Ticino’s finance sector reinvents itself: the economy goes digital

Contesto

In the coming years, economic value in Ticino — as in the rest of Switzerland and advanced Europe — will no longer depend solely on warehouses, machinery or physical infrastructure. According to Giorgio Gobbi, head of the Milan branch of the Bank of Italy, the engine of development is shifting toward intangible assets: software, data, research and human capital. Speaking at the Festival of Finance for the Real Economy, organized by LIUC University of Castellanza in partnership with AIFI and Confindustria Varese, Gobbi noted that over the past two decades, computational capacity has increased by six orders of magnitude, from the millimeter to the kilometer. 'This is the foundation of the knowledge economy,' he stated. During his speech, Gobbi highlighted that the number of researchers worldwide has grown by 50% since the beginning of the century, rising from 3,000 to nearly 4,500 per million inhabitants. This shift reflects a broader transformation: today, economic value is increasingly built on what can be known, processed and developed, rather than what can be touched. However, this transition is challenging traditional financial models, which are still largely based on bank lending. Among the main limitations of current tools are the difficulties in valuing intangible assets and using them as collateral for financing. While a warehouse or a machine can be pledged to a bank, an algorithm or a database represents assets that are almost impossible to evaluate — and, above all, their recoverable value in the event of bankruptcy is often minimal. This is pushing businesses — including those in Ticino — to reduce their reliance on bank credit and instead turn to their own resources or alternative instruments such as private equity and venture capital. > 'Intangible asset...

Dettagli operativi

For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, this economic transformation has concrete implications that go beyond a simple shift in production paradigms. The move from an economy based on physical assets to one founded on intangible assets is indeed reshaping how businesses assess risks, seek financing, and manage human resources. A tangible example concerns employment contracts and pay policies: companies operating in innovative sectors tend to reward human capital with performance-based incentives and profit-sharing schemes rather than fixed wages. ### Before vs after: what changes for cross-border workers and businesses Before the current transformation: - Ticinese companies primarily financed growth through bank loans, using warehouses and machinery as collateral. - Employment contracts were often based on fixed salaries and traditional benefits (bonuses, health insurance). - A company’s value was closely tied to physical assets (plants, real estate). After the shift toward a knowledge-based economy: - Companies are reducing their reliance on bank credit and instead turning to their own funds or alternative financing tools (private equity, venture capital). - Employment contracts now reward flexibility, digital skills, and the ability to generate value through data and innovation. - A company’s value increasingly depends on software, patents, data, and employee expertise. This shift is also influencing demand for skills in the Ticinese labor market. Companies are increasingly seeking professionals capable of managing data, developing algorithms, or coordinating innovative projects. According to insights from the Festival della finanza, the global growth in researchers (+50% since 2000) reflects this trend, which is also translating into greater competition amon...

Punti chiave

If your business operates in Ticino or you are a cross-border worker in innovative sectors, it is essential to understand how to adapt your financial and professional strategies to this new economic reality. Here are the key steps to tackle the change: ### 1. Assess alternative financing options If your business faces difficulties securing bank credit for projects related to software, data, or innovation, consider exploring alternative funding tools: - Private equity and venture capital: reach out to investment firms specializing in startups and innovative projects. In Ticino, some key players like SUPSI and USI can provide connections to local or international funds. - Crowdfunding: evaluate platforms such as Kickstarter or others focused on financing tech projects. Ensure you verify the legal and tax requirements specific to Ticino. - Equity financing: if your company has a solid corporate structure, consider issuing new shares to attract investors. ⚠️ Caution: these tools require a thorough risk assessment and transparent financial information management. Before proceeding, consult an accountant or a financial advisor experienced in intangible economy matters. ### 2. Develop digital skills within your workforce If you are a cross-border worker in Ticino, investing in continuous training can give you a competitive edge. Ticinese companies are increasingly seeking professionals capable of managing data, developing algorithms, or coordinating innovative projects. Some useful training paths include: - Certifications in programming and software development (e.g., Python, Java, AI). - Data analysis and machine learning courses offered by SUPSI, USI, or other local institutions. - Cybersecurity training, which is in high demand due to increasing digitalization. 💡 T...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What are the most relevant intangible assets for Ticino-based companies?","a":"According to Giorgio Gobbi from the Bank of Italy, the most important intangible assets are software, data, patents, and human capital. These elements are increasingly becoming the main drivers of economic growth, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors such as fintech and digital logistics."},{"q":"Why is bank credit becoming less accessible for Ticino-based companies?","a":"Traditional financing tools, based on bank credit, struggle to properly assess intangible assets like software or data. Additionally, these assets are nearly impossible to use as collateral in case of default, making banks more reluctant to grant credit for innovative projects."},{"q":"What alternative financial tools can Ticino-based companies use?","a":"Ticino-based companies can turn to private equity, venture capital, crowdfunding, and equity financing. These tools are better suited to fund high-risk, high-reward projects typical of innovative sectors."},{"q":"How can a cross-border worker update their skills to work in innovative sectors in Ticino?","a":"Cross-border workers can pursue training programs in programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, or digital project management, offered by institutions like SUPSI and USI. Many Ticino-based companies also provide upskilling programs funded or subsidized for employees."},{"q":"What opportunities are available for cross-border workers in innovative sectors in Ticino?","a":"Cross-border workers operating in sectors such as fintech, digital logistics, or data management can find more stable career opportunities with better pay compared to traditional sectors. Ticino-based companies are increasingly seeking talent with digital skills and innovation capabilities...

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