National Research and Innovation

Switzerland is a global leader in research and innovation. Both the federal government and the private sector play a key role in maintaining this leading position through substantial funding and close cooperation. Public promotion for research is based on personal initiative, healthy competition and a commitment to excellence.

Switzerland has an effective funding system with three complementary funding institutions that promotes research and innovation on behalf of the federal government: the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), Innosuisse and the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. Federal contributions to these institutions are requested in the Dispatch on the Promotion of Education, Research and Innovation (ERI Dispatch). Priorities for funding activities are set out in service level agreements and strategic objectives based on the institutions' respective multi-year plans.

Discover general information about the federal funding instruments: NFS, NFP, national initiatives, and research institutions of national importance

The Swiss Innovation Park network helps Switzerland remain a leading innovation nation, thus securing its economically competitive position. With its six main sites and support from policymakers, researchers and private-sector stakeholders, the Swiss Innovation Park network offers an environment that is conducive to research and development. The federal government provides support to the Swiss Innovation Park network in a subsidiary capacity.