The Financing of Innovation in Switzerland

Abstract

Innovation is a crucial factor for the maintenance of a strong, growing and competitive economy. Especially in today’s increasingly globalised and fast-moving economic environment. However, it is a long and often difficult way from a new idea and its basic research to the commercialization of the finished product, service or technology. Even though Switzerland is among the leading countries when it comes to research, innovation and the number of patent application per capita, it is of importance to have an efficient support system for innovation projects and start-ups in place in order for the country to maintain its competitiveness in the long run. Therefore, it is interesting to analyse what support programs for innovation are available in Switzerland and what challenges exist in the financing of innovation in general, and especially in regard of the support of projects in different stages of the innovation process.