International cooperation in research and innovation
Switzerland is committed to international cooperation in research and innovation cooperation, given that cutting-edge research and innovation emerge from global activities. The federal government promotes this cooperation through Switzerland's participation or membership in various international programmes and organisations in the field of research and innovation.
EU programmes for research and innovation
The EU supports research and innovation with numerous programmes covering a broad spectrum of disciplines. For Switzerland, EU programmes are a central pillar of its international education, research and innovation strategy. SERI represents Switzerland in the EU programmes and facilitates effective cooperation.
Swiss Participation in International Research Infrastructures
International research infrastructures provide major scientific and technological impetus, forming strategic pillars for scientific excellence, technological sovereignty and international cooperation. Most importantly, they provide access to essential research capabilities that would not be available at national level alone. For this reason, the Confederation ensures Switzerland’s full participation in the most important of these infrastructures. This allows Swiss research to excel while addressing global scientific challenges. Switzerland is a member of ten international research infrastructure organisations and eleven networks, investing approximately CHF 100 million annually to secure Swiss participation.
Bilateral Cooperation Programmes
Bilateral cooperation programmes strengthen Switzerland’s international cooperation in education, research and innovation (ERI). Two complementary instruments – joint research projects of the Swiss National Science Foundation and Leading House pilot activities – foster targeted partnerships with regions outside Europe. These programmes significantly contribute to Switzerland’s positioning in the global scientific community and help to advance the country’s international ERI strategy.
Multilateral Research and Innovation Cooperation Instruments
Swiss research and innovation actors have access to proven multilateral instruments for cross-border cooperation. As the competent authority, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) creates the optimal framework conditions through Switzerland's membership in transnational cooperation programmes and performs sovereign tasks.