State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (Switzerland)
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| State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (Switzerland) | |
|---|---|
| Agency name | State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation |
| Native name | Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation |
| Formed | 2013 |
| Preceding1 | Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (Switzerland) |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland |
| Headquarters | Bern |
| Minister1 name | Karin Keller-Sutter |
| Parent agency | Federal Administration (Switzerland) |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (Switzerland) The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation is the federal authority responsible for coordinating federal activities in education (forbidden), research (forbidden), and innovation (forbidden) across cantons, international organizations and industry partners. It was created to integrate responsibilities formerly held by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (Switzerland) and to represent Switzerland in multilateral fora such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Union frameworks.
History
The agency was established in 2013 following reorganization within the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (Switzerland), succeeding previous bodies involved with the ETH Zurich and ETH Zurich relations and the University of Bern coordination. Its formation occurred during legislative debates involving the Federal Assembly (Switzerland) and policy proposals influenced by reports from the Swiss Science Council and recommendations from the Swiss National Science Foundation. Early mandates referenced accords such as the Lisbon Recognition Convention and engagement with the European Research Area process.
Organization and Leadership
The Secretariat operates under the authority of the Federal Council (Switzerland), reporting through the Federal Department of Home Affairs (Switzerland) and coordinating with cantonal authorities including the Canton of Geneva and Canton of Zurich. Leadership has included secretaries with backgrounds linked to institutions like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the University of Zurich. Internal divisions mirror priorities found in agencies such as the Swiss National Science Foundation and liaison offices connected to the European Commission. The Secretariat maintains headquarters in Bern and regional contacts with organizations including the World Health Organization and the European Space Agency.
Responsibilities and Functions
Its statutory responsibilities encompass federal oversight of higher education policy affecting the University of Geneva, University of Basel, University of Lausanne, and applied institutions such as the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. The agency negotiates international agreements exemplified by protocols with the European Union and the EFTA Court, administers fellowship schemes akin to those of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and coordinates strategic initiatives with bodies like the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation and the Swiss Innovation Agency. It interfaces with cultural institutions such as the Swiss National Library and funding organizations including the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Switzerland).
Education Policy and Programs
In education policy, the Secretariat shapes federal contributions to programs impacting the University of St. Gallen, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and professional training routes including apprenticeships in collaboration with trade organizations like the Swiss Employers' Association. It administers accreditation frameworks interoperable with the European Higher Education Area and cooperates with agencies such as the European University Association and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on comparative studies. Initiatives touch vocational pathways linked to industry partners such as Novartis and Roche, while scholarship programs engage alumni networks from institutions like Columbia University and University of Cambridge.
Research and Innovation Funding
The Secretariat allocates and coordinates funding streams in partnership with the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Commission for Technology and Innovation, and cantonal authorities for projects at ETH Zurich, EPFL, and research centers like the Paul Scherrer Institute. Funding instruments mirror competitive grants used by the European Research Council and bilateral programs with countries including United States, China, and Germany. It oversees performance agreements with federal institutes and supports technology transfer initiatives involving firms such as ABB and Swisscom, while monitoring outputs cited in venues like the Nature (journal) and Science (journal).
International Cooperation
Internationally, the Secretariat represents Switzerland in negotiations with the European Commission, participates in the Horizon Europe framework, and manages Swiss engagement with the European Space Agency and the Council of Europe. It administers bilateral research agreements with partners including the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and developing collaborations through multilateral mechanisms like the Global Research Council. The Secretariat also coordinates Swiss involvement in mobility programs akin to Erasmus+ and works with diplomatic missions such as the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C..
Budget and Administration
Budgetary oversight involves coordination with the Federal Department of Finance (Switzerland) and allocations approved by the Federal Assembly (Switzerland) through the federal budget cycle. Expenditures fund programs executed with the Swiss National Science Foundation, infrastructure projects at ETH Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute, and international commitments to entities like the European Investment Bank. Administrative responsibilities include human resources policies comparable to those of the Federal Chancellery (Switzerland) and procurement governed by federal statutes managed in concert with the Federal Audit Office (Switzerland).