Recruiting the best talent

Innovations are largely determined by the qualifications of the entire workforce. The Swiss education system needs to take account of new skill requirements.

The pharmaceutical industry employs an above-average number of highly qualified personnel. However, innovations do not only depend on the scientific level of individual leading researchers, but they are also largely determined by the qualifications of the entire workforce. Switzerland performs well compared to other countries when it comes to the quality of education, not least thanks to the dual education system. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement, as technological change is creating new challenges relating to future job profiles. Digitalization is changing the skills that are required. Compulsory education needs to teach more digital skills and interpersonal social skills. Switzerland’s dual education system is a strength, but it is challenged by the rapid pace of digital transformation. Vocational training needs to be made more flexible and more modular. In view of the long development time for new vocational training courses, early and rolling planning should also be introduced. Swiss universities and universities of applied sciences are also well positioned and often achieve top positions in rankings. International networking and connections are key to the quality of university research and teaching. The integration of Swiss universities into the international research landscape must therefore continue to be ensured in the future, for example through participation in European research programs. At the same time, specialization must be stepped up in order to be able to compete internationally.

Education, research and innovation (ERI)

TThe policy area of education, research and innovation (ERI) makes a significant contribution to the well-being of individuals, society and the economy in Switzerland and is therefore a high priority. The Swiss ERI system is also widely recognized abroad. Every four years, the Federal Council submits a dispatch to the two chambers of the Swiss Parliament on the promotion of education, research and innovation. In it, the Federal Council takes stock of the current funding period and defines the objectives and measures for the new funding period.

The 2025–2028 ERI Dispatch recognizes the challenges arising from changes in the labor market and society as well as technological development. A particular focus in overcoming the shortage of skilled workers is placed on the areas of medicine, health and STEM. It is important for industry that training plans are continually reviewed for their relevance to the labor market. Companies in the research-based pharmaceutical industry, for their part, help to ensure that apprentices learn how to use state-of-the-art technology, for example in production. 

The partnership between the public sector and the private sector (public-private partnership, or PPP) is of great importance for the ERI system. Dual vocational training, for example, depends to a large extent on the willingness of companies to undertake training and their sometimes significant share of costs. Further applications of PPPs can be found in higher education and research as well as in the promotion of upcoming young talent.

Free movement of people and access to workers from third countries

A flexible labor market is one of Switzerland’s strengths, while access to skilled workers and specialists from abroad is not. In addition to exploiting the potential of the domestic labor market, the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU is therefore crucial, along with access to workers from third countries.