Research and Innovation
Switzerland is recognised worldwide as a centre of expertise in research and innovation, which are the cornerstones of Switzerland’s foreign policy profile. Research and innovation help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), increase the competitiveness of businesses and create jobs.
To achieve its strategic objectives, the SDC supports scientific research programmes in the field of international cooperation. Through these programmes, SDC-funded research provides new knowledge and innovative solutions aimed at promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty and global risks, and implementing the 2030 Agenda. Scaling up innovative solutions increases the impact of international cooperation, with some solutions having the potential to influence areas far beyond those addressed by traditional approaches.
North-South scientific partnerships are mutually reinforcing and go beyond the academic world, involving government bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), foundations and the private sector. This transdisciplinary approach gives the SDC access to new capabilities and specific know-how in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
For the period 2025-2028, the research concept provides the framework for research in international cooperation. It focuses on the priority thematic areas of cooperation, namely food systems, health, the economy and education, climate and the environment, water, as well as peace, the rule of law and gender equality, migration and forced displacement.
Research objectives and priorities
The Federal Administration has to rely on sound scientific knowledge if it is to deal with complex political situations efficiently and competently. Scientific research carried out in the public interest is known as ‹Ressortforschung›.
The SDC supports research projects to achieve the goals set out in Switzerland’s International Cooperation Strategy 2025-2028, including saving lives and ensuring access to basic services, contributing to sustainable economic growth, protecting the environment and combating climate change, promoting peace and human rights, and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
The SDC aims to promote the scaling-up of projects for the benefit of its partners and programmes. SDC research helps to develop the skills of researchers and research institutes in partner countries. Research projects thus help to measure the effectiveness and impact of international cooperation, with research findings feeding into development policy decision-making in Switzerland and its partner countries.
Links
Documents
Research institutions
To achieve its strategic objectives, the SDC implements research partnerships and collaborates with research institutions.
Development cooperation and research: a promising model
The r4d Programme, run by the SDC and the SNSF, ended this month. Odile Robert from the SDC offers insights in this interview.
Contact
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