(09.10.2024) For 14 consecutive years, Switzerland has consistently ranked as the world’s most innovative economy. It retains its leading position, ahead of Sweden (2nd) and the United States (3rd), according to the 2024 Global Innovation Index by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
(02.10.2024) Foreign trade saw a slight contraction, according to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). Exports dropped to 22.12 billion francs (-1.2%) in August, while imports remained relatively stable at 18.26 billion francs (-0.1%).
(25.09.2024) The medical technology industry is thriving. The sector saw an annual revenue growth of 6% between 2021 and 2023, a rate that is twice as fast as Switzerland's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a report by the Swiss Medtech Association.
(18.09.2024) The industrial sector is struggling to recover from the recession and continues to face uncertain prospects. Raiffeisen Bank's SME PMI index rose slightly from 46.8 points in July to 48.0 in August, but it still remains below the long-term growth threshold of 50.
(11.09.2024) The labor market has significantly strengthened since COVID. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the number of employed individuals rose by 5% between the fourth quarter of 2018 and the same period in 2023.
(04.09.2024) Swiss employees are starting to adapt to the new demands of the job market. Over three-quarters (79%) of them express a willingness to acquire new skills, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), according to PwC's 2024 survey on hopes and fears.
(28.08.2024) The ongoing labor shortage continues to concern businesses. Despite a tighter job market and rising unemployment rates, over half of SMEs (51%) are struggling with recruitment challenges, according to a study released by the insurer Axa.
(21.08.2024) The economic situation is stabilizing above average but remained sluggish in July. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute’s barometer at ETH Zurich dropped by 1.7 points to 101.0 (down from 102.7 in June), indicating moderate growth in the months ahead.
(14.08.2024) The labor market has been showing signs of fatigue since the beginning of 2024. In the second quarter, the number of job vacancies nationwide dropped by 11% year-on-year, according to the Swiss Job Market Index conducted by the Adecco Group and the University of Zurich.
(07.08.2024) The number of insolvency proceedings in Switzerland continues to rise. According to the consulting firm Dun & Bradstreet, 3,006 companies shut down in the first half of 2024. This marks a 7% increase compared to the same period last year.
(31.07.2024) Working with "flexible" hours is a common practice in Switzerland. In 2023, nearly half (47.7%) of employees benefited from such a schedule, according to the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
(24.07.2024) Swiss manufacturing companies remain cautious about adopting artificial intelligence (AI). A study by ETH Zurich in collaboration with Swissmem, involving 208 companies, reveals that only 28% have developed a specific AI strategy.
