Located in of of Europe's most highly industrialised regions, Liechtenstein strengthen regional companies' capacity for innovation. Target of this measure is to create closer links between industry and research.
Technical progress and technology-driven innovation are the source of sustainable competitiveness and economic growth. That is why Liechtenstein supports and promotes the innovative potential of its companies through targeted measures designed to enable these companies to use knowledge gained through research quickly and efficiently to develop new technologies, foster growth and create new jobs.
Liechtenstein's industrial companies invest heavily in research and development. In 2011 they spent CHF 370 milion (equivalent to over 7% of the country's GDP) on research and development activities. Compared to other European countries, this is a peak value.
Liechtensteinhas created a dedicated National Contact Point for Research and Technological Development with the aim of strengthening the countrys role as a high-tech hub in the years to come. Further steps to realising this goal include Liechtensteins participation in European programmes on research, technological development and demonstration, significant state contributions to the University of Liechtenstein and, last but not least, partnerships with and investments in research institutions in neighbouring countries.
Research and development drive economic growth and prosperity in Liechtenstein. They also help a small county secure its autonomy and protect itself from excessive outside influence.