Dossiers - Reforms in the healthcare sector
A visionary strategy for biomedical research is needed
Biomedical research is central to Switzerland's position as a center of innovation. With the Biomedicine Masterplan, the Federal Council wanted to strengthen the framework conditions for research and technology. Now it is to be discontinued – a decision that raises questions about Switzerland's strategic direction.
27.03.2025
The master plan “Federal measures to strengthen biomedical research and technology” was initiated by the Federal Council in 2013 to optimize the framework conditions for biomedical research and technology in Switzerland and to ensure that the population has access to biomedical products. In the 2022−2026 phase, the master plan included sixteen sector-specific measures focusing on Switzerland as a research location, the market launch of innovative drugs and the digitalization of the research and health sectors. These measures aimed to strengthen clinical research, promote the development of novel therapies and facilitate the use of health data for research purposes.
Unfortunately, the goals that were set have not been reached so far. Digitalization in the Swiss healthcare system is progressing too slowly, and clinical research activities are declining. At the same time, continually worsening conditions hinder access to innovative therapies and threaten the reliable supply of established medicines. Consequently, signs of a creeping weakening of the location can be seen, such as stagnating employment figures or outflows of investment capital.
Setback for biomedical research
Despite this sobering outcome, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announced in February 2025 that it will now also abandon the continuation of the Masterplan for Biomedicine. In doing so, the federal government is sending a critical signal in times of increasing protectionism and looming trade wars. While other countries are working with industry on strategies to strengthen the cyclically resilient and value-added pharmaceutical industry, Switzerland is eliminating the only initiative that could have actively addressed the issue of good framework conditions for biomedical research.
Even if the direct influence of the master plan on biomedical research has so far been disappointing, its removal reveals a lack of will for a long-term vision of how Switzerland can exploit the potential of chemistry, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. In order to avoid further endangering Switzerland as a center for research and innovation, it is essential that a clear and coherent strategy be developed to establish better framework conditions for biomedical research in collaboration with industry.
Call to politicians: Provide sustainable support for biomedicine
Unfortunately, the announcement by the FOPH leads us to expect the opposite. In this way, the federal government is not acting sustainably even with a view to its own overarching interests. It is missing the opportunity to present an established and supporting industry sector with future prospects that could consolidate a continued commitment to the location. While other countries such as Denmark, Germany or the United Kingdom are already developing targeted strategies to strengthen their position in this sector, Switzerland risks losing competitiveness without an overarching plan.
scienceindustries calls on the federal government to focus its activities in a targeted and sustainable way and to implement savings where there is ultimately little or no benefit for the general public. A forward-looking strategy will have to focus on areas with high innovation potential, such as biomedical research and technology, if only in the interest of society as a whole. Sustainable investment in this sector is essential to ensure Switzerland's long-term competitiveness and to guarantee the population continued access to the latest biomedical developments.
