Lake Constance

The four-country region of Lake Constance owes its enormous corporate potential to this multinational structure (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein) The unique connections between four countries makes this a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship.
A large proportion of the capital invested in young businesses comes from abroad and is not restricted by national borders. Networking in German-speaking countries is possible without straying far in the four-county region around Lake Constance. You live and work in four economic and social systems here, crossing borders on a daily basis. In the four-country region around Lake Constance, you benefit from intercultural exchanges between all four countries.

Comparing 35 countries, the 2015 Innovation Indicator lists Switzerland, Germany and Austria in the top ten most innovative countries (Liechtenstein was not included). Switzerland has held the coveted position of “world innovation champion” for years. The four-country region around Lake Constance has a host of innovation drivers: the global players based there, many hidden champions and the excellent network of universities and research institutes. The Lake Constance International University (IBH) is an association of colleges based all around the lake, currently including 30 member institutions from the four countries.
Cooperation with the Lake Constance Cluster Initiative (CLIB) releases great entrepreneurial potential, containing clusters for life sciences/biotechnology, nanotechnology, packaging technology, aerospace technology, information and communication technology and nutrition that have joined together around the lake. This listing clearly shows just how many “start-up-friendly” industries are based around Lake Constance.
The proximity of four bordering states and the existing power of innovation from six different clusters and 30 universities marks the region out as a hotspot for aspiring international start-ups in German-speaking countries.