Switzerland continues to lead the European Innovation Scoreboard

Switzerland has once again taken the lead in the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS), solidifying its position as a trailblazer in innovation within the EU.

The annual European Innovation Scoreboard provides a comparative analysis of the research and innovation performance of EU Member States and 11 European countries. It outlines the relative strengths and weaknesses of national innovation systems, empowering countries to identify areas for growth and improvement.

This year’s EIS, the third edition to be published using the new measurement framework introduced in 2021, demonstrates a methodical assessment using 32 normalized indicators. It helps guide policies and practices in European countries, encouraging them to excel in innovation and technology.

Switzerland’s performance in detail

Switzerland’s exceptional score of 139.6% of the EU average is an unambiguous testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation. It ranks first in six specific indicators:

• New Doctorate Graduates: 218.7%
• International Scientific Co-publications: 274.9%
• Foreign Doctorate Students: 330.5%
• Public-Private Co-publications: 468.0%
• Resource Productivity: 192.0%
• Air Emissions by Fine Particulates: 132.6%

These figures demonstrate Switzerland’s significant advancements in education, scientific collaboration, resource management, and environmental consciousness.

However, the country’s report highlights areas for continued growth and enhancement. Opportunities for improvement are found in government support for business R&D, environment-related technologies, medium and high-tech goods exports, and collaboration among innovative SMEs. Venture capital expenditure, an area that required attention in 2022, has seen substantial progress, with Switzerland managing to achieve a robust increase in this indicator since 2016.

Dynamic changes in innovation

Switzerland’s innovation landscape has been characterized by dynamic changes over the last few years. While recording strong decreases in indicators such as sales of innovative products, SMEs with product innovations, and design applications since 2016, the nation has seen remarkable growth in other areas.

There has been a strong uptick since 2022 in the number of employed ICT specialists, job-to-job mobility of Human Resources in Science and Technology (HRST), and environment-related technologies. Conversely, there were marked decreases in design applications, most cited publications, and lifelong learning.

A commitment to excellence and resilience

Switzerland’s continued dominance in the European Innovation Scoreboard underlines its commitment to leading the European innovation landscape. While it maintains its top position, followed by Denmark, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, the challenges and dynamic shifts in various indicators highlight areas that require attention.

The country’s decreased lead over the EU in innovation performance emphasizes the need for continuous efforts to reinforce and build upon its existing strengths. As the landscape of innovation continues to evolve, the insights provided by the EIS will play a crucial role in guiding Switzerland and other European nations towards a more innovative and resilient future.