wire - news in brief

This year's Swiss HR Barometer focuses on working conditions that promote innovative behaviours amongst employees. Approaching errors in an open manner, a practice prevalent in Switzerland, has a positive effect on innovative behaviour as well as attitudes to work. Scope for improvement is found in areas such as support for new ideas, personnel development and compensation.

Higher aspirations lead to higher achievements. At least, that is true in the context of educational and occupational aspirations, as shown by a new study co-authored by economist Dr. Reto Odermatt of the University of Basel. Unrealistically high aspirations as a teenager, however, can have a negative effect on well-being as an adult.

The Canton of Zurich recently adopted the net-zero 2040 climate protection target. Here Sibylle Wälty appeals for more 10-minute neighbourhoods, which, by making better use of the settlement area, will reduce emissions.

An Indo-Swiss research team led by researchers is developing an ecological and solidarity-based business model that reduces the environmental impact of e-waste recycling.

Policymakers need to reconsider the European Union's heavy promotion of cross-border mobility if they want to preserve cohesion among member states, according to a new book by three researchers drawing on urban sociology studies carried out at EPFL.

This new partnership offers Geneva-based start-ups easier access to research laboratories and new funding opportunities.

Academic staff mobility is an important aspect that contributes to the quality of the academic system.

SUMMER SERIES: HOW SCIENCE WORKS Every year, scientists churn out over 4,000 journal articles on new discoveries and nearly 140 inventions. Even though discoveries and inventions are closely related, it would be a mistake to put them in the same basket: the intellectual property is handled in two very different ways.