Switzerland ranks 3rd globally for corporate R&D intensity

According to the latest edition of the EY “Top 500 R&D” study, published on 12 May 2026 and covering 2025 data, Switzerland ranks 6th globally in total corporate R&D spending at EUR 34 billion, ahead of the United Kingdom (EUR 33 billion), France (EUR 27 billion), and the Netherlands (EUR 26 billion). Fourteen Swiss companies feature in the global top 500, with Roche leading at EUR 14.3 billion in R&D expenditure.

The more compelling figure is Switzerland’s R&D intensity, the ratio of R&D spending to revenue. At 8.4%, Swiss companies rank 3rd worldwide, behind only the Netherlands (9.7%) and the United States (9.2%), and well ahead of the European average of 6.7%. This positions Switzerland not merely as a significant R&D investor in absolute terms, but as one of the most research-committed corporate ecosystems in the world relative to economic output.

The broader study context reinforces that dynamic. Across the global top 500, R&D budgets grew by 9.4% in 2025 while revenues rose only 4.7%, a sign that leading companies are increasingly prioritizing innovation over short-term returns. US companies were the most dynamic, accelerating their R&D growth from 6% to 12%, while European companies held steady at around 5% growth despite flat revenues.

These corporate results reflect a broader national commitment to research and development. Switzerland invests more than 3% of its GDP in R&D activities, with total spending approaching CHF 26 billion, 69% of which is borne by the private sector. This investment is supported by a dense network of world-class research institutions, including CERN, the Paul Scherrer Institute, Empa, and Innosuisse, as well as EPFL and the federal universities. Read more about Switzerland’s position as a world leader in innovation through R&D here.

The EY study results are consistent with Switzerland’s track record across global competitiveness benchmarks. The country has held the top position in the Global Innovation Index for 15 consecutive years and leads a wide range of international rankings in talent, education, and knowledge output. For companies considering where to anchor their R&D operations, Switzerland’s combination of corporate ambition, public research infrastructure, and institutional stability makes a compelling case.