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In debate: Entrepreneurs meet students

On Friday, 7 March 2014, 27 students on the Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship at the University of Liechtenstein took the opportunity during a visit to Kaiser AG in Schaanwald, Liechtenstein, to compare their acquired expertise with the corporate practice of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2013.



On Friday, 7 March 2014, 27 students on the Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship at the University of Liechtenstein took the opportunity during a visit to Kaiser AG in Schaanwald, Liechtenstein, to compare their acquired expertise with the corporate practice of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2013.

A report by Julius Rößner, student of the Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship, 2nd semester


Friday afternoon was a glorious spring day in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Students on the Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship were not where they are normally to be found – in the lecture hall – but on the way to a company visit, with a view to experiencing first-hand the topic of growth management from the perspective of an entrepreneur from the region. 



Group photo of the students on the Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship with CEO Markus Kaiser (2nd from right) and Professor Urs Baldegger (1st from right).


Markus Kaiser, owner and CEO of Kaiser AG, took the time to talk about growth and associated problems in his company. Kaiser AG manufactures sewer cleaning vehicles and excavators, which are distributed worldwide.



Marco Oehri (centre), student of the Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship and a team leader with Kaiser AG, organised the afternoon in his capacity as the link between the university and Kaiser AG.


Combination of theory and practice

Prior to this, Professor Urs Baldegger, head of the Master’s degree programme, had already explained in the lecture why Kaiser AG is an interesting company regarding growth. Kaiser AG is active in a niche market with saturated markets. Nevertheless, Markus Kaiser, who was voted Liechtenstein Entrepreneur of the Year 2013, has secured the company renewed growth and large profits. Today, Kaiser AG has a headcount of 250 and generates a turnover of CHF 70 million.


Putting your heart and soul into success

After the welcome address the charismatic entrepreneur began his enthralling presentation. The students immediately noticed just how much heart and soul Markus Kaiser had put into his company. The basic condition for the success of Kaiser means being the technology leader in the niche sector. In 2013 Kaiser AG was awarded the Bauma Innovation Prize for its efforts. This prize is seen as a prestigious distinction throughout the construction industry. 

The Entrepreneurship students had already learned in theory in the Master’s degree programme how important liquidity is for growth. Markus Kaiser confirmed in his presentation that liquidity is another important condition for success in order to be able to act freely as an entrepreneur. 



Markus Kaiser, CEO of Kaiser AG, talking with the students of the Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship at the University of Liechtenstein.


In order to be in a position to generate new growth, Kaiser also concentrates on the acquisition of competitors. In this sector, which is currently dominated by family-run businesses, acquisition is very difficult as a consequence of the emotional ties of the founding family with the company.


After the presentation by Markus Kaiser the students were privy to a company tour which gave them excellent insight into the R&D and production departments. The tour ended with the highlight of the students being invited to drive the eight-tonne excavator – a very special kind of practical experience.



Impressive demonstration of a Kaiser AG excavator.