1. Top-notch education system and research
In order to maintain a rich pool of highly skilled staff, Switzerland strives for excellence in training and education. The country’s internationally renowned academic education is supplemented by direct, practical apprenticeships – constituting a dual education system. Several hundred professions are geared toward the requirements of the economy, providing a highly qualified and experienced workforce.
Switzerland is also one of the countries with the highest gross R+D investments in the world and even ranks number one in the number of patent applications per capita. With its pool of international and multilingual employees, its sophisticated business culture and advanced infrastructure, Switzerland provides the ideal environment for R+D organization, especially in the fields of pharmaceuticals, chemicals and bio-technology, but also in robotics and AI.
2. Vast international talent pool
Switzerland is very successful in attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce and global talent. On the IMD World Talent Ranking 2017, Switzerland holds the top position. Access to a strong and diverse labor pool is one of the main reasons for Google, for example, to have their R+D center based in Switzerland. With over 2,000 employees from more than 74 different countries, the Swiss office has become the largest Google campus outside of the US. Not only Google, but also other major players such as Roche, Novartis, Nestlé, Disney and Microsoft, run their global business and research centers out of Switzerland.
3. Liberal labor market and laws
Switzerland offers a business-friendly environment, and regulations are kept to a minimum. The government is adapting quickly to new business models, as it has recently done for fintech companies by reducing market entry barriers. As a consequence, Switzerland is gradually becoming known not only as the financial center it has always been, but also as a hub for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
4. Strong economic tissue
Swiss innovation also stems from the highly competitive small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that dominate the Swiss economic landscape. More than 99% of companies have fewer than 250 full-time employees. Swiss SMEs form an efficient economic web that will help you find any specialized supplier within a range of 300 kilometers.
5. Stability and security
Switzerland is financially and politically one of the most stable countries in the world. With total public debt of only 39% of GDP, Switzerland has one of the healthiest budgets in Europe. Furthermore, the country’s long tradition of neutrality has made it a trusted environment for both companies and families. They value the high quality of life in Swiss cities and in the countryside, as well as the advantageous geographic location.
An efficient, stable and business-friendly environment sets the foundation for successful long-term investments. Are you interested in moving your business to Switzerland?
Visit www.s-ge.com/invest to get in touch with a Swiss Business Hub in your country or with our office in Switzerland.
Patrik Wermelinger, Head of Investment Promotion at Switzerland Global Enterprise, interviewed by Sarah Lockett, Business Correspondent of The Business Debate.
