The Book
Why did Switzerland become rich? And can it remain so? These questions are central to the way the country sees itself. Swiss Made: The Untold Story Behind Switzerland's Success considers and seeks to answer these questions in a way that appeals to the general reader. The book describes the origin, structure and special features of the Swiss economy that give it international significance.
The central question is how a country poor in resources could become such an important global player in so many areas of the economy. Swiss Made proves that entrepreneurial thinking and openness to new impulses are of enormous importance for the economic success of Switzerland. It also provides a critical and historically reflected answer to the question of whether the country can maintain its leading position in the face of globalization, the rise of new economic powers and the global financial crisis.
So far, Swiss Made: The Untold Story Behind Switzerland's Success has been published in 9 different languages (English, Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Polish and Vietnamese) and sold over 200,000 copies. This means the book is available in language areas covering over 50% of the world’s population.
Looking ahead, we have plans to launch additional language versions in Portuguese, Italian and Korean. This will enable us to cover a language area of around 60% of the world’s population.
The Author
R. James Breiding is the owner and founders of Naissance Capital, a Zurich investment firm. He has masters' degrees from Harvard Kennedy School and IMD in Lausanne. For several years he wrote for The Economist and Swiss issues. He has been elected a fellow by Harvard University's Centre for International Development in connection with his research on Swiss Made. He holds dual Swiss and US citizenship.
Voices
Nicolas Hayek
- Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman of The Swatch Group
Wer von Swiss Made profitiert, soll auch etwas dafür tun.
Ignazio Cassis
- Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
By communicating the achievements and innovations of Swiss companies and industries, this outstanding publication will help to strengthen business relations between Switzerland and its partners.
Lawrence Summers
- Former president of Harvard University. Former Director of the Economic Council under US President Barack Obama and Chief Economist of the World Bank
At the time when European capitalism is coming under pressure in many places, this book is a masterful advocate of the Swiss model. Everyone who is concerned with the future of the economy should read this book.
Uli Sigg
- Entrepreneur, art collector and former ambassador of Switzerland to the People’s Republic of China.
If I wasn’t already a passionate Swiss citizen, I would be after reading this book.
Rudolf Minsch
- Chief Economist Economiesuisse
This well-written book provides the reader with astonishing insights into how a large number of small Swiss companies from various branches of industry became leading global players.
Paul Volcker
- Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of the United States of America
In a turbulent world, this book provides valuable lessons for us all.
Peter Spuhler
- Entrepreneur and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler Rail Group
The Swiss economic model was shaped by independent and innovative personalities. This is expressed in this book in an outstanding way.
Jean-Pierre Roth
- Former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank and Board member of Nestlé, Swatch and Swiss Re
This book reveals the secrets of Switzerland’s impressive success in the midst of globalization: diligence and tenacity, entrepreneurial spirit and freedom of creation, openness to people and markets, focus on quality and innovation. A model for Europe with its lack of growth.
Peter Voser
- Chairman of the Board of Directors of ABB
Switzerland has preserved its traditional strengths better than many other Western countries. Anyone interested in learning how this has happened (and can happen) should read this book.
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Swiss Made: The Untold Story Behind Switzerlands Success is also available in many different languages. Please contact Stefan Widmer if you would like to order one.