Innovationmade-in-Switzerland

Introduction to the Innovation Forum 2012Switzerland and Slovakia, Hotel Bellevue Palace

Dr. Sebastian FriessHead Innovation Policy UnitMember of the Board of Directors

what they say

„Our success is based on very unspectacular things: quality, seriousness, responsibility,stability, reliability, and sustainability“OSEC

„underpromise and overdeliver – this is what the Swiss can do best – although it might look a bit outdated“Straumann

„the innovation oscar definitely goes to Switzerland: from manufacturers to investors, from education and policy makers to customers and suppliers, from decision makers to the ordinary man in the street. Obviously, each and every body in this country pulls together and understands that they are all part of the same team“Deutsche Bank Research

Switzerland’s particularities (some)

• small country. in fact very small

• industry structure: 99.6 % SMEs, 61.5% employees

• strong export oriented economy

• four national languages (and cultures) plus english

• part of all relevant international programs

Education – Research – Innovation

• strong industry R&D activities, broadly diversified

• public expenditures on R&D small

• excellent science & technology base + institutions

• excellent education system, dual-track modality

• competitiveness is a must, “buttom-up”

• broad international network

• highly fragmented and decentralized system with many actors

• education, research and innovation high on political agenda

You know

…but did you know?

…but did you know?

…and did you know?

Institutions

Companies

Companies

The Rolex Learning Center

innovation landscape

2013

innovation landscape

a country in favour of innovation

• small country: high degree of decentralisation, short distances,

geographical proximity, smooth-running formal and informal

networks

• diversity in the branches and the size structure of businesses: a

good mix of large global companies and a large number of SMEs

with a high tendency to innovate

• highly flexible labour market, different ways to education, skills &

grade mix, low youth unemployment and good work discipline

• high level of international economic integration in education and

science, free movement of persons within the EU

• high political stability: moderate but continuing reforms; high ability

to integrate various cultures

Innovation leader

16

what they say

„Our success is based on very unspectacular things: quality, seriousness, responsibility,stability, reliability, and sustainability“OSEC

„underpromise and overdeliver – this is what the Swiss can do best – although it might look a bit outdated“Straumann

„the innovation oscar definitely goes to Switzerland: from manufacturers to investors, from education and policy makers to customers and suppliers, from decision makers to the ordinary man in the street. Obviously, each and every body in this country pulls together and understands that they are all part of the same team“Deutsche Bank Research