In 2024, the Campus Energypolis, based in Sion, generated nearly CHF 175 million in economic impact and around 1,350 full-time equivalent jobs within the canton. These figures are the result of a study conducted by the CREA Institute of applied economics at the University of Lausanne, commissioned by the Department of Economy and Formation following a motion from the Grand Conseil. This study shows that for every franc invested in the Campus Energypolis by the Canton of Valais, three francs are generated for the cantonal economy.
In 2012, the Canton of Valais and the EPFL signed an agreement to establish 11 Chairs of the Institute of Technology in Valais, laying the grounds for the Campus Energypolis. Since then, the Campus has undergone significant improvements. Bringing together the EPFL Valais Wallis, the School of Engineering (HEI), The Ark Foundation and several companies and start-up, it has established itself as an ecosystem of innovation and a driving force for the economic development of the canton, in the fields of energy, green chemistry and the environment.
Following a motion from the Grand Conseil in November 2020, the Department of Economy and Formation (DEF) commissioned the CREA Institute of applied economics at the University of Lausanne to analyse the economic benefits of the Campus for the canton. This study is based on an analysis model developed by the CREA Institute and adapted to the specific features of an open regional economy, such as that present in Valais. The analysis is based on five impact channels:
- the expenses of the Campus, through the EPFL Valais Wallis, the HEI and The Ark Foundation
- the economic impact of the companies created within the scope of the Campus
- the training provided by the HEI, which enables graduates to benefit from higher remuneration level throughout their career, boosting their spending in Valais
- the expenses of the Campus students
- the expenses of visitors to the Campus
The Campus is still in its growing stage, and the estimations of this study are based on the 2024 data.
CHF 3.1 in added value for every franc invested
The overall economic impact for 2024, that combines the direct, indirect and induced effects of the Campus Energypolis’ spending and the effects produced by its ecosystem on the local economy, is estimated at nearly CHF 175 million in added value. As a reminder, the Canton of Valais granted in 2024 CHF 56.1 million in subsidies to the Campus. The results of the CREA Institute study indicate that for every franc invested, the Campus generates CHF 3.1 in added value. This return is significant and demonstrates the relevance of public investments in innovation and education infrastructures.
According to this study, the Campus Energypolis generates around 1,350 full-time equivalent jobs (FTEs) within the canton. Notably: of the 581 FTEs employed by the Campus in 2024 (EPFL Valais Wallis, HEI, and The Ark Foundation), around 80% reside in Valais. Of the companies created within the scope of the Campus, 224 FTEs were employed in 2024, around 68% of whom live in Valais.
85% of the impact related to the companies created
In addition, the results of the study demonstrate that the direct expenses from the Campus and companies coming in its entrepreneurial ecosystem, represent around 85% of the overall economic impact. The remaining 15% can be attributed to formation-related effects, student spending and visits linked to the Campus.
The data used to fulfil this study were provided by the EPFL Valais Wallis, the HEI and The Ark Foundation, and by twenty companies established within the Campus Energypolis framework. The data also includes payroll information, expenses for goods and services categorised by geographical origin, and workforce data converted into FTEs. Approved by the Conseil d’Etat, the final report of the CREA Institute has been forwarded to the Grand Conseil.
Source: Canton of Valais’ press release
