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For many years now, the services sector has been the main driver of the Swiss economy, growing stronger as time goes by. Banking, insurance, tourism as well as logistics have been traditionally the main representatives of the sector. Swiss made has become a trademark of Swiss quality and origin for services. But the Swiss don’t…
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The Swiss food industry is made up of both international firms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Global leaders like Nestlé employ around 250,000 people around the world and produce a diversity of food products. At the other end of the scale, mountain farmers and tradesmen produce traditional goods. These producers all promote the Swiss-made…
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That Switzerland is the home of watchmaking is an established fact. Its origins stretch back four centuries, and Swiss watches account for half the world market in terms of value. The industry continues to tick over, only occasionally disturbed by the boom of the counterfeit market. But Swiss watchmakers could lose some know-how to competitors…
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The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is one of Switzerland’s major business sectors. More than three quarters of its products are life-science related, highlighting a trend towards innovative high-value specialty products. The industry represents around a third of all Swiss exports, worth more than SFr55 billion in 2005. SFr100 billion: the combined revenues of the ten…
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Specialised textile looms, precision instruments for medical care, micro-components for vehicles and spacecraft: the Swiss machine industry reflects both the fragmentation and the health of the global market. With close ties to Swiss universities, the industry is often the first step in a young engineer’s career, bringing dynamism and innovation. But the downside is that…
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Switzerland’s export industry is made up of thousands of small and medium-sized companies, but many multinationals as well. These firms – Swatch, Nestlé, Novartis and ABB to name but a few – are leaders in their field. Around one million people work in Switzerland’s export industry. Some regions are so-called technology clusters, such as the…
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The state-controlled company reported a SFr759 million ($617.2 million) net profit and a slight drop in revenues. Core profit – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation – fell by 17.5 per cent to SFr1.8 billion, a company statement said on Wednesday. Analysts say the result is mainly due to a SFr180 million fine for…
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According to the Federal Statistics Office study, Switzerland has the second-highest percentage of part-time workers in Europe – 32 per cent – four out of five of whom are women. “Women working part-time are one of the driving forces behind the Swiss economy,” confirmed George Sheldon, a professor at Basel University. “A dormant factor has…
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Efforts to merge Swiss research activities with those taking place internationally began in the early 1950s. Since then these efforts have been regularly reinforced through Switzerland’s full membership of the most significant research organisations and participation in the most important international research programmes, such as the European Union’s Framework Programme or the European Space Agency.…
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The material world covers the infinitely large to the infinitely small. In Switzerland, this is reflected by the large number of researchers trying either to understand it or manipulate it. Astrophysicists are hunting invisible planets beyond out solar system, while other scientists are seeking new technologies that could improve the quality of our lives. 200…
