The three professors exercise a substantial influence in their respective research fields of innovation (Gassmann), start-ups and young companies (Grichnik) and family businesses (Zellweger). Firms like Audi, BASF, Bosch, Bühler, Daimler, SAP and Swisscom have established cooperation ventures with them that span many years. The findings from the research projects with these partners are also made accessible to regional SMEs through working groups. Furthermore, additional benefit for the region is generated through numerous start-ups and spin-offs. The HSG Founder Lab with the Founders' Garage has a great impact on the start-up culture on the University campus and in the region.
The three chairs would cover the entire corporate cycle from start-up to business model development and innovation and corporate succession and corporate exit, said Oliver Gassmann, who presented the GCE&I. Also, he said, the Center was involved in leading projects like the Swiss Start-up Monitor, innovation research and corporate succession. With the current projects, as well as with new ones, the Center wants to become one of the world’s leading research institutions in entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as Europe’s Number One for companies with regard to questions surrounding these topics.