Sustainability: chemicals and pharmaceuticals in pole position

The Global Industry Competitiveness Index (GICI) 2024 from BAK Economics confirms that the chemical-pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland is in a leading position: in the international ranking of economic competitiveness, it has improved and is now in second place behind the USA. In terms of environmental sustainability, it is ranked first. This confirms the industry's strong environmental commitment and high level of competitiveness in an increasingly demanding global environment. Stable trade relations are of central importance for export-oriented industries, which is why the progress in the Federal Council's negotiations with the EU, Switzerland's most important trading partner, is encouraging.

‘The tense geopolitical and economic situation worldwide places high demands on our export-oriented industries,’ said scienceindustries President Matthias Leuenberger at the annual event of the Chemie Pharma Life Sciences trade association. ’Nevertheless, the Swiss chemical-pharmaceutical industry once again performed well in the Global Industry Competitiveness Index compiled by BAK Economics. It is one of the most competitive worldwide and has been among the top three locations for five years in a row.’

The GICI indicates weaknesses in product regulation and trade barriers, as well as in digitalisation, where Switzerland is substantially behind – there is an urgent need for action here. Nevertheless, the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industries have improved their competitiveness and are now ranked second, behind the USA and ahead of Ireland (2023: third place). Specialisation in innovative, high-quality products puts Switzerland in a stable position in international comparison – and makes a significant contribution to the stability of the Swiss economy.

Leading in terms of competitiveness and sustainability

The focus of GICI 2024 is environmental sustainability. Based on greenhouse gas emissions per value added, energy consumption per value added and investments in environmental technologies, an environmental index is calculated that allows conclusions to be drawn about the environmental impact of economic growth. In terms of minimising the negative environmental impacts of economic growth, the chemical-pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland is top-rated among the largest European locations.

‘The analysis shows that the Swiss chemical-pharmaceutical industry is not only one of the most competitive internationally, but also one of the most environmentally friendly,’ says Stephan Mumenthaler, Director of scienceindustries. ‘This commitment also reflects the sustainability strategy adopted by scienceindustries in spring, which is aligned with the net-zero target for 2050 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.’ This covers a wide range of topics, from health and nutrition to education and biodiversity, with a focus on climate and resources in 2024 – a recent film illustrates the various sustainability initiatives in this area.

Sustainable development: demands on politics

In order to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals without weakening international competitiveness, scienceindustries calls for framework conditions for sustainable innovation. These include risk-based and future-oriented chemicals regulation and the promotion of technological openness in research, energy supply and sustainable nutrition systems. New technologies such as the CRISPR/Cas9 breeding techniques play a crucial role in further expanding Switzerland's innovative strength while also taking ecological responsibility.

The central framework conditions for the export-oriented chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries include stable trade relations – the latest communication from the Federal Council on advanced negotiations with the EU is therefore encouraging: barrier-free access to the EU single market and stable relations are essential to the success of the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry. scienceindustries is strongly committed to strengthening and further developing the proven bilateral agreements, in addition to a network of free trade agreements. Switzerland can continue to rely on the chemical-pharmaceutical industry as a strong economic mainstay – an industry that is committed to all dimensions of sustainability.

For further information:

Stephan Mumenthaler, Director
stephan.mumenthaler@scienceindustries.ch, +41 79 593 91 63

Pia Guggenbühl, Head of Public Affairs & Communications, Member of the Executive Board
pia.guggenbuehl@scienceindustries.ch, +41 79 566 60 10