In January, Rachel Page, Deputy Director at Global NC, had the opportunity to join a small North Carolina delegation visiting Western Switzerland. The experience was both energizing and deeply affirming of what is possible through intentional, cross-sector collaboration.
The visit was organized by Ryan Combs, Executive Director of Research Triangle Regional Partnerships, and Thomas Bohn of the Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa). Together, they curated an agenda that highlighted why Western Switzerland is consistently ranked among the world’s leading innovation ecosystems. Across cantons and institutions, the delegation saw firsthand the remarkable coordination between government, universities, research centers, incubators, and private industry – and a shared commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
Site visits and conversations spanned Campus Biotech, Biopôle Lausanne, and EPFL Innovation Park, as well as food and agriculture innovation hubs and discussions with public leaders, including State Councillor Isabelle Moret. Throughout the visit, striking parallels emerged between North Carolina and Switzerland: innovation-driven economies, strong academic foundations, and collaborative cultures that accelerate growth across life sciences, food systems, agtech, and advanced manufacturing.
Global NC is deeply grateful for the generosity, openness, and hospitality extended to the delegation, which included leaders from economic development, biotechnology, innovation, food systems, and industry across North Carolina. These exchanges reinforced not only the strength of existing relationships, but also the clear potential for long-term partnership.
Looking ahead, Global NC is excited to build on this momentum in March, when we return to Switzerland with participants in our Global Leaders to Switzerland program. We look forward to continuing these conversations, deepening relationships, and turning shared strengths into meaningful opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Learn more about our Global Leaders Program
Photo Caption:
From left to right: David Wyrick (NCInnovation), Ryan Combs (Research Triangle Regional Partnerships), State Councillor Isabelle Moret, Randy Trice (Alphanumeric Systems), Rachel Page (Global NC), Thomas Bohn (Greater Geneva Berne Area), Julie Emsing Mann (NC Food Innovation Lab), Bill Bullock (NC BioTech Center), Krista Covey (First in Flight).