The Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry continues to hold a top global position, securing third place in the annually conducted Global Industry Competitiveness Index (GICI) by BAK Economics. Commissioned by the business association Scienceindustries, the study ranked the United States in first place, followed by low-tax Ireland in second.
Overall, Switzerland remains the most broadly positioned among the countries examined, ranking in the top 10 across all evaluated indicators, according to study author Michael Grass during a media event. Despite this broad strength, weaknesses emerged in the areas of innovation and technological leadership. While the chemical sector maintained a high position, the pharmaceutical segment dropped to ninth place.
The study attributed this weakness primarily to a low number of clinical studies, limited digital penetration in the healthcare sector, artificial intelligence usage, and the reimbursement of medications. Although the foundational base remains very strong, the distance between Swiss research and actual patient application widens closer to the final stage.
Scienceindustries President Annette Luther noted that the decline in technology and innovation leadership is concerning, as many countries are eager to catch up. She added that Switzerland must strengthen its position in research.
Meanwhile, China made significant gains in the overall ranking, improving by four positions to reach 12th place. China already ranks highly in factors such as market position, patents, the number of clinical studies, and research expenditures. However, China displayed weaknesses in location quality, which encompasses regulation, the protection of intellectual property, and the reduction of market barriers, though the study noted substantial progress in these areas recently. Grass stated that China could potentially advance to the top tier within the next one to two years.
