How Switzerland feels about its benefits – and its dependence on other countries

Switzerland has no natural resources, its only resource is a good education of the people. This opinion is deeply rooted in this country. This is also apparent from a new representative study that the research institute Gfs Bern has carried out on behalf of the trade association Interpharma and that is available to CH Media. The main driver for Swiss innovation power is the “strong education system”. 94 percent think that this contributes ‘rather’ or ‘very much’ to this.

The “long-term stable political system” and – with some distance – the “internationally renowned universities”, as well as the “open borders for researchers” and the “protection of intellectual property” are also decisive. On the other hand, voters surveyed in 2015 consider the attractiveness of the tax system less important. “That’s quite remarkable,” says Urs Bieri, co-head of GfS Bern. “The tax argument works, but the education argument works much more.”

According to the survey results, domestic research and innovation not only strengthens Switzerland as a business location, but also security of supply – a topic that has become more explosive in the wake of the Covid crisis, the war against Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia.

Provision is now the motto after the scarcity experiences made or feared. About 90 percent of those surveyed consider their own “strong research location” to be “very” or “quite important”, as well as the expansion of the mandatory stockpile of medicines and various international agreements guaranteeing Switzerland’s supplies in the event of a crisis.

More domestic production

The state can also afford security of supply: 84 percent now find “domestic production even though it costs taxpayers’ money,” the survey found. For Interpharma boss René Buholzer, however, it is more important that Switzerland has internationally competitive innovation and production platforms.

As long as there is research and production in Switzerland, the pharmaceutical industry in this country will be able to react quickly in the event of a crisis. “That was also apparent from the case of the Covid vaccination,” adds Buholzer. The vaccine was not developed in this country, but Switzerland has become one of the largest producers of Covid vaccines in a very short time.

The love for domestic production has also declined, adds Urs Bieri. A year ago it was in last place. This now belongs to the “open borders for goods and persons”. Today, nearly 25 percent of those surveyed consider these open borders unimportant, almost twice as many as a year ago.

High dependence on foreign countries

In addition to precautions, it is also important to prepare for worse economic times. The somewhat vague measures for “attractive framework conditions” in general and the expansion of “digitalisation” are described by the respondents as sensible. Good framework conditions for cutting-edge research and establishing international relations – with the EU and almost even more so with countries outside the EU – are also at the top.

Because despite the call for “do more yourself” and larger warehouses, the local population is well aware that Switzerland depends on other countries to build and maintain its prosperity. More than a third speak of a “very strong” dependency, another 51 percent of a “fairly strong” dependence. Accordingly, 82 percent would like Switzerland to have stronger international networks. (aargauerzeitung.ch)