Presentations, moderation & discussion

Finding Your Way in a Complex World

Political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe are becoming increasingly important for businesses, policymakers, and society. At the same time, the interrelationships are becoming more complex and decisions more challenging.

 

In my lectures and presentations, I not only share the latest knowledge, but also contextualize developments, draw connections, and highlight different perspectives. My goal is to explain complex topics in an accessible way and to foster dialogue between the scientific community, the business world, and the general public.

 

I speak at companies, universities, associations, public institutions, and conferences, and I design events that combine in-depth expertise with clear and accessible communication.

 

Selection of partners

                             

 

Formats

Keynote Speeches and Professional Presentations

I give lectures on current political, economic, and geopolitical developments in Central and Eastern Europe. In doing so, I combine academic insights with practical examples and highlight their relevance for businesses, institutions, and decision-makers.

 

Event Moderation

I moderate panel discussions, conferences, and professional events with a particular focus on economic, political, and social issues. My approach centers on thorough preparation, structured moderation, and the ability to bring together different perspectives.

 

Training Courses and Workshops

For companies, universities, and organizations, I design training programs and workshops that clearly explain current developments and provide opportunities for in-depth discussions.

 

Focus Areas

The content is tailored to the target audience and the occasion. Among the most frequently requested topics are:

 Poland

  • Political and Economic Developments

  • Poland's Role in Europe

  • Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses

  • Swiss-Polish Economic Relations

     

 

 Ukraine

  • Political Developments

  • European Integration

  • Reconstruction and Economic Prospects

  • Significance for Europe

     

 

 Russia

  • Domestic and Foreign Policy

  • The War Against Ukraine

  • Russian Identity and Ideology

  • Economic Developments and Sanctions

     

 

 Geopolitics and Business

  • Geopolitical Risks for Businesses

  • International Supply Chains

  • Nearshoring in Central and Eastern Europe

  • Strategic Challenges for Businesses

     

 

 International Management

  • Internationalization

  • Intercultural Collaboration

  • International Partnerships

  • Management in a Changing Geopolitical Environment

     

 

My Approach to Work

Every event is different. That’s why I develop content tailored to the audience, the format, and the organizer’s goals.

My presentations and moderation sessions are characterized by:

  • Scientific basis

  • Current and practical examples

  • Economic and geopolitical context

  • Clear language

  • Opportunities for discussion and diverse perspectives

     

 

Target Audience

Among others, I work with:

  • Companies

  • Colleges and universities

  • Associations

  • Public institutions

  • Foundations

  • Conference organizers

  • Continuing education organizations

 

Languages

Lectures and presentations are available in:

  • German

  • English

  • French 

 

Contact

Are you planning a conference, a professional event, a panel discussion, or a training session?

I look forward to working with you to develop a format that combines in-depth expertise with clear and practical presentation.

 

 

Publications & Analyses

Analyses, expert articles, and public debates

My work does not end with lectures or courses. An important part of my job is to analyze and contextualize political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe and to present them in a way that is accessible to a broad audience.

 

I regularly publish articles on topics at the intersection of economics, geopolitics, and Central and Eastern Europe. My articles are aimed at experts as well as decision-makers, media professionals, and anyone interested in developments in the region.

 

Key Thematic Areas

My publications focus in particular on:

  • Poland and Its Political and Economic Development

  • Russia and Its Domestic and Foreign Policy

  • The War Against Ukraine and European Security

  • Geopolitics and International Economic Relations

  • Nearshoring and Economic Transformation

  • International Cooperation and International Management

 

Professional Publications

Here you will find a selection of academic publications, book chapters, and scholarly articles.

  • Hirsiger, M. (2026). Nearshoring in Central Eastern Europe: The Evolution of Shared Service Centers. In Verkuil, A.H., Milow, U., Hinz, A., Al-Kilani, M. (eds.): Innovating Business and Education for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Business Development. Springer, Cham. pp. 209-222. Link to the book chapter (Open Access).
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). Nearshoring in Osteuropa. In KMU-Magazin Nr. 4/5 (April/Mai 2025), S. 98-100. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2019). Re-Inventing the Past. The Reconstruction of Post-War Warsaw. In I. Köhle, V. Legena (eds.). Wirtschaftsdidaktik heute, Vol. 1, pp. 73-89. (available on request)
  • Hirsiger, M. (2019). "Mein Land. Mein Stil". Russland auf der Suche nach nationaler Identität. Master Thesis University of Fribourg. (available on request)
  • Schmitt, Th. & Hirsiger, M. (2019). Unternehmensbewertung. Uitikon: Startlink Verlag.
  • Schmitt, Th., Hirsiger, M. & Brodmann, D. (2019). Investitionsrechnung. Uitikon: Startlink Verlag.
  • Hirsiger, M. (2016). Die Dystopie in der russischen Gegenwartsliteratur. Eine Werkanalyse zu Romanen von Vladimir Sorokin, Viktor Pelewin, Natan Dubowizki und Tatjana Tolstaja. Bachelor Thesis University of Fribourg.

This section is updated on an ongoing basis.

 

Guest Contributions and Analyses

I regularly publish analyses and guest columns on current developments in Central and Eastern Europe.

The articles analyze political and economic events and examine their significance for businesses, politics, and society.

  • Hirsiger, M. (2026). "Die Mai-Parade zeigt die Ausweglosigkeit des Kreml-Chefs". In Aargauer Zeitung (06. Mai 2026), p. 9. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2026). "Wie Polens Präsident die Sicherheit Europas gefährdet". In Tages-Anzeiger (26. März 2026), p. 29. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2026). "Frontal gegen alle: Polens Präsident Karol Nawrocki betreibt eine gefährliche Politik der Spaltung". In Neue Zürcher Zeitung (25. Februar 2026), p. 19. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). "Wie Osteuropa mit seiner Vergangenheit umgeht". In Tages-Anzeiger (25. November 2025), p. 11. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). "Ein Scheidepunkt im Ukraine-Krieg". In Aargauer Zeitung (17. Oktober 2025), p. 2. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). "'Das ist eine neue Stufe der Eskalation': Interview mit Marcel Hirsiger". In Aargauer Zeitung (11. September 2025), p. 3. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). "'Mit dem Messer am Hals': Interview mit Marcel Hirsiger". In Aargauer Zeitung (18. August 2025), p. 7. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). "Kiew brennt - der Westen zaudert". In Aargauer Zeitung (12. Juli 2025), p. 9. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). "Die Wahl in Polen ist auch für die Schweiz wichtig". In Aargauer Zeitung (27. Mai 2025), p. 8. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2025). "So nutzt Putin TV-Dramen zur Propaganda". In Aargauer Zeitung (29. April 2025), p. 13. PDF Version
  • Hirsiger, M. (2024). "Er ist Putins Lieblingssänger: der russische Popstar Shaman". In Aargauer Zeitung (27. März 2024), p. 17. PDF Version

Selected articles are added here on an ongoing basis.

 

Interviews and Podcasts

In addition to my own publications, I regularly participate in interviews, podcasts, and public discussions. These conversations provide an opportunity to put current developments into context in an accessible way and make them available to a wider audience.

  • Blick: "Selenskis gefährlicher Poker mit dem neuen Armeechef". July 22, 2026. Link to the article
  • Radio SRF4 News: Interview on Reconstruction Conference for Ukraine and ongoing tensions between Poland and Ukraine. June 29, 2026. Link to the audio (Interview at 20:53)
  • 20 Minuten: "Russlands Angriff auf Kiew, Stärke oder Verzweiflung?". Link to the article
  • nau.ch: "Flammen in Kiew: Hinter Putins Grossangriff steckt Schwäche". Link to the article
  • Durchblick - der Wissens-Podcast von Blick: Nach Brief von Selenski: "Putin hat kein Interesse an Frieden". June 5, 2026. Link to the podcast
  • nau.ch: "Trotz Krieg: Aus der Ukraine werden Päckli in die Schweiz geliefert". Link to the article
  • Durchblick - der Wissens-Podcast von Blick: Verliert Russland ausgerechnet am "Tag des Sieges" die Oberhand? May 8, 2026. Link to the podcast
  • 20 Minuten: "Heftiger Angriff: 'Putin will vom Iran-Momentum profitieren'". Link to the article
  • SIGA Eye Podcast: Spezialfolge - Vier Jahre Krieg gegen die Ukraine. Link to the podcast (YouTube)
  • 20 Minuten: "Selenski verkündet Treffen zwischen USA, Ukraine und Russland". Link to the article
  • 20 Minuten: "Trump ist zum Sprachrohr Moskaus geworden". Link to the article
  • Blick: "Der gelangweilte Diktator". Link to the article
  • Blick: "Warum die Wahl in Moldau Putin so schmerzt". Link to the article
  • unComplex Podcast: Nearshoring in Poland. Link to the podcast (YouTube)

Selected articles will be added here.

 

Presentations and Conference Papers

Many of my analyses are presented at lectures, conferences, and professional events. A selection of these presentations highlights the topics I am currently exploring.

This section is updated regularly.

 

Are you interested in an assessment or a talk?

I invite you to visit the site regularly or follow me on LinkedIn to stay informed about new analyses and publications.

 

Media

A well-founded analysis of current developments in Central and Eastern Europe

Political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe are changing at a rapid pace. As an expert on Eastern Europe, I analyze current events and explain their significance for politics, the economy, and society.
 

I am available to media professionals for interviews, background discussions, and commentary. I place a high value on well-founded analyses, clear explanations, and a nuanced assessment of complex issues.
 

Regular collaboration with media partners

                                            

 

Focus Areas

I am available in particular to provide expert opinions on the following topics:

 Poland

  • Domestic and Foreign Policy

  • Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

  • Economic Development

  • Relations with the European Union

  • German-Polish and Swiss-Polish Relations

  • Security and Defense Policy

     

 

 Ukraine

  • Political Developments

  • European Integration

  • Economic Outlook

  • Reconstruction

  • International Support

 

 

 Russia

  • Russian Domestic Policy

  • Foreign Policy and Geopolitical Strategy

  • The War Against Ukraine

  • Russian Identity and Ideology

  • The Economy, Sanctions, and the War Economy

  • Social Developments

     

 

 Business and Geopolitics

  • Geopolitical Risks for Businesses

  • International Supply Chains

  • Nearshoring in Central and Eastern Europe

  • International Economic Relations

  • The Impact of Geopolitical Developments on Businesses

     

 

Short Profile

Marcel Hirsiger is a lecturer and expert on Eastern Europe at the School of Business at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), with a regional focus on Poland, Russia, and Ukraine.

He combines practical experience with academic analysis and focuses in particular on economic, political, cultural, and geopolitical developments in Central and Eastern Europe. He regularly shares his expertise through lectures, continuing education courses, panel discussions, and as a media commentator and expert. 

 

Interview Languages

  • German

  • English

  • French

 

Portrait photos

Here you will find portrait photos that you are welcome to use for media coverage. 

Portrait photo 1    |    Portrait photo 2

 

Contact for Media Inquiries

For interview requests, background discussions, or last-minute comments, you can reach me via the contact form or directly by email. I strive to respond to media inquiries as promptly as possible.

 

Expertise

Political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe are becoming increasingly important for businesses, policymakers, and society. Global supply chains, geopolitical tensions, economic transformations, and shifts in security policy influence decisions far beyond the region.

My work focuses on analyzing these developments and their impact on the economy, international cooperation, and strategic decision-making. In doing so, I combine academic insights with practical experience and an economic perspective.

 

 Poland

Poland is one of Europe’s most dynamic economies and is increasingly emerging as a key political and economic player within the European Union. At the same time, domestic political developments, social change, and new security challenges are reshaping the country’s role in Europe.

 

I analyze political, economic, and social developments in Poland and assess their significance for businesses, international cooperation, and relations between Switzerland, Poland, and the European Union.

 

Focus Areas

  • Domestic and Foreign Policy

  • Economic Development

  • Swiss-Polish Relations

  • Labor Market and Skilled Worker Migration

  • Nearshoring and Investment

  • Social Change

     

 Ukraine

The war has profoundly changed Ukraine and, at the same time, significantly increased its importance to Europe. In addition to military developments, economic transformation, European integration, and future reconstruction are at the center of many discussions.

 

I analyze political and economic developments in Ukraine and their implications for Europe and international companies.

 

Focus Areas

  • Political Developments

  • European Integration

  • Economic Transformation

  • Reconstruction

  • International Cooperation
     

     

 Russia

Russia's policies shape the European security order more than almost any other contemporary issue. Domestic political developments, identity politics, economic transformation, and the war against Ukraine have repercussions far beyond the country's borders.

 

I focus on political and economic developments in Russia, as well as the ideological foundations of Russian politics. My work addresses not only current events but also the historical and social factors that shape today's Russia.

 

Focus Areas

  • Russian Domestic and Foreign Policy

  • The War Against Ukraine

  • Russian Identity and Ideology

  • The Economy and Sanctions

  • Social Developments

  • Relations with Europe

      

 

 Geopolitics and Business

Geopolitical developments have a greater influence on business decisions today than they did just a few years ago. International conflicts, sanctions, trade relations, and new security policy frameworks are transforming markets and value chains.

 

I help companies and organizations better understand geopolitical developments and assess their economic implications.

 

Focus Areas

  • Geopolitical Risks

  • International Supply Chains

  • Strategic Risk Management

  • International Economic Relations

  • Impact on Businesses

     

 

 International Management

International cooperation requires more than just economic expertise. Different cultural backgrounds, institutional frameworks, and political developments influence the success of cross-border collaborations.

 

As a lecturer in International Management, I focus on issues related to internationalization, intercultural collaboration, and the strategic positioning of companies in international markets.

 

Focus Areas

  • Internationalization

  • Intercultural Management

  • International Collaboration

  • Strategic Management

  • International Project Work

 

Formats

I contribute my expertise in a variety of formats:

  • Keynote speeches and expert presentations

  • Panel discussions and moderation

  • Professional development courses and workshops

  • Consulting projects

  • Media interviews and background discussions

  • Guest lectures at universities and higher education institutions

 

I welcome inquiries from companies, universities, associations, public institutions, and the media.

 

Contact

I look forward to hearing from you

Are you planning a conference, looking for a speaker, seeking a moderator for a panel discussion, or in need of an informed assessment of current developments in Central and Eastern Europe?

I’m happy to assist you with presentations, moderation, training sessions, media inquiries, and professional discussions.

I typically respond to inquiries promptly and look forward to working with you to find the right format for your event or request.

 

Possible Inquiries

  • Keynote speeches and expert presentations

  • Moderation of conferences and panel discussions

  • Training courses and workshops

  • Media interviews and in-depth discussions

  • Guest lectures at universities

  • Collaborations and professional events

 

Contact

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Phone: +41 62 957 20 97

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-hirsiger 

 

Media Inquiries

For last-minute interview requests or background discussions, the quickest way to reach me is by email or phone.

I make every effort to respond to media inquiries as quickly as possible.

 

Event Inquiries

To help me process your request as quickly as possible, please provide the following information:

  • Type of event

  • Topic or question

  • Date

  • Venue or online format

  • Target audience

  • Preferred language

     

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

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