Research partnerships and strong networks are key to technological innovation in industry. FISBA AG, based in St.Gallen, demonstrates how this collaboration works in practice. This global company develops high-precision optical systems for endoscopy and medical imaging, working closely with medical technology firms, hospitals, universities and research institutes. “Our innovative strength is based on the interplay between scientific excellence and expertise in industrial implementation,” says Dr Martin Forrer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Head of Research and Development at FISBA AG. Research partnerships give the company access to networks of experts. “If new approaches prove promising during the preliminary assessment, they are developed further in collaboration with our research partners.”
“Our innovative strength is based on the interplay between scientific excellence and expertise in industrial implementation.”
Martin Forrer, CTO & Head of Research and Development at FISBA
The added value created by this collaboration is clearly demonstrated by specific development projects. “We would not have been able to scale the ‘Fast Axis Collimator’ micro-optics without the cooperation of our research partners,” explains Martin Forrer. A laser module with integrated functions for CTP printing technology was also developed much more efficiently thanks to this scientific collaboration. However, for the CTO of FISBA AG, success does not depend solely on the technical expertise of the people involved. “Openness, trust, expertise and the potential for innovation on an equal footing are the foundation of any successful collaboration between science and industry,” he states.
A good ecosystem for innovation
FISBA AG also benefits from this close network in the Canton of St.Gallen. In collaboration with OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences – and RhySearch, the Rhine Valley Research and Innovation Centre, several projects have already been successfully implemented. Another example of successful collaboration is the Innosuisse research project Pracmatic, which is developing new methods for monitoring and optimising coating processes for high-performance optics. The project brings together industry and research partners across the entire value chain. In addition to FISBA AG, RhySearch and OST, the project also involves Bern University of Applied Sciences, the University of Neuchâtel, Bühler Uzwil and other companies from the Swiss photonics industry. Martin Forrer sees great potential in the Sensor Innovation Hub in Buchs, which could further strengthen collaboration between research and industry in the future.
For the CTO, networks and partnerships are particularly valuable when they can draw on high-performance infrastructure and a wealth of expertise in the region. And that is precisely where he sees one of St.Gallen’s strengths. “Our proximity to research partners and the open exchange of ideas within the innovation ecosystem of Eastern Switzerland are key success factors for us.” According to Forrer, Eastern Switzerland has a well-established photonics and optics cluster that closely links companies, educational institutions and research organisations. This combination, he believes, strengthens FISBA’s competitiveness in the international market. Whilst he says that the high level of wages in Switzerland remains a challenge, it is not a location-specific disadvantage.
“Eastern Switzerland has a well-established photonics and optics cluster that closely links companies, educational institutions and research organisations. This combination strengthens FISBA’s competitiveness in the international market.”
Martin Forrer, CTO & Head of Research and Development at FISBA
Skilled workers are essential
Skilled workers are equally important in terms of innovation capacity. They are indispensable for the development of new systems and manufacturing processes, says Martin Forrer. FISBA AG’s staff come from an area stretching from Zurich to Konstanz and Sargans. Occasionally, specialists from Germany or Austria also choose to work for the company. To retain skilled staff in the long term, a technologically advanced working environment is provided. “The pipeline for project developments for customer-specific requirements must be ambitious, innovative and well-stocked,” says Martin Forrer. In addition, FISBA offers staff targeted professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to technologically complex client projects, as well as the company’s own development initiatives. This enables them to continually develop their expertise. At the same time, FISBA AG regularly takes part in OST’s careers events. “We’ve already managed to recruit a few staff members there.”
Identifying areas for joint development
Looking ahead, Martin Forrer would like to see even closer collaboration between research and industry, as companies’ specific needs often only come to light in the context of funding programmes or specialist events. “Regular dialogue could help to identify areas for joint development at an earlier stage and initiate new collaboration in a more targeted manner. The technology sectors supported by Eastern Switzerland are already well established.”
FISBA AG is one of the leading suppliers in the optics industry. In addition to its headquarters in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the company has sites in Germany, the USA, and China.
