Federal Council’s Strategic Objectives for the ETH Domain
Since the 2017–2020 funding period, the Federal Council has set strategic objectives for the ETH Domain in line with the management principles for autonomous public-law institutions. The Swiss Parliament established the legal basis for this with its amendment of the ETH Act on 30 September 2016. Under this governance model, Parliament exercises ultimate oversight and monitors the Federal Council as guardian of federal interests. It may also instruct the Federal Council to adopt or adjust specific objectives.
The strategic objectives for the ETH Domain span four years and are aligned with the timing and content of the federal government's budgetary framework. For the 2025–2028 period, the Swiss Parliament has authorised a budget of roughly CHF 11 billion. Before setting these objectives, the Federal Council consults with the ETH Board.
Strategic objectives for 2025–2028
The Federal Council’s use of strategic objectives to manage the ETH Domain has proven effective. For the 2025–2028 period, these objectives have been adjusted and priorities set.
The Federal Council’s strategic objectives for the ETH Domain still include maintaining its internationally competitive position in research and offer teaching that is both first-rate and engaging. Other objectives reflect its pivotal role in Switzerland’s education, research, and innovation landscape: the ETH Domain should establish, operate and further develop research infrastructures and make them accessible to the entire research community; deepen collaboration with cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences and private research partners; make better use of synergies both within the ETH Domain and beyond; and continue to support entrepreneurial activities and foster knowledge and technology transfer.
Furthermore, the ETH Domain is expected to continue collaboration and networking with leading institutions worldwide, maintaining its international competitiveness. Its strategic priorities include digital transformation; energy, climate, and sustainability; advanced materials and technologies; and people and health.
In addition to objectives relating to the ETH Domain’s strategic focus areas, the Federal Council also sets financial and infrastructure-related objectives, as well as objectives for human resources and pension policy. In the latter case, the aim is to increase the proportion of women in teaching and research, particularly in leadership roles and decision-making bodies. This promotes diversity and equality and helps prevent discrimination and harassment.
Responsibility for implementing the strategic objectives lies with the ETH Board. It signs performance agreements with the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zurich and EPFL) and with the four research institutes. It also allocates federal funding.
Each year, the Federal Council submits a report to Parliament and the public on the ETH Domain’s progress in achieving its strategic objectives.