Recap: IVS International Forum «Sustainable value in the circular economy»
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.
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AI for Business Leaders: Workshop with Tata Matyesyan
On Tuesday, October 28th, IVS International Forum had the pleasure and honor of hosting one of the most creative sessions in its history: the AI for Business Leaders workshop. The topical theme and the chance to learn hands-on from an established expert attracted senior leaders from across the Canton of Schaffhausen.
Malgorzata Stelmach welcomed everyone on behalf of the IVS International Forum team, herself, Markus Angst and Oliver Rütsch, as well as the event sponsor Cloud Software Group Switzerland Citrix, where she serves as Managing Director. She introduced workshop leader Tata Maytesyan, former Nike marketeer, founder and CEO of Grow Global Tech and AI Society Switzerland. Tata works with organisations large and small in Switzerland and abroad and describes herself, with good reason, as an AI enthusiast. IVS IF also welcomed its guests of honor, IVS Presidents Bernhard Klauser and Martin Vögel. Malgorzata gave a brief overview of the mission and vision of IVS IF and encouraged those not yet involved to join IVS and help shape Schaffhausen’s future. She also introduced CSG Citrix, part of the Schaffhausen business community for more than 25 years.
IVS IF was very pleased to host the event at the Go Tec! Labor, one of the most impactful and forward-looking initiatives of IVS and the Canton of Schaffhausen. It is where young people in the region experience technologies such as coding, solar and 3D. We were honored that Managing Director Martin Sengel joined us to welcome the audience and present the work and achievements of Go Tec!.
Exploring the Future of Work
Then it was time to dive in. Tata invited the senior audience, including representatives of almost all major international players in the canton, to explore the future of work. She started with a clear explanation of what AI and LLMs actually are and what they are not. She also described the current market situation and strategies for dealing with change and resistance to new technologies.
The audience then chose Lindsay Keim’s idea of a Craft Beer Bar at Breite as the first practical case. Together with Tata and with the help of AI tools, participants created a business plan, a logo, a website and even outlined the opening event. All within minutes.
Hands-On Work with AI Tools
Encouraged by this start, the group continued to work on their own with well designed challenges. The workshop led through an impressive range of tools, from more common ones such as Gemini and ChatGPT to playful discoveries like Reve.art, Perplexity and others. The energy in the room stayed high.
Closing and Next Steps
To round off the event, participants enjoyed a networking apero sponsored by CSG Citrix, featuring GVS wines and snacks from Restaurant Grünerbaum. The feedback was excellent. Many participants felt both inspired and more confident in using these technologies. We look forward to seeing how AI will support the development of businesses in the Canton of Schaffhausen.
More about the IVS International Forum
On May 18th, 2025, the IVS International Forum took place in the BBC Arena at the Play Off Finals of the Swiss Handball Championship with the Kadetten Team. The event included not just thrilling handball finals but also insights from Mr. Prof. Dr. Giorgio Behr, the former chairman of the IVS Schaffhausen and President of the Kadetten, about his future vision of the BBC Arena. The forum began with the IVS IF Chairman Oliver Ruetsch (Johnson & Johnson) sharing insights about the IVS Association, particularly highlighting the mission of the IVS International Forum.
After Giorgio Behr, a recognized pioneer in the economic landscape of the Schaffhausen region and the most successful President of a handball club in Switzerland, shared his compelling insights into the key success factors for leading a prominent sports organization in the top league, it became clear that his perspective is not only compelling but inspiring.
What is truly fascinating is that Kadetten Schaffhausen operates at top level, despite being the smallest “metropolitan area” in terms of talent recruitment and spectator potential, presents a strategically exceptional phenomenon. Behr’s perspective highlights how such a compact community can foster a vibrant sports culture and thrive in competitive environments.
Furthermore, he provided details regarding the ambitious plans for the expansion of the BBC Arena sport complex, which will double its footprint to accommodate 12 different sports. This significant development promises to enhance Schaffhausen’s appeal, attracting not only professional sports spectators but also nurturing amateur sports.
Together, these initiatives underline Behr’s commitment to advancing sports in Schaffhausen, marking a pivotal contribution to the region’s attractiveness and sporting potential.
Thriller in Schaffhausen – The Kadetten started strong with a 6-goal lead, but a dramatic collapse turned the match into a nail-biter. Bern fought back twice, even taking a 2-goal lead with just 10 minutes to play. But the Kadetten showed nerves of steel, edging out a narrow win in front of 2’200 roaring fans. A reminder: the road to the 15th title won’t be easy!
Learn more about the IVS International Forum
Dear International Business Leaders in Schaffhausen, we are pleased to invite you to a very special IVS International Forum, taking place during the Playoff-Finals of the Swiss Handball Championship. This event is hosted by IVS in cooperation with the Economic Promotion of the Canton of Schaffhausen.
Kadetten Schaffhausen is running for a fourth championship in a row, their fifteenth win of the championship altogether. Before the kickoff, we are proud be to be welcomed by the former chairman of IVS and president of the Club Kadetten Giorgio Behr. He will show us the plans to double the sports-complex of the BBC Arena that will eventually accommodate more than 12 different sports and also briefly share some thoughts on the way to success both in sports and in business. His experience and insights will inspire us and illustrate the parallels that can be drawn between sporting and economic success.
Join us as we learn from one of the leading figures in the Schaffhausen region and gear up for an unforgettable game!
More information and registration
(Registration deadline: April 18th 2025)
On December 11, 2024, business leaders gathered at the IVS International Forum in Neuhausen am Rheinfall to explore the transformation of the SIG Areal – from heavy industry to modern urban living.
Shaping the future with innovation
Oliver Ruetsch (Johnson & Johnson) highlighted IVS’s mission to foster growth and collaboration among international businesses in Schaffhausen. Thomas Burkhardt (Reasco AG) shared how SIG’s legacy of innovation, dating back to 1853, continues to drive regional success.
Engaging discussions and insights
A panel led by Malgorzata Stelmach (Cloud Software Group) featured historian Dr. Matthias Wipf, Thomas Burkhardt, and Cedric Gysel (Johnson & Johnson). Topics included leadership journeys, sustainable innovations, and leveraging history for future growth.
Networking and growth
The event wrapped up with a networking apero, providing opportunities to connect and exchange ideas within Schaffhausen’s international business community.
