This open access book focuses on Switzerland-based medium-sized companies with a longstanding export tradition and a proven dominance in global niche markets. Based upon in-depth documentation and analysis of 36 Swiss companies over their entire history, an expert team of authors presents several parallels in the pathways and success factors which allowed these firms to become dominant and operate from a high-cost location such as Switzerland. 
The book enhances these insights by providing detailed company profiles documenting the company history, development, and how their relevant global niche positions were reached. Readers will benefit from these profiles as they compile a diverse selection of industries, mainly active within the B2B sector, with mostly mature companies (60 years to older than 100 years since founding) and different types of ownership structures including family firms.  
'Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship' brings unique learning opportunities to owners and leaders of SMEs in Switzerland and elsewhere. Findings are based on detailed bottom-up research of 36 companies -- without any preconceived notions. The book is both conceptual and practical. It fosters understanding for different choices in development pathways and management practices.

Matti Alahuhta, Chairman DevCo Partners, ex-CEO Kone, Board member of several global listed companies, Helsinki, Finland

Start-up entrepreneurs need proven models from industry which demonstrate the various paths to success. "Masterpieces of Swiss Entrepreneurship" provides deep insights highlighting these models and the important trade-offs entrepreneurial teams must consider when choosing the path of high growth or of maximum control, as they are often mutually exclusive.

Gina Domanig, Managing Partner, Emerald Technology Ventures, Zurich

Part I. Introducing the Project

Introduction
Founders, Shakers, Prime Movers
PART II. Governance Practices
Ownership Structures
Achieving Ownership Stability
Boards and Governance
Part III. Managing for the Long Term
The Role Played by Management
Financing the Enterprise
Part IV. Focus Choices.- Business Focus Choices
Franchise Focus Choices
The Process of Focusing
Part V. Marketing Practices
Segmentation Choices
International Sales and Distribution Strategies
Marketing and Sales Processes
Part VI. Product Building Choices
Production Footprint Choices
Production Processes Choices
Product Design Choices
Product Line Choices
Supply Chain Choices
Part VII. Innovation Practices
Sourcing the Defining Business Idea
Innovation Processes
Organizing for Innovations
Part VIII. Leveraging Strategies
Leveraging Local Competitiveness
Leveraging Resources for Growth
Role of Swiss Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Epilog: Implications for Public Policy
Part IX. Company Profiles.- The 36 SME Profiles.