The manufacturing industry is vital for both Sweden and Switzerland. It stands for approximately 50% of both countries' export value.
This industry is however fully exposed to globalization with production being outsourced to low cost countries. In order to continue to compete on the global market and maintain the industrial base in both our countries, Switzerland and Sweden need to faster develop individualized, resource smart solutions with accentuated customer value.
Switzerland and Sweden are traditionally very innovative in development of new material technologies and manufacturing processes. The good fit in interest areas and traditionally well-established research collaborations make the countries perfect co-operation partners.
To ensure that Swiss and Swedish universities and SMEs continue to develop new ideas within new material technologies & manufacturing processes, manufacturing has been chosen as one of the areas for promotion of Swiss-Swedish R&D co-operations.