The Swiss education system is based on a collaborative partnership between the federal government, the cantons and social partners

Countries around the world are concerned with ensuring a sufficient supply of skilled workers to meet the needs of a changing economy and achieving the best possible alignment of labour market supply with demand. Statistics confirm that Switzerland is performing comparatively well in this area. Its overall and youth unemployment rates are remarkably low by international standards. This is, of course, linked to the economy's positive performance, which is creating a large number of jobs. However, filling these positions requires a skilled workforce that meets the demands of industries and businesses. This is why the economy depends on a good mix of skilled workers. Dual-track vocational and professional education and training makes an extremely valuable contribution to this: around two-thirds of young people in this country still enter the workforce through an apprenticeship. Combining practical experience in the workplace with theory at vocational school allows trainees to acquire skills that can be applied immediately.

To ensure this remains so, we must continue to support vocational education and training. This means, among other things, repeatedly emphasising the importance of vocational education and training to young people and their families. It is crucial that vocational education and training continues to be highly regarded in society and that investment in this area remains attractive to the economy, for the economy is ultimately responsible for securing and enhancing its workforce, which is a key competitive factor.

Promoting vocational education and training also means developing modern curricula. Artificial intelligence is having a significant impact on the economy, society and everyday life. In order to prepare young people for the future world of work, AI skills must form an integral part of both school and vocational education. This involves teaching students to use AI critically, ethically and creatively. The 2030 Vocational Education and Training initiative addresses major trends such as digitalisation, increasing professional mobility and demographic change, which present challenges for people and businesses alike. We must continue in this direction with our partners.

Facilitating permeability in the education system, but not just for the sake of it

The Swiss education system should be of a high quality and permeable where necessary, as required by the Federal Constitution. While maintaining high standards in an ever-changing world remains challenging, significant progress has been made in terms of permeability: almost every qualification now leads to further education, either vertically or horizontally. This does not mean that no new paths should be opened to those eager to carry on learning in the future, but personal aptitude, ability and performance must remain requirements, as must careful management of the education system as a whole. This means that a person's ability to move between academic and vocational paths and between educational levels must be transparent and aligned with subsequent educational programmes that have a clear profile. Selection is an essential part of the system.

Strengthening the profiles of different higher education institutions and exploiting synergies between them

A sustainable education system recognises vocational and academic education as equal and complementary pillars. This is a view that is reflected in the individual profiles of higher education institutions. Both universities and universities of applied sciences contribute to innovation and knowledge transfer: the former through basic research, scientific excellence, and international networking, the latter through study programmes that are more practice and labour market-oriented. In collaboration with the universities of teacher education, they enhance the flexibility and diversity of the education system.

Universities are expected to maintain and develop their leading positions in line with their profiles, by conducting exceptional research, offering innovative teaching methods, engaging in international networking, promoting knowledge and technology transfer, and assuming social responsibility. Today, they face particular challenges: they must exploit the potential of AI in research, teaching and administration, while ensuring their long-term financial stability. In an increasingly volatile geopolitical world, it is important to shape international cooperation strategically and to ensure knowledge security. The rapid changes in science, technology and society require strategic positioning and adaptability, without compromising on excellence. This is why it is crucial for higher education institutions to develop their profile. The consistent implementation of cross-cutting issues such as digital transformation, sustainable development, equal opportunities, and national and international cooperation is important in all areas of activity.

At national level, universities should systematically develop and exploit synergies, since cooperation and competition promote innovation and quality. To ensure that Switzerland's excellent higher education system remains efficient and effective internationally, it is crucial to identify and leverage national synergies alongside regional and cantonal interests, while maintaining the autonomy of the various actors.

Competitive funding by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Innosuisse, alongside international programmes, are a significant driver of excellence in research and innovation at our universities. The SNSF and Innosuisse have a significant indirect influence on the development of the profiles of our higher education institutions through their choice of evaluation criteria, for which they bear responsibility. For our higher education institutions, however, excellence encompasses not only excellence in research, teaching, knowledge and technology transfer, but also resilience, open-mindedness, dialogue with politicians and society, and the ability to actively shape new framework conditions.

Finally: In order to ensure the Swiss education system develops consistently as a whole and responds to social, economic, technological and geopolitical changes, the federal government, the cantons and social partners must work together to achieve this goal.