Research and Development: Federal Expenses and Staff in 2017

R & D expenses of the Confederation at record high

12 July 2018 (FSO) – In 2017, the Confederation spent 2.2 billion Swiss francs on research and experimental development (R & D), an increase of 7% compared to the last survey in 2015. The biggest share of this record amount was R & D contributions for research activities. At the same time, federal R & D personnel fell by 4% to 875 full-time equivalents. These results are based on the analysis of administrative data of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The federal R & D expenditures continued to increase between 2015 and 2017, reaching a record level of 2.2 billion francs. A large part of this money (88%) flowed into the promotion of research activities in Switzerland and abroad. These contributions amounted to 1.9 billion francs in 2017. Compared to 2015, this represents an increase of 9%.

R & D expenditures of the federal government, 2004-2017

Source: bfs.admin.ch - Click to enlarge

Support for national and international research

The most important recipient of federal R & D contributions is the Swiss National Science Foundation (50% of total contributions). He continues to distribute this public money to promote research activities in Switzerland. In second place are international research programs and organizations accounting for a total of 28% of the funds invested.

The other R & D expenses of the Confederation are less important and are characterized by a heterogeneous development. Expenses for research activities within federal units (intramuros expenditures) fell by 5% to 184 million francs. The expenses for R & D orders also registered a decrease (-5%). They amounted to 79 million francs.

R & D staff of the federal government after training, 2004-2017

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Slight decline in R & D staff

From 2015 to 2017, federal R & D personnel also fell. In 2015, 1857 people had participated in research activities. In 2017 there were 1825 people (-2%). Measured in full-time equivalents (875 FTE), R & D personnel decreased by 4% compared to the previous survey.

R & D expenditures of the federal government according to expenditure type, 2004-2017

Source: bfs.admin.ch - Click to enlarge