PCP
Photo creditsThe Party’s position
The PCP proposes an industrial policy that strengthens productive capabilities and their contribution to society. Public support should carry explicit objectives, reviewable conditions and responsibilities. Small and medium-sized firms need access to research facilities, technical skills and suitable financing; workers need a place in decisions affecting training and changes in production.
The Chinese experience
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
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
- 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
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
- Progress from research to usable applications.
- Additional productive investment and skilled employment.
- Access by smaller enterprises.
- Training completed and capabilities retained.
Contribute to this policy
A contribution on this policy should identify the measure concerned, the evidence to consider and the practical change proposed. Explain the relevant institution and any implications for resources or access. The research method gives the common framework for examining these questions.
