The Economic Challenges of Demographic Change

Gerzensee Policy Dialogue
12 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Conferences & Events
By invitation only

This new conference aims to bring together leading economists and experts from international organizations, academia, think tanks, and the federal administration to discuss the multifaceted challenges of demographic change in Switzerland.

Conference Program

Our discussions will focus on several core topics, including:

  • Macroeconomic & Demographic Trends: Shifts in Switzerland and abroad.
  • Labor Markets: Productivity, changing demand, and skilled labor shortages.
  • Social Security & Health: Pension sustainability, longevity, and healthcare funding.
  • Infrastructure: The impact of ageing on housing and public services.

Thursday, November 12

Speakers: Manuel Buchmann (Demografik), Ilka Steiner (BSV)

Focus topics: birth rates; migration; outlook on other topics

12:15 – 13:45 Lunch

Speakers: Thomas Brändle (EFV), Nils Herger (SZG), Carlos Lenz (SNB)

Focus topics: monetary and fiscal effects (low interest rates, secular stagnation, aging and public debt)

15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break

Speakers: Hendrik Budliger (Demografik), Ursina Kubli (ZKB)

Focus topics: housing; traffic

Friday, November 13

07:00 – 08:25 Breakfast

Speakers: Andrea Bassanini (OECD), Axel Börsch-Supan (MEA), Michael Siegenthaler (KOF)

Moderator of the panel discussion: Patricia Funk (USI)

Focus topics: aging and productivity; changing labor demand; shortages of skilled workforce

10:00 – 10:30 Coffee break

Speakers: Simon Wieser (ZHAW), Beatrix Eugster (University of St.Gallen), Malanie Häner-Müller (IWP), Christian Schmid (CSS Institute)

Focus topics: demand side; supply side; funding issues

12:15 – 13:45 Lunch

Speakers: Tabea Bucher-Koenen (University of Mannheim), Monika Bütler (University of St.Gallen), Arthur Seibold (LMU Munich), Michaela Slotwinski (University of Neuchâtel)

Focus topics: insurance and longevity; transition from work into retirement; gender and family

 

Organizing Committee

Nils Herger (Study Center Gerzensee)
Monika Bütler (University of St. Gallen)
Manuel Buchmann (Demografik)
Carlos Lenz (Swiss National Bank)
Michael Siegenthaler (KOF Institute, ETH Zurich)
Christian Schmid (CSS Institute)