The Swiss government has earmarked up to CHF28 billion ($28.6 billion) for the promotion of education and research over the next four years. That’s an increase of just over 2% compared with the previous period.
“The aim is to ensure that Switzerland remains an international leader in the field of education, research and innovation,” Education Minister Guy Parmelin told a news conference on Wednesday.
One of the key challenges for the government is digital transformation, according to Parmelin.
The government set priorities for vocational and professional training, for continuing education and higher education both at the Federal Institutes of Technology and the cantonal universities and colleges as well as for the promotion of research and innovation, notably with the National Science FoundationExternal link and the innovation agency, InnosuisseExternal link.
Most of the money is to go towards universities and research institutes but the government also wants to increase spending to boost adult basic skills courses as part of further training.
International cooperation
The funds, which still need to be approved by parliament, do not include Switzerland’s financial contribution for participation in European Union programmes in the field of research and innovation, notably Horizon EuropeExternal link and ErasmusExternal link.
Parmelin said the key to Switzerland’s successful promotion of training, research and innovation is continuity, a long-term perspective and close cooperation between the 26 cantons and the federal authorities.
He said he was optimistic about planned talks with Brussels on associating Switzerland with EU research and education programmes.
Bilateral relations between the 27-nation bloc and Switzerland have stalled over the past few months amid uncertainty about a deal over the future of an umbrella accord.
More
More
Why Switzerland’s dual-track education system is unique
This content was published on
Young people used to be faced with making a definitive career choice aged 15 in Switzerland. But nowadays they can change direction later on.
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
This content was published on
Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife, Eva Pavlova, arrived in Switzerland on Tuesday at the start of a two-day state visit.
Study shows proliferation of non-native plants is driver of insect invasions
This content was published on
A global study has revealed that insect invasions are being driven by the proliferation of non-native plants. This can can massively disrupt ecological processes, often leading to serious economic impacts.
Swiss set record for world’s longest hyperloop test
This content was published on
Swiss scientists have established a record for the longest-ever hyperloop journey at a facility in Lausanne, Switzerland.
This content was published on
The Swiss army wants to purchase new German armoured howitzers to replace its existing artillery system which has been in operation for over 50 years.
Poll suggests Donald Trump has many fans in Switzerland
This content was published on
Around a quarter of Swiss citizens would vote for Donald Trump if they had the chance, according to a recent poll. This percentage is higher than in many other European countries.
Swiss court rejects special assistance for student with disabilities
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Court has rejected an application for special assistance from a student with disabilities at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich.
Police arrest 15 drug dealers in Verbier in southern Switzerland
This content was published on
Swiss and French police have arrested 15 suspected drug dealers operating in the mountain resort of Verbier in southern Switzerland.
New European space tech centre in Switzerland launches its first project
This content was published on
The European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI), launched in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), is to be located in the immediate vicinity of the PSI in northern Switzerland.
Swiss Federal Railways launches campaign for safety on public transport
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Railways is launching a campaign for greater respect and safety on public transport, with posters to go up in stations and on trains starting next week.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss universities fear EU science funding snub
This content was published on
Horizon EuropeExternal link is the €100 billion research and innovation programme that will succeed Horizon 2020. Switzerland was temporarily demoted to third country status of Horizon 2020 after voters backed migration quotas in 2014. The heads of Switzerland’s two Federal Institutes of Technology, ETHZ and EPFL, on Tuesday voiced concerns that funding restrictions could apply…
Swiss government wants public consultation on EU framework deal
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it wants a public consultation before taking a final position on an “institutional framework” agreement with the EU.
This content was published on
The Swiss government wants to give increasing importance to sustainable development and digitalisation in its foreign policy strategy.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.