Innovation: the precious value of Swiss companies
When it comes to innovation capability, Swiss companies are among the best in the world. According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 72.3 percent of Swiss companies innovated between 2014 and 2016.
In the OECD ranking of innovative companies, Switzerland ranks second in terms of innovation. Only Canada performed even better, with 79.2% of companies innovating in the period 2014-2016. Norway came in third with 68% innovative companies. Also in the top group are Portugal (65.8%), Finland (62.6%) and the USA (62.2%).
Switzerland's direct neighbours occupy the following places in the ranking: Germany 7th (60.7%), France 14th (55.9%) and Italy 19th (52.2%). Poland brings up the rear, with only 20.9% of companies producing innovations.
Switzerland holds the record among OECD countries when it comes to the share of employees in innovation-rich companies. These companies account for 87.7% of all jobs in Switzerland. By comparison, in Canada this proportion is 85%. The OECD average is around 70%.
The OECD Innovation Indicators 2019 ranking is based on the ability of companies to improve or introduce new products, services or business processes. The relevant data are taken from the national statistics of the 39 member and associated countries. The ranking provides an overview of the various innovation support policies and the impact on the economy of the progress made by companies.
