After studying business management at the University of Neuchâtel, Mr. Conz began his career at the Federal Office for Agriculture as a marketing specialist. He then joined an industrial SME, FELCO SA, where he held various positions in marketing and sales, including involvement in the launch of the subsidiary in Australia. Raphaël Conz joined the economic promotion sector in the Vaud region in 2002. He started as a project manager and was later promoted to head of a unit with a primary mission of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry. Additionally, between 2006 and 2008, he served as deputy director for an organization mandated by four cantons in French-speaking Switzerland responsible for the prospecting and establishment of foreign companies. Holding a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in entrepreneurship and business development, Mr. Conz also took on the role of interim head of the Service for the Promotion of the Economy and Innovation for ten months in 2018. Furthermore, he represents the State of Vaud within the governing bodies of various entities in the Vaud economic promotion network, including the Foundation for Technological Innovation, the EPFL Innovation Park Foundation, and Cautionnement romand.