The tertiary education system as a key location factor

The strength of the Swiss higher education system is a key pillar for Switzerland as a location for innovation and research. Universities and universities of applied sciences not only train highly qualified specialists, but are also internationally networked research centers that make a vital contribution to the country’s competitiveness.

For a resource-poor country like Switzerland, education, research and innovation are key prerequisites if it is to continue to compete internationally in the future. International networking with world-leading researchers is extremely important to Switzerland’s status as a center for science.

International cooperation

The European research landscape is a dynamic ecosystem based on collaboration, excellence and openness. Swiss higher education institutions and companies benefit greatly from this networking – whether through joint projects, the exchange of talent or access to highly specialized infrastructure.

Since funding programs began in 1988, Swiss researchers have concluded around 12,800 grants through EU research programs and received more than EUR 5 billion for research projects. Following the suspension of negotiations on the then framework agreement with the EU, Switzerland lost full access to the Horizon Europe program in June 2021 and was no longer able to lead projects. Since January 2025, Switzerland has been able to participate again with virtually no restrictions. A prerequisite for Switzerland’s long-term participation in Horizon Europe is the stabilization of the bilateral approach.