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Many Paths Lead to Switzerland

The rules for entering Switzerland vary depending on nationality, purpose of stay, and duration. Citizens of EU and EFTA countries enjoy priority, largely unobstructed access to the Swiss labor market with minimal restrictions. Labor migration from non-EU countries, by contrast, is tightly regulated and subject to quotas.

27.11.2025, Patrick Leisibach, Agustina Rodriguez

Antifragility: Switzerland’s Hidden Success Formula

Switzerland has often done best when the world was at its most turbulent - because country and citizens alike have met crises not with paralysis but with growth. Today, that very strength is at risk.

27.11.2025, Christoph Eisenring, Patrick Leisibach

Trump Divides America Whilst Switzerland Divides Its Economy into “Good” and “Evil”

The new U.S. tariffs have increased pressure on Swiss companies, leading people to look for scapegoats, which is the worst possible reaction to geopolitical shocks.

30.10.2025, Jürg Müller, Michele Salvi

Please Don’t Feed: What You Need to Know About the “Economic Ecosystem”

In turbulent times, calls for government intervention grow loudest. But such measures often do more harm than good, especially if you ignore four fundamental principles.

30.10.2025, Jürg Müller

Inheritance in Switzerland: What Really Remains of Your Wealth

Bequests to direct descendants are often tax-free. But the assets being passed down have already been taxed multiple times over the years. A simple example shows how these tax burdens accumulate over decades.

28.10.2025, Michele Salvi, Philippe Güttinger

“Taxing Progress Is Absurd”

Interview Amid concerns about job losses and shrinking government revenue, the idea of an “AI tax” is gaining traction again. In an interview with the St. Gallen‐Appenzell Chamber of Commerce, Patrick Leisibach warns about the consequences of such policy intervention—especially if Switzerland forges ahead alone.

28.10.2025, Patrick Leisibach

We Must Take Care of Our Consensus Democracy

Societal division is visible in Switzerland as well. This poses a risk to our political system. Here are two approaches to preserving our consensus democracy.

30.09.2025, Patricia Schafer

‘Affordable’ Housing Ends Up Costing Everyone

With a new regulation, Basel sought to protect tenants from rent increases. The result? Existing tenants stay put in old apartments, while young and mobile people are left out.

30.09.2025, Marco Salvi

Service at Its Finest: The Underrated Trade in Services

One million jobs in Switzerland depend on trade in services. For Switzerland’s competitiveness, it is becoming ever more important.

30.09.2025, Simon Stocker, Michele Salvi

Saving? Hardly.

The federal government faces lasting deficits. But the proposals to address them are underwhelming.

29.09.2025, Michele Salvi

What’s Next for the OECD Minimum Tax? Six Questions, Six Answers

The minimum tax is unlikely to become the global standard in its current form. For Switzerland, however, this is (still) not the right time to suspend the framework.

27.08.2025, Lukas Schmid, Oguz Bayindir

Tariffs, Power, and Walls: What Trump Is Doing to Switzerland—and What Switzerland Should Do Itself

For the National Day, Switzerland received an unfriendly greeting from Washington: certain exports are to be subject to punitive tariffs of up to 39%—difficult to justify economically, but politically all the more explosive.

27.08.2025, Michele Salvi

Trump Woes in Your Luggage? Take This Home Instead

Europe’s former crisis countries show how modernization can be done. Switzerland could take a page from their book.

27.08.2025, Jürg Müller

Long Waits for Psychiatric Care Despite High Supply

People in need of psychiatric care in Switzerland often face waiting times of several weeks —even though the country has one of the highest numbers of psychiatrists worldwide.

22.07.2025, Anna Laura Ludwig

Resetting the Balance Between Social and Military Security

Switzerland invested its peace dividend in social welfare. The geopolitical turning point now calls for a rethink of fiscal policy priorities.

21.07.2025, Michele Salvi, Philippe Güttinger, Simon Stocker

How Economics Can Save Your Summer Vacation

Why the fifth gelato doesn’t bring happiness— why your hidden gem may no longer be hidden. Four economic principles reveal the secret to truly enjoying your vacation.

21.07.2025, Jürg Müller

“Free Solar Power for Everyone” Misconceptions and Missteps in Energy Policy

A bold idea from Empa researchers: free solar power for all. But a rough calculation shows that quantity does not equal quality. Even expensive nuclear energy might do a better job.

21.07.2025, Christoph Eisenring

Daycare Subsidies: Expensive but Ineffective?

The idea behind flat-rate childcare allowances is to help mothers join the workforce — but their impact is minor, especially when distributed indiscriminately.

30.06.2025, Patricia Schafer

What Kind of Industrial Renaissance Do We Want?

Since the 1960s, the importance of industry has been on the decline. However, this structural shift is a sign, not of decline — but of progress.

27.06.2025, Lukas Schmid, Philippe Güttinger

Defence Spending: Switzerland Is in Better Shape than It Seems

NATO member states may soon agree on a massive increase in defence spending. Switzerland should follow suit – and it’s starting from a stronger position than official figures suggest.

27.06.2025, Michele Salvi, Simon Stocker, Philippe Güttinger

“Raising Retirement Age Is Part of the Solution.”

Interview Jérôme Cosandey praises the resilience of the Swiss pension system in an interview with Finanz und Wirtschaft. However, when it comes to the OASI, the bill has yet to be paid.

27.05.2025, Jérôme Cosandey

What Drives Innovation: 7 Questions on Immigration, Research, and Economic Policy

As Switzerland debates how to manage immigration and considers budget cuts in education and research, the U.S. is facing political pressure on its own research landscape. What this means for Switzerland.

27.05.2025, Patrick Leisibach

Update Required for the Most Ingenious Disempowerment Tool in History

Ordoliberalism helped make Germany strong after the war and also influenced Switzerland. It is based on the ideal of perfect competition, which prevents companies from accumulating too much power. However, when it comes to modern forms of competition, we should move beyond ordoliberal ideas.

26.05.2025, Christoph Eisenring

Imagine Culture Without a Crowd

Although funding has more than doubled since the 1990s, many cultural institutions are still struggling to attract visitors. A more audience oriented cultural policy could help counteract this.

26.05.2025, Jürg Müller

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