Innovation keeps Switzerland on top

Dear reader

Switzerland remains one of the most innovative countries in Europe. This is evident from the recently released survey of innovation activities of the Swiss economy, conducted by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich. That's the good news. Less encouraging, however, is that Switzerland has had to cede its previous top ranking to Denmark both on the industrial side and in the service sector.

But the innovation study also documents clearly that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Swiss economy. In fact, according to the ratings, Swiss SMEs are more innovative than SMEs in any other EU country.

The innovative power of Switzerland has also been strengthened through government support, with the increase in financial subsidies in 2003 to the Commission for Technology and Innovation CTI a positive factor. Switzerland has also contributed more financial resources over the past 10 years to the promotion of EU research and technology. In addition, the benefits to the local economy are clear.

So, Switzerland remains one of the most innovative economies in the world. This is demonstrated not only by the KOF study, but is shown daily on startupticker.ch with its news. It is noticeable that young companies are increasingly aligning their businesses internationally or even globally in the start-up phase, or shortly afterwards, and some have had resounding success.

Viewster, a rapidly growing on-demand service for movies and TV shows, has announced new offices in New York, London, Singapore and Adelaide; Zurich start-up GET CHANGED!, the fair fashion online portal, is available not only in Switzerland but also in Germany and Austria; in Berlin a roof will be professionally farmed by UrbanFarmers; and GetYourGuide has acquired Berlin-based start-up Gidsy.

By the way, GetYourGuide, founded in 2011 and which operates the world’s largest on-line portal for booking tours, excursions and activities, has succeeded in reaching the final of the prestigious Swiss Economic Award. The award will be presented in early June at the Swiss Economic Forum in Thun.

An important tip to all young entrepreneurs and company founders: Swisscom, which also supports startupticker.ch, this week launched a new online platform specifically for young entrepreneurs. The platform includes advice on a proper communications infrastructure and shows where and how Swisscom supports Swiss entrepreneurs; also on offer is a new starter pack.

The editorial team wishes you a pleasant weekend.

Claus Niedermann
startupticker.ch