A Global Company with Roots in Uzwil
With over 12,000 employees in 140 countries, the Bühler Group is a global technology leader in food processing and sustainable mobility solutions. Headquartered in Uzwil, eastern Switzerland, it’s not only an administrative hub but also the heart of a global innovation network: more than 2,500 employees work here across research, development, production, and sales.
The innovation campus CUBIC, eight specialized application centers, and more than 1,000 annual customer visits prove the point: at Bühler, innovation, training, and practice go hand in hand. That’s exactly where Christoph Hell Rosalen (Head of HR) and Andreas Bischof (Head of Vocational Education) focus their efforts.
Speaking with the two leaders, one thing becomes clear: at Bühler, people development goes far beyond recruitment. It’s about trust, mindset – and early responsibility. “At Bühler, we live our top values: Trust, Ownership, and Passion,” says Hell Rosalen. “When you join us, don’t ask what the company can do for you – ask what you can contribute.”
When Culture Matters More Than the CV
So, what defines a successful collaboration? For Bischof, it’s not about grades, but cultural fit. “Students should first explore a company’s culture and then decide whether their topic fits – not the other way around.”
Bachelor’s or Master’s theses play a key role here. Yet, Hell Rosalen believes there’s room for improvement:
“Universities could be more courageous. Students should learn to tackle real-world problems – not just theoretical constructs.”
The perfect methodology is less important than a reflective attitude: openness, willingness to learn, and initiative. One often-overlooked factor? International mobility. “We’ve noticed a decline in students’ willingness to go abroad,” says Hell Rosalen. “Yet, international assignments offer immense development opportunities.” Bühler offers placements at global sites – often lasting one to three years. Those who embrace it grow both professionally and personally.
ETH Zürich & Bühler: When Innovation Meets Reality
A strong example of knowledge transfer in action is Bühler’s partnership with ETH Zurich. The model? “We work with three lead engineers who are connected to ETH and coordinate eight to ten Master’s students,” Bischof explains. “They spend six months with us, working on real-world company challenges.”
The outcome is compelling: students bring the latest technological know-how, challenge existing thinking, and develop prototypes that Bühler’s R&D can directly build upon.
“Thanks to the close mentoring from our lead engineers, the quality remains high. Even if a thesis isn’t perfect, we know the student is a good fit both culturally and personally,” adds Hell Rosalen. For HR, this means lower effort, better matches, and direct access to highly motivated young professionals.
The ETH collaboration shows what’s possible when universities and companies are willing to share responsibility and co-create learning experiences – generating real value for both sides and society at large.
Looking Ahead: New Roles, New Expectations
The working world is changing fast – and so are expectations for education and teaching. Bischof puts it plainly:
“Teaching and learning no longer work in a traditional lecture-hall format.”
Instead, it’s about the 4 Cs: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking. These should not be buzzwords in glossy brochures – they must be embedded into academic programs and projects. And the role of educators is evolving too: “The teacher of the future is no longer a knowledge gatekeeper, but a facilitator, guide, and moderator of learning processes.”
The message from both leaders is clear: effective transfer between academia and industry isn’t just about individual projects – it’s a shared, ongoing process. “The question isn’t what tomorrow’s working world will look like,” says Hell Rosalen. “It’s whether we’re ready to shape it – starting today.”