In Altdorf, is as a currently under construction Its design and projectsare gradually taking shape. The initiators envision a new "logistics hub" emerging. A master's program is planned to begin in 2022.
Even in the most remote corners of the world, online shopping is no longer a problem. Almost everything requires just a click on your smartphone – and the goods are delivered right to your doorstep. However, this requires considerable organization and smoothly functioning processes behind the scenes. The demands on logistics are increasing with advancing digitalization and globalization.
To develop optimal and sustainable logistics solutions for the future, a new competence and innovation center is currently being established: Logistikum Schweiz GmbH was founded in autumn 2019 by VNL Switzerland, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, and the Detranz Competence Center for Transport-Efficient Management. Close cooperation exists with the Canton of Uri and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The center's development is also being financed by funds from the New Regional Policy of the Canton of Uri and the Swiss Federal Government (NRP). The numerous interdisciplinary research and development projects will be financed through contributions from industry, the public sector, and foundations. Among others, the Dätwyler Foundation has also pledged support for a current research project.
Currently, a three-person team is working on the development of the project at the Working Point on Dätwylerstrasse in Altdorf. The focus is on researching value creation systems and innovative solutions – with particular attention to aspects of sustainability, globalization, and technological development in an increasingly interconnected world. At the same time, Logistikum Schweiz aims to promote innovation in the areas of purchasing, logistics, and supply chain management, thereby contributing to the development of competitive regional and international logistics and value creation networks.
Herbert Ruile, Managing Director of Logistikum Schweiz GmbH.
The first industrial, research, and innovation projects have now been launched at the Altdorf site. "Now we're picking up speed," says Managing Director Herbert Ruile. To further advance research activities, the innovation center is creating additional skilled jobs.
The canton of Uri was not chosen as a research location and object of study by chance: "Uri is an important logistics hub in Europe," says Ruile. "Its location and history as a connecting canton between north and south make it ideally suited to analyzing value chains and shaping them for the future." The Gotthard economic and cultural region exemplifies the ecological, economic, and geographical challenges – as a logistical gateway for north-south goods transit, with a growing regional domestic market, international connections, and as a challenge for spatial planning given the severely limited space available for traffic and transport infrastructure.
The challenges include regionalization, decarbonization, and digital transformation. The potential of new technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things should be harnessed to develop future-proof, resource-conserving, and efficient value creation networks with innovative solutions. These technologies are applied in agriculture, commerce, industry, trade, and services. Consequently, numerous well-known Swiss companies have already joined the R&D programs.
One of the current research projects has the working title "Opportunities and Challenges of Sustainable Alpine Value Creation Systems: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow". Using the canton of Uri as a case study, the project examines how value creation systems, their logistics, and their energy requirements have changed over the centuries.
Annual "Logistics Vision Days" are planned to establish the center as a think tank. In collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, a Master's program in Logistics will be offered in both Altdorf and Lucerne starting in 2022. This future education and training program will further strengthen the Logistikum, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and the Canton of Uri as a research and education hub.
