PCP
Photo creditsThe question in Switzerland — Industry and innovation
Research contributes to prosperity when knowledge can be developed, tested and used in production. Laboratories, skilled workforces, dependable energy, equipment and finance all matter. An industrial policy must examine the chain linking these capabilities. Support that ends with an announcement or a patent count gives an incomplete picture of economic results.
The Chinese experience — Industry and innovation
China offers experience in coordinating infrastructure, industrial development, research and technical training. These mechanisms merit detailed study. The PCP supports scientific and industrial cooperation with China, including exchanges between research institutions and productive enterprises, on terms that identify responsibilities and the intended contribution of each partner.
Application within Swiss institutions — Industry and innovation
Swiss research institutions, vocational education and industrial enterprises provide the starting point. Proposals should improve connections between them, identify gaps in production and testing capacity, and respect the responsibilities of the institutions concerned. Cooperation with China should reinforce local competence and a durable ability to maintain and improve technology.
Proposed measures — Industry and innovation
- Establish shared testing and demonstration facilities where a documented need exists.
- Make support conditional on defined research, production or training commitments.
- Improve access to technical expertise for smaller firms.
- Include worker training in industrial transition plans.
- Develop transparent research and industrial exchanges with China.
- Evaluate the productive use of publicly supported research.
Resources and implementation — Industry and innovation
A support programme should distinguish exploratory research, demonstration and industrial deployment. Each requires different expectations and financing. Decisions should consider additional investment, skills, energy use and the ability to operate independently over time. Agreements should cover intellectual property, maintenance, evaluation and the treatment of unsuccessful projects.
Assessment of results — Industry and innovation
- Progress from research to usable applications.
- Additional productive investment and skilled employment.
- Access by smaller enterprises.
- Training completed and capabilities retained.
Questions for research
Use original statistics, official documents and clearly identified research. Record the period measured, the publication date, definitions and any limits to comparison. An average may conceal different circumstances. A stated objective is not a measured result. Where evidence is incomplete, the proposal should explain the uncertainty and the information needed to resolve it.
