Innovation made-in-Switzerland Introduction to the Innovation Forum 2012 Switzerland and Slovakia, Hotel Bellevue Palace Dr. Sebastian Friess Head Innovation Policy Unit Member of the Board of Directors

what they say „Our success is based on very unspectacular things: quality, seriousness, responsibility, stability, reliability, and sustainability“ OSEC „underpromise and overdeliver – this is what the Swiss can do best – although it might look a bit outdated“ Straumann „the innovation oscar definitely goes to Switzerland: from manufacturers to investors, from education and policy makers to customers and suppliers, from decision makers to the ordinary man in the street. Obviously, each and every body in this country pulls together and understands that they are all part of the same team“ Deutsche Bank Research

Switzerland’s particularities (some) small country. in fact very small industry structure: 99.6 % SMEs, 61.5% employees strong export oriented economy four national languages (and cultures) plus english part of all relevant international programs

Education – Research – Innovation strong industry R&D activities, broadly diversified public expenditures on R&D small excellent science & technology base + institutions excellent education system, dual-track modality competitiveness is a must, “buttom-up” broad international network highly fragmented and decentralized system with many actors education, research and innovation high on political agenda

You know

…but did you know?

…and did you know?

Institutions

Companies

The Rolex Learning Center

innovation landscape 2013

innovation landscape

a country in favour of innovation small country: high degree of decentralisation, short distances, geographical proximity, smooth-running formal and informal networks diversity in the branches and the size structure of businesses: a good mix of large global companies and a large number of SMEs with a high tendency to innovate highly flexible labour market, different ways to education, skills & grade mix, low youth unemployment and good work discipline high level of international economic integration in education and science, free movement of persons within the EU high political stability: moderate but continuing reforms; high ability to integrate various cultures

Innovation leader 16

what they say „Our success is based on very unspectacular things: quality, seriousness, responsibility, stability, reliability, and sustainability“ OSEC „underpromise and overdeliver – this is what the Swiss can do best – although it might look a bit outdated“ Straumann „the innovation oscar definitely goes to Switzerland: from manufacturers to investors, from education and policy makers to customers and suppliers, from decision makers to the ordinary man in the street. Obviously, each and every body in this country pulls together and understands that they are all part of the same team“ Deutsche Bank Research