The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) has published the second Cantonal Innovation and Creativity Index (CICI), this time in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). The new edition compares the major regions for the first time and includes clear profiles of each individual canton.

 

When it comes to creativity and innovation, Switzerland regularly tops the international rankings. But how are the individual cantons faring at national level? The Cantonal Innovation and Creativity Index (CICI) answers this question in a comprehensive ranking. It can be downloaded from www.kiki-icic.ch.

 

For the first time, the index also compares the major regions. The Zurich region, the most populous Swiss canton, took first place, followed by the Lake Geneva region, Ticino and Central Switzerland. North-Western Switzerland followed closely, while Eastern Switzerland and Espace Mittelland ranked significantly further down. Christoph Hauser, an economist at HSLU and author of the study, explains why Ticino performed well: “Ticino is dynamic in terms of economic growth, companies and start-ups, which means that it’s overtaking the diverse regions of Central Switzerland and North-Western Switzerland.”

 

A comprehensive methodology

The CICI is based on the Global Innovation Index (GII) and consists of various indicators grouped into ‘input’ and ‘output’. Input factors promote innovation and creativity, while output factors measure the impact of innovation and creativity (for further details, see the box below). The data was provided by, among others, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the Federal Finance Administration (FFA), the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse and the OECD.

 

Zug in pole position again

In the second edition of the index, the cantons Zug, Basel-Stadt and Zurich continued to dominate the top three spots. While the overall winner Zug consolidated its pole position with excellent figures for start-ups, economic growth and supporting factors (incl. tax incentives), Basel-Stadt put in an outstanding performance as a cultural metropolis and leads the area of diversity. Meanwhile, Zurich made its mark as a balanced all-rounder with very solid figures across almost all dimensions. “The top three cantons also lead other economic rankings, which is unsurprising – innovation capacity is a key driver of economic success, particularly in Switzerland,” says Christoph Hauser.

 

Central Switzerland excels in technology

Bern (ranked 20th) scored well for its high level of research, development and knowledge, on a par with the frontrunners. In North-Western Switzerland, in addition to Basel-Stadt in second place and Basel-Landschaft in 18th place, Aargau (19th) and Solothurn (24th) stood out for their competitive supporting factors. All of these cantons (excluding Basel-Stadt) showed greater economic growth compared with the previous year. Central Switzerland has positioned itself as the region for technology: Nidwalden (12th) took first place for patents and designs, just ahead of Zug, thanks to its global industrial flagships. Lucerne, in 15th place, made clear gains in the area of the environment, thanks to its improved tax conditions (patent box). It was also was one of the best performers in education and educational attainment. Obwalden (14th) had a high research intensity. Schwyz (9th) fared well in the areas of the environment, companies and start-ups, also due to its excellent tax conditions, and Uri (26th) reported a high number of start-ups, proving that entrepreneurial spirit has nothing to do with size. “Smaller cantons can be successful too if they tap into their uniqueness or develop a niche strategy. Uri, for example, leverages its agility and location on the north-south axis,” adds Christoph Hauser.

 

Jura moves up the ranks

In French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva and Vaud ranked fourth and sixth overall thanks to their innovation-friendly environment and strong start-up momentum. Neuchâtel (5th) confirmed the historic strength of its ‘Watch Valley’ and its leading position in the area of patents, trade marks and designs. Jura (10th) improved significantly overall, also benefiting from its wealth of patents. “Jura made significant gains in three out of eight pillars. The latest data shows much higher figures than last year in regard to patents, trade marks and designs; companies and start-ups; and economic growth,” says Christoph Hauser.

 

Fribourg (22nd) and Valais (16th) made considerable headway in the area of education and training.

 

Graubünden scores highly in diversity

Ticino took seventh place overall, thanks to its dynamic economic growth, for which the Italian-speaking canton ranked second. Right behind it in eighth position was Schaffhausen with a broadly-based profile and substantial improvements in patents, trade marks and designs. Thurgau (23rd) posted strong growth and good figures for education, while St Gallen (17th) also scored strongly as a research location and came in seventh in the area of knowledge. Graubünden (13th) improved its position in the ranking, performing well in diversity and education. Glarus (25th) made progress in the areas of knowledge and creativity, while the two Appenzells found their own niches: Appenzell Innerrhoden (11th) had very high figures for supporting factors and patents, trade marks and designs, while Appenzell Ausserrhoden (21st) had a strong foundation in education, knowledge and supporting factors.

 

Overall, the CICI paints a varied picture of the Swiss innovation landscape – each canton and region has different strengths and its own unique characteristics. This is due to many reasons, such as favourable geographical conditions and farsighted political decisions taken in the past. “The CICI is more than just an assessment: it also provides the cantons with a concrete basis for their development strategies by breaking down the complexity involved in innovation and creativity,” says Christoph Hauser. He adds that each canton is now called on to exploit its specific strengths and make a contribution to the national innovation system so that Switzerland remains the most innovative country in the world.