Switzerland tops the table for innovative capacity

Switzerland tops the most recent innovative capacity rankings from Roland Berger and partners, which cover a selected group of 35 economies around the world. “Switzerland’s leading position in our global innovation rankings is the result of a long-standing, close-knit relationship between the worlds of politics and business”, as Matthias Hanke, Partner at Roland Berger Switzerland, explains in a press release issued by the corporate consulting firm in relation to the rankings. He adds: “To take just a few examples, this has resulted in the early promotion of dual vocational training, which produces skilled workers with practical experience, continuous investment in cutting-edge research at universities and the creation of an innovation-friendly framework”.

Singapore is ranked in second place, with Denmark in the bronze medal position. Germany secured a ranking of 12th place, followed by the UK. Meanwhile, the USA is down in 18th position, with China languishing in 25th place.

The top ten places in the rankings exclusively comprise smaller economies. As the press release explains, these nations find it easier than large industrial countries to “target a larger proportion of the human and financial capital available with the aim of generating new knowledge and exploiting this economically”. Specializing in individual technologies can also represent another success factor, according to Roland Berger. As the frontrunner, for example, Switzerland is home to “some of the most powerful scientific institutions in the world”, while at the same time its economy is focused on sectors “where their research results are particularly relevant”. In this instance, industries such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as electronics and automation, are cited in the press release. ce/hs