Simone Wyss Fedele Chief Executive Officer
Winner: Best use of information technology
Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
GOGLOBAL COCKPIT: REVOLUTIONIZING EXPORT DEVELOPMENT FOR SWISS SMEs
‘The key trend over the last four years is that companies want support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But even the best digital tool can’t be fully tailored. You get higher quality by combining it with personal interaction.’
Simone Wyss Fedele Chief Executive Officer
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY
‘Innovative - uses AI algorithms to assist SMEs. Embeds components not usually available within similar TPO online services.’
‘Agile methodology from S-GE: customer contact and situation analysed to chart the course for processes – conducted with speed and inclusivity of key stakeholders.’
‘This project was well organized and integrated from beginning to end. The results demonstrate their achievement.’
AT A GLANCE
AI with the human touch: Swiss firms navigate export opportunities in more than 40 countries, with this innovative, hybrid service.
Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) uses artificial intelligence to provide tailored news, leads and advice to small businesses, before matching them with business advisors.
The service is designed for a wide range of businesses, from startups to seasoned exporters. Launched in 2021, new registrations were up 47% in 2023, with nearly 2,200 firms registered. User logins were up 110% in the same period.
new registrations
firms registered
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GoGlobal Cockpit blends AI-powered market information with personalized advice.
LOOKING CLOSER
In the complex trade landscape, Swiss SMEs grapple with pivotal questions. Should they export? If so, to which country and under what considerations? Can they diversify the supply chain?
Answers have not been straightforward, with information scattered across many sources. Geopolitical tensions, digital transformation, macroeconomic uncertainties, and sustainability commitments influence companies in their decisions to ‘go global’.
S-GE developed the GoGlobal Cockpit to help companies navigate trade, with personalized company dashboards to compare export potential across countries.
The service has:
- Market analysis: an algorithm identifies market potential for companies.
- Business opportunities: Updated with 1500 offers daily across all sectors from over 700 sources, offering real-time opportunities from a global network. It includes a customized email notification service.
- Export guide: Import/export data is integrated with (Harmonized System) product codes. Users can generate checklists for timely, compliant, and cost-effective delivery.
- Staff deployment: Generates regulatory checklists and offers support for international staff deployment.
- Support services: Offers market insights, a personalized choice of events and articles, and an easy-to-use, streamlined booking system for consultations with experts.
Listening to clients
The initiative is founded on extensive research, including interviews, testing and stakeholder workshops. Research showed that companies require specifics, as markets vary significantly. Navigating different customs authorities, varying country regulations, and a multitude of legal requirements requires guidance. Companies also wanted to book directly with experts.
A virtual event platform integrated during the pandemic helps companies maintain vital networking and preserve business continuity and access to support previously conducted through onsite visits.
S-GE regularly develops new features based on user feedback. For example, the digital ‘Sending Employees Abroad’ guide to support companies in relocating their staff internationally provides early information and access to suitable business opportunities.
GoGlobal Cockpit blends AI-powered market information with personalized advice.
MEASURING SUCCESS
The CRM system does more than track user behaviours; it initiates automated marketing processes. User interest in specific countries or keywords are captured as business alerts, offering insights to help consultants deliver tailored solutions.
Partnerships, inside and out
The state-of-the-art team includes product managers, product owners and developers who work in sprints with careful resource allocation, timelines and deliverables.
New features undergo rigorous cost analysis, feasibility studies, and potential customer impact and ensure alignment with technical requirements, user expectations, and business objectives.
Both users and consultants receive training. Marketing campaigns drive awareness and encourage retention with personalized content. The CRM system allows for personalized follow-ups.
A vast network of strategic partnerships underpins the initiative, including industry associations, business hubs and third-party data providers.
The initiative is funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) with supplementary revenue through specific export promotion services. This mixed funding model ensures scaling of the platform while aligning with national goals for economic promotion.
Tips: Using AI with small firms
- Focus on the client. Develop the service with the client. Emphasize personalization; have clients provide information about their sector and their needs. Link the digital service with in person service.
- Stay focused on your value story. Be aware of how a service is linked to strategy. Know your impact and value story. Otherwise you will not get digital transformation right.
- Invest in digital readiness of your board. Digitalization may be normalized in a few years, and we need to be ready. Who is talking about the internet today?
TIPS for Trade and investment promotion – Going digital.
‘Comprehensive assistance for Swiss companies to venture abroad. Extensive toolset, good user guidance, and omnipresent feedback and support functions help the visitor find information.’
Expert Switzerland Global Enterprise
