can strengthen economic development in mountain cantons. It provides concrete starting points on how regional resources - such as wood, sun, water or CO₂ - can be transferred into new value chains. It therefore provides a sound basis for location promotion programmes to provide targeted support for innovation projects and build sustainable economic structures.

Three focal points are at the centre:

• Energy generation: potential for photovoltaics, biogas and decentralised energy supply.
• Construction sector: reduction of CO₂ emissions through innovative concrete and timber construction methods.
• Plastics chemistry: utilisation of bio-based raw materials and CO₂ as a resource.

Graubünden has natural resources such as wood, sun, water and CO₂ from industrial processes that enable the development of a green economy. However, the biggest obstacles lie less in technology than in political, social and economic structures - for example in authorisation procedures, a lack of standards and acceptance problems.

The findings can be transferred to other Swiss mountain regions. The study provides a blueprint for how peripheral regions can become pioneers of sustainable transformation through innovation, cooperation and targeted investment.

The study was carried out by the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) on behalf of the Graubünden Umbrella Organisation for Business (DWGR) - as part of the Graubünden Green Tech Competence Network and in collaboration with partners from business, research and administration.

The study shows in which sectors and technologies the economic potential is greatest - for example in photovoltaics, timber construction, biogas plants, CO₂-reduced concrete or bio-based plastics chemistry. It identifies regional resources, possible value chains and market opportunities, particularly for SMEs.

Around 70 per cent of employees in Graubünden work in green tech-related sectors. Companies from the construction, energy and wood industries, chemicals and waste and resource management are particularly active.

Examples include Zindel United (CO₂-reduced concrete), Uffer Group and Resurses Surselva (timber construction), Bio Energina AG in Silvaplana (biogas), EMS-Chemie (bio-based plastics) and the Graubünden University of Applied Sciences ' Solar Vertical project (photovoltaics).

The Graubünden Green Tech Competence Network connects these players and promotes cooperation between business, research and administration.

The study emphasises that small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, with their short decision-making processes and innovative strength, are key players. It shows where SMEs can implement pilot projects, test new business models and act as drivers of transformation.

The study "Green Tech: Opportunities for the Canton of Graubünden" shows that the biggest challenges are not so much of a technical nature, but lie in authorisation procedures, market acceptance and financing. This helps SMEs to realistically assess risks and approach them strategically.

The study "Green Tech: Opportunities for the Canton of Graubünden" emphasises that small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, with their short decision-making paths and innovative strength, are key players. It shows where SMEs can implement pilot projects, test new business models and act as drivers of transformation.