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Swiss Statistics

Enquiries, Sources – R&D in Private Enterprise SectorOverview

Short description Research and development (R&D) plays an essential role in the process of innovation and represents one of the main driving forces of economic growth. To what extent does the R&D of Swiss private business allow Switzerland to remain competitive and able to establish itself on world markets? How has this area developed over the last decade? An analysis of the results of the R&D survey carried out in the private economy in Switzerland helps to contribute answers to these questions. This analysis shows the evolution of R&D in Switzerland and in international comparison.
Responsible agency Swiss Federal Statistical Office
Responsible service Economic Structure and Cycle
Responsible person and information Veronica Roth, 032 713 68 14, veronica.roth@bfs.admin.ch,
Pierre Sollberger, 032 713 68 65, pierre.sollberger@bfs.admin.ch
Profiling: Patrick Lemp, 032 867 23 18, patrick.lemp@bfs.admin.ch
Conducted by FSO, SUKO Section, MON Section
Legal basis
  • Act of 9th October 1992 on Federal Statistics (LSF)
  • Ordinance of 30th June 1993 regarding organisation of statistics
  • Ordinance of 30th June 1993 regarding realisation of federal statistical surveys with the amendment of 26th June 1996
  • Ordinance of 30th June 1993 on Business and Establishment Register with the amendment of 26th June 1996
Type of enquiry Survey by questionnaire in 2 stages:
  • A screening which allows identification of businesses active in R&D
  • The survey which allows collection of more detailed information on R&D staffing and expenses
The questionnaire can be filled in on-line or on paper.
Statistical basis and units of enquiry The enterprise
Features registered Data on R&D financial and human resources:
  • Intramural R&D expenditure
  • Type of R&D (basic research, applied research, experimental development)
  • The objectives of R&D (25 objectives of NABS)
  • Extramural R&D expenditure (mandates and contributions according to beneficiary in Switzerland and abroad)
  • Foreign affiliates R&D expenditure
  • Nature of intramural R&D expenditure (labour costs of R&D personnel, other current costs and capital expenditure)
  • R&D sources of funds (other enterprises, government, etc.)
  • People occupied in R&D (formal qualification, occupation, gender and nationality)
Degree of regionalisation Switzerland, Great Regions
Date survey conducted Civil year.
Date of survey Final concept in September of reference year. Press conference in December of year following year of reference.
Periodicity From 1992 the rhythm of surveys is every 4 years (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004). Currently, an interval of two years is being considered.
Available since First year of reference of statistics: 1966 (realisation by VORORT). From 1986, realisation by FSO in collaboration with Vorort (economiesuisse). Most variables are comparable from 1992.
Statistical quality of data In practice, the scope and measure of R&D can prove problematic. Any determination of the amount of financial resources spent on R&D and especially the amount of work consecrated to it is based on estimates. Therefore the data should be considered as estimates with guaranteed reliability.
Revision 2008, last revision.
Last Update 18.01.2012
Last updated: 23.10.2009
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