Innovation as a key driver of business performance
Innovation is central to Swisscom’s business performance and helps the company achieve its strategic goals. Even the best customer experience can be improved even further through upgrades to existing products and services. With the help of analytical tools, artificial intelligence and automation, Swisscom designs processes to be even more efficient. It creates growth by developing new products and services. Innovation also helps Swisscom position itself as the best ICT employer, attract the best talent and retain it. Swisscom works closely with partners, universities, start-ups and established technology companies.
Swisscom supports the internal innovation process through its Kickbox intrapreneurship programme.
In its Silicon Valley office, Swisscom has been engaged in trend and technology scouting since 1998. At the same time, Swisscom Outpost is an integral part of the Silicon Valley ecosystem. It establishes local partnerships with advanced technology companies whose products and business models are subsequently transferred to Switzerland.
The Swisscom Ventures division has been investing in start-ups since 2007 and networking them with Swisscom in order to stimulate innovation. In the year under review, Swisscom made investments in nine new companies and eleven follow-up investments in existing holdings. These include Scandit, a leading smart data capture company. Additionally, Swisscom uses the Swisscom StartUp platform to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in Switzerland through consulting, discounts on IT and cloud services, expert know-how, coaching programmes, financing and community events.
The year under review featured the tenth Swisscom Start-up Challenge, which was all about climate protection and sustainability. Over 200 start-ups from 30 countries applied for the funding programme. The five winners of the Start-up Challenge secured spots to participate in a one-week exploration programme with sustainability and ICT experts from Swisscom while also gaining access to the Swisscom ecosystem. They now have access to workshops, coaching and a network that includes companies from the areas of climate protection and energy efficiency as well as investors. They also get the chance to partner with Swisscom. Swisscom strengthens the internal innovation process through the intrapreneurship programme Kickbox, which provides employees with tools, a clear process and resources for innovation projects. The programme is also available to other companies via the spin-off rready AG.
See www.swisscom.ch/innovation