SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal description
« Technological progress is the foundation of efforts to achieve environmental objectives, such as increased resource and energy-efficiency. Without technology and innovation, industrialization will not happen, and without industrialization, development will not happen. […] »
Significance of the indicator
The indicator shows the number of researchers in higher education institutions, in the private economy and in the federal administration, in full-time equivalents (FTE) per thousand employed persons. The development of technology and science requires highly qualified human resources, capable of producing new knowledge that is essential to the economy and society as well as protecting and enriching human capital. Education, research and innovation are essential to a country’s well-being, social cohesion and competitiveness. An increase in the number of researchers, therefore, is desirable in order to move towards sustainable development.
Help for interpretation
The indicator does not provide any information on the relevance to sustainable development of the research activities undertaken.
International comparability
Data on researchers in Switzerland are comparable with those from OECD member countries.
Tables
Methodology
The indicator shows the number of researchers (in full-time equivalents) per thousand employed persons. Data come from the composite research and development statistics (R&D) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office. Until 2012, these statistics were compiled every four years. Since 2015 they have been compiled every two years. The statistics on R&D personnel and researchers are collected by questionnaire. R&D personnel is broken down into three categories: researchers, technicians and support staff.
Principles
7a Development of human capital
Collective knowledge and sociocultural heritage should be extended, exchanged more between population groups and maintained for future generations.
10b Economic order that favours innovation and competition
The framework of the market system should be shaped in such a manner that innovation and knowledge transfer are encouraged and functional markets are maintained or improved. Competitivity and locational quality should be maintained and promoted.
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Environment, Sustainable Development, TerritoryEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland
- Tel.
- +41 58 460 58 46
Monday - Friday:
09.00 - 12.00 / 14.00 - 16.00