The Canton encourages inward job creation in selected central locations. It concentrates its financial, infrastructure and personnel resources on the Cantonal development focal points (ESPs) and, through a coordinated strategy, harmonises them with the interests of the economy, transport, town planning and the environment.

Around half of the locations are situated at public transport nodes, covering a large catchment area for workers and customers. They are particularly suited to offices, distribution centres and leisure uses. The other ESP locations are situated near motorway exits. They are of interest primarily for industrial or commercial uses and, to a certain extent, specialist stores.

The policy adopted by the Canton of Berne is paying off. During the period 1998-2003, gross added value in these ESP locations rose by 20% (2nd and 3rd sectors). By comparison, growth for the Canton as a whole was 6%. The fact that the framework conditions are attractive for investors and end-users alike is evidenced by a host of current examples, such as the move of the head offices of Railtour Suisse to the ESP Zollikofen (former Matra site), the decision of Batigroup to construct service buildings at the ESP Ittigen Worblaufen (tenant HELSANA); the construction of Alloga's ultramodern logistics centre in the ESP Burgdorf Buechmatt.

For more information on Cantonal development focal points (ESPs) please contact us.