New study explores how Switzerland can maintain its leading position in life science innovation

London, UK, 2nd April 2024 / Sciad / The RSA Group, a leading life sciences executive search firm, has published the latest of its Talent Equity Reports: “Sustaining a winning position” – an analysis of how Switzerland can continue to lead the life sciences sector in a shifting global market.  

The new report features interviews with life science leaders who give their insights into the secret to Switzerland’s success – its people. In an ever-changing environment where technological advances, emerging markets and cost of living increases threaten to erode Switzerland’s strong position, nurturing exceptional talent will be essential to ensuring the country remains a powerhouse in the life sciences sector. 

Manu Chhokra, Managing Director of Switzerland & Global Head of Interims at The RSA Group, commented: “Switzerland is a place where life science businesses thrive. It has a unique ecosystem based on solid finance, governmental structure, technological advances and business infrastructure that enables the skilled professionals within it to thrive.  

“The country is home to some of the most acclaimed technical universities in Europe. A complementary partnership between academia and business creates a strong foundation to support cutting-edge life science developments. Going forward, Switzerland must focus on supporting its remarkable pool of talent and growing its innovation base.” 

The report reveals that, to remain at the beating heart of life sciences research in Europe, Switzerland must prevent holes along the full length of its talent funnel, from recruiting new graduates, to retaining the promising executives of tomorrow, to supporting staff starting families. Although Switzerland has abundant homegrown talent, attracting out-of-country talent will continue to be important for the country. 

Despite the strong investment scene in Switzerland, a gap exists beyond seed and series A funding and towards the growth series B and C funding. To keep start-ups from relocating elsewhere to secure sufficient funding, Switzerland needs to increase its scaleup finance. 

As the shifting global market continues to present challenges to the life sciences sector in Switzerland, it’s crucial that the country pre-empts the needs of tomorrow. Technology is advancing and therefore Switzerland will need to continue to grow its digitally adept talent base. The development of cutting-edge therapies, such as cell and gene therapy and personalised medicine, will grow the country’s requirement for out-of-country talent and partnerships with contract design and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs). 

There’s no doubt that Switzerland’s life science sector will continue to bring extraordinary breakthroughs in the coming years. To continue to exert and extend its influence, Switzerland must maintain an innovation mindset and willingness to collect talent from across the globe. From the country that brought us CRISPR-Cas9 and CAR T-cell therapy, the future for life sciences is bright. 

Read the full report here. 

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Sciad Communications, Media Relations 

Jasmin Shearan
E: jasmin@sciad.com
T: +44 (0)20 3405 7892 

Notes for Editors

About The RSA Group 

Founded in 1981, we are the pre-eminent global executive search firm in Life Sciences and Healthcare. We provide a unique combination of Executive Search and Executive Interims from Director to Board Level. In addition to supporting clients with market due diligence, competitor benchmarking, and brand perception surveys, we also review organisations as part of our People & Organisation Advisory and recommend the best options for evolution across organisational design, talent acquisition, development, and succession planning. With offices globally, we offer clients and candidates alike our in-depth knowledge and understanding of the life sciences industry, as well as first class project execution. To learn more about The RSA Group, visit www.theRSAgroup.com.