(29.01.2025) The private sector continues to intensify its investments in research and development (R&D). In 2023, nearly 18 billion Swiss francs were allocated to companies, reflecting an annual growth rate of 3.5% since 2021, according to a study conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Over this period, private sector R&D expenditures rose by 1.2 billion francs annually. Companies specializing in research and development, "high-tech instruments," and "machinery" were the main contributors to the overall growth in investment during 2023.
The pharmaceutical industry, however, has relinquished its status as the largest driver of R&D growth in Switzerland. Although the sector’s expenditures remain the highest – totaling 5.5 billion francs in 2023 – they have declined by 6% annually since 2021, marking the steepest drop since 2012.
The number of companies engaging in R&D grew by an average of 4% per year between 2021 and 2023, reaching nearly 3,500 businesses in 2023. Most of these new entries are small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees. Nevertheless, large companies with more than 100 employees continue to dominate, accounting for over 75% of total R&D expenditures.
Investment growth in R&D resources was relatively limited among both small and large enterprises between 2021 and 2023. The most significant expansion occurred in medium-sized companies (50 to 99 employees), which doubled their R&D investments over this period.
According to the FSO, approximately 69,000 individuals were employed in R&D activities across Switzerland in 2023, with women making up one-quarter of the workforce.
Last modification 29.01.2025
