i #Wirtschaft erleben statt nur lernen Lernende zur Wirtschaftswoche anmelden

On Tuesday, 24th of March 2026, IVS International Forum has hosted an event focused on future – sustainable future that is happening now, here in Canton Schaffhausen. In partnership with Economic Promotion of Canton Schaffhausen, we have discussed the value of circular economy and the impact it will have on business, this region, the world and future generations.

Malgorzata Stelmach has welcomed the leaders of Schaffhausen business community, together with Stanford and ZHAW students in the name of IVS International Forum and introduced our esteemed guests.

The session has started with a ‘make the future’ update from Christoph Schärrer, Official Chief Representative of Economic Promotion, reminding the audience of the maker and innovator DNA of this region, with the unique value proposition international impact of the companies located in the canton and the industrial legacy of the region.

Cedric Gysel, Chief Changemaker at Be Circular, , a pioneering Swiss initiative based in Neuhausen, driving the transformation of the healthcare industry toward circularity, followed with an expert talk on the concept and value of circular economy- with the challenges of today’s supply chain risks,  where today’s products become tomorrow’s resource creating not only supply, but also – resilience. He highlighted the value ad of circularity versus recycling, as in the former concept there is no deterioration of quality.

Afterwards, we have dived deep into the secrets of building successful framework for leading Circular Transformation together with dr Albena Björck, ZHAW and prof George Toyes, Stanford University. The guests learned about the key principles of successful transformation, focused on purpose, design centered on people and right use of technology. We were also introduced and got to see the results from Stanford-ZHAW-Neuhausen application of to the Stanford ME310 Principle for innovation, that has proved hugely successful across the years. It encourages businesses and innovators, to be hands on, as it can only happen by doing, no amount of planning will replace it, accept ambiguity as the necessary part of problem solving and puts emphasis on prototyping- boldly, without shame or fear, as this is the only way to find the best way forward.

The event was closed by a lively Q&A session, where audience showed full engagement and asked excellent questions on how to start and become part of the Circular Economy revolution or how to explain the value of this concept to other key decision-makers, with the dilemmas of current quarter results versus long term value of resilience.

Long evening of networking and great discussions followed over delicious Apero Riche.

We received great feedback from the participants, who felt inspired and energized by the bright ideas of the evening.

 

More about the IVS International Forum