60 years old, divorced, two adults children. Degree in Economics at the University of Neuchâtel (1977). Research activities for the National Research Fund. 1984 PhD (Doctoral Thesis : The impact of international borders on regional economies). Sabbatical at the University of Kiel (Germany). Scientific assistant at the Federal Finance Administration (Budget and Finance Planning), then head of the Trade and Industry section of the Federal Office for Economic Development and Labour (1989-98). Head of the SME Task Force of the New State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (seco) (1998-2001). 2001-2010 head of the SME Policy Unit of the seco. Responsible for Informational activities for SMEs (w...