A scientific study by the Rütter+Partner research network has evaluated the relevant opportunities and risks of Grisons in 2022. Opportunities are reflected in high added value and job creation; risks could arise if the sustainable concept were changed after the games were awarded. The Graubünden 2022 association has already taken the potential risks into account in its clarifications and is preparing the candidacy for the best possible use of its opportunities.
If you want to make optimal use of the opportunities of a major project and manage the risks, you need to know them in advance. The second part of the scientific study on the economic effects of Grisons in 2022 therefore deals with the opportunities and risks of the project. By publishing the study, the Grisons Association 2022 shows that it also deals openly and transparently with critical issues relating to its project from the outset and that it is acting proactively to manage potential risks.
In October 2012, the first part of the independent study by Rütter+Partner showed that holding the Winter Olympics in Grisons could generate up to 1.8 billion Swiss francs in added value. With a work volume of up to 15,000 person-years and up to one million additional overnight stays, the Winter Olympics project is a major commercial opportunity for the Canton of Grisons.
Ensuring the use of opportunities
Identifying opportunities provides a basis for systematically addressing their use. It is then up to the organizers, but also the government agencies and service providers from tourism and other sectors to ensure that the opportunities are seized. In addition, the Graubünden 2022 association also wants to understand and disclose how the risks are doing, because it is repeatedly claimed that the Winter Olympics primarily result in large costs and entail unpredictable risks.
The Rütter+Partner research network has therefore comprehensively clarified where the major risks for Grisons in 2022 lie and how to deal with them. Study authors Jürg Stettler and Heinz Rütter, together with a team of scientists, investigated all areas relevant to hosting games: economic, ecological and social risks were analysed and evaluated on the basis of experience.
Success criteria to minimize potential risks
The authors identify the biggest potential risk in subsequent adjustments following the awards of the games in 2015. The study also points to the issue of sustainability. In addition to the risks themselves, the study also shows the important success criteria for minimizing them:
- The early integration of sustainability issues into preparation.
- The willingness to refrain from running if necessary if their core values cannot be met.
- Binding adherence to contracts made and no subsequent changes to the detriment of the core values of the concept following a contract awarded by the IOC in 2015.
“The contracts with the IOC are binding for both sides and are subject to Swiss law,” says Matthias Remund, Director of the Federal Office of Sport and Vice President of Grisons in 2022. “Changes after their conclusion therefore require the approval of both parties.” Graubünden is also very well positioned in terms of sustainability in 2022: “With the NIV Dialogues and the binding NIV Charter, we have built up instruments to fulfill the promises. A modern and effective risk management system is also being established.”
“Homework done.”
For Graubünden 2022, the study led to no surprises: The risks are known and are being addressed by the project organization. “With the results presented today, we now have the tools in our hands to optimally tailor the candidacy and holding of the Games to positive economic effects for the population,” explained Graubünden 2022 Director Gian Gilli. “The study openly shows the biggest risks of the project and proves that we have done our homework. The people of Graubünden can say 'yes' to Graubünden 2022 with a good feeling.”
Information about the results
The report on the study and presentation slides are available at www.gr2022.ch/downloads ready to download.
gartmann.biz supports Graubünden 2022 in media and marketing: Christian Gartmann is Head of Marketing & Communications at the Graubünden 2022 Association.