The ERI sector makes a significant contribution to Switzerland's prosperity and Europe's competitiveness

International networking and cooperation in the ERI sector are now just as globalised as markets, capital, human resources, technologies, political ideas and cultural achievements. International partnerships in education, research and innovation are particularly important for small countries such as Switzerland. Our human, financial and infrastructural resources are limited. However, by cooperating with international partners, we can expand our capacities in a targeted manner, gain access to cutting-edge research, technology, infrastructure and programmes, and expand our expertise. In the process, knowledge security will continue to become more important.

Switzerland needs a regulated and forward-looking relationship with the European Union and to be able to participate in European ERI programmes, which are the largest and most ambitious in the world. These programmes, particularly those focused on research and innovation, are competitive by nature, and competition improves quality. In addition, bilateral cooperation within and outside Europe must be further diversified and strengthened. The federal government recognises that, in the interests of autonomous ERI actors, it must continue to fulfil its role as an enabler in this regard. To this end, SERI utilises science diplomacy and the Swissnex network, among other things.

Providing conditions that promote innovation

Innovation is essential for future viability, competitiveness and social progress. Switzerland is now one of the world's leading innovators. For innovation to flourish, the right conditions are needed. The requirements of start-ups, SMEs and large companies are different and must be taken into account. It is also important to enable disruptive and social innovation. In order to remain faithful to the strategic considerations behind these framework conditions and develop them further in line with requirements, various elements must be taken into account:

• The range of excellent vocational and academic training courses, which are both complementary and permeable, creates a skilled workforce that is central to innovation.
• Publicly funded basic research at our universities generates knowledge for potential new applications.
• Access to international networks, programmes and infrastructure is essential for new developments in areas such as space travel, quantum science and technology, artificial intelligence, vaccine development and energy supply.
• The availability of data, and the know-how to use it effectively – including through AI – is of central importance.
• The approach of prioritising as much as possible from the bottom up and only as much as necessary from the top down is efficient and effective, as is striking a balance between cooperation and competition.
• Finally, the funding programmes offered by Innosuisse and Switzerland Innovation promote knowledge transfer and form the cornerstone of public–private partnerships.

While these are not the only elements, they are the most important for education, research and innovation in achieving a successful Swiss innovation policy that meets the needs of private actors. These are supplemented by instruments and measures from other policy areas. From location promotion (SME and regional policy) to growth policy, tax policy and intellectual property protection regulations, it is crucial that Switzerland remains an innovation-friendly country. In the future, cooperation between regional, cantonal, national and international stakeholders must be further intensified.

Smart use of ERI funding

Funding for education, research and innovation is always limited. Even in the past two decades when growth rates were significantly more encouraging, not all ERI stakeholders' projects could be implemented. Prioritisation and deprioritisation are ongoing tasks in all policy areas. This is particularly challenging in difficult financial situations. However, thanks to earlier investments, Switzerland's ERI sector is now well placed to face the challenges ahead. The aim must be to ensure systemic resilience and further development, despite limited resources. University profiles must be strengthened, and the balance between competition and cooperation at a national level must be optimised. It is also important to make targeted use of synergies with other policy areas, such as health, energy, the environment, agriculture, security and defence. The appropriate management of dual use infrastructure will continue to gain in importance. Infrastructure, including data infrastructure, is set to become even more important and must be strategically coordinated and planned throughout Switzerland and internationally. This should be achieved as much as possible from the bottom up, based on the conviction that ERI actors are best placed to determine current and future priorities. Positively shaping the long-term future of education, research and innovation by remaining innovative and allocating funding appropriately is challenging, but essential. Given the proven innovation potential of the stakeholders, this can be achieved in partnership with the federal government, the cantons, and the business community.

In short: Thanks to the high level of education among the Swiss population, our internationally competitive institutions and our fundamental openness to the world, the ERI sector makes a significant contribution to Switzerland's prosperity and Europe's competitiveness.