Switzerland needs more efforts in biomedicine

Everyone is looking at the US or the new forming government in Germany, where new pillars of focus in research and technology take form from the large paper work of the new coalition´s contract to be.  But there is more going on in Europe and in contrast to the well renowned landscape of biomedical research in Switzerland, a new report is missing a strategy and a new masterplan.

Biomedical research is a cornerstone of Switzerland’s innovation-driven economy. With the introduction of the “Masterplan for Biomedical Research and Technology” in 2013, the Federal Council aimed to strengthen the framework conditions for research and ensure public access to biomedical products. However, the recent decision not to continue this initiative raises pressing questions about the country’s long-term strategic direction.

The current phase of the Masterplan (2022–2026) included sixteen targeted measures focusing on the promotion of Switzerland as a research hub, the market entry of innovative medicines, and the digitalisation of both the research and healthcare sectors. These efforts were intended to support clinical research, accelerate the development of new therapies, and enhance the use of health data for scientific purposes.

Disappointing Outcomes and Missed Targets

Unfortunately, the Masterplan has failed to deliver on its promises. Digitalisation within the Swiss healthcare system remains sluggish, and clinical research activity is in decline. At the same time, deteriorating regulatory conditions are impeding access to innovative therapies and threatening the availability of essential medicines. Signs of structural weakness are already apparent, including stagnant employment figures and a gradual outflow of investment capital. In February 2025, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announced that the Masterplan will be discontinued. This sends a troubling signal at a time of growing protectionism and potential trade conflicts. While other nations are actively collaborating with industry to secure the future of their pharmaceutical sectors, Switzerland is abandoning the only federal initiative aimed at improving conditions for biomedical research.

While the Masterplan’s impact has thus far been limited, its discontinuation reflects a concerning lack of political will to formulate a long-term vision for the country’s future in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences. Without such a strategy, Switzerland risks falling behind as a research and innovation centre.

A Call to Action for Policymakers

The organization scienceindustries urges the Swiss government to redirect its focus strategically and sustainably. Budget cuts must be made where public benefit is minimal—not in high-potential innovation sectors. Other countries, including Denmark, Germany and the UK, are actively pursuing forward-looking strategies to strengthen their positions in biomedical research. Switzerland cannot afford to lag behind.

A visionary and coherent strategy is urgently needed—one that fosters collaboration with industry, promotes sustainable investment, and ensures the competitiveness of Switzerland as a leading hub for biomedical innovation. Only with such a commitment can access to cutting-edge biomedical developments for the Swiss population be guaranteed in the long term.