Key facts
The Confederation allocates federal contributions to research institutions of national importance in line with the possibilities afforded by Article 15 of the Federal Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation. Three categories of institution with independent legal status are supported: research infrastructures, research institutions and centres of technological excellence. For the 2021–2024 period, the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) provided CHF 457 million in federal contributions to 34 research institutions.
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined whether this subsidy tool is fit for purpose. Using a sample of institutions, it mainly assessed whether the subsidies awarded are appropriate and if SERI’s supervision is effective. The subsidies were awarded in accordance with the special legal basis and the strategy defined by the Federal Council in its dispatch on the promotion of education, research and innovation for 2021 to 2024. Certain criteria provided for in subsidy law, such as performing the task at the lowest possible cost, taking other financing options into account or the institution’s interest in performing the activity, must be better taken into consideration, in order to ensure the economical and correct use of subsidies. As regards supervision, SERI must take measures to make this more effective and efficient.