Life Sciences account for 10% of the canton of Fribourg economy
Share this article
According to a BAK Economy study, life sciences generated added value of over CHF 1.5 billion in 2023 and employed 3,300 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Through value chains, numerous companies in other economic sectors also benefit from the activities of the life sciences industry. Thus, a total added value of 1.96 billion francs, representing 10% of the Fribourg economy, is directly and indirectly generated by life science activities. The study is a joint project between the GRIP-pharma association, the Fribourg Economic Development Agency and life science companies operating in the canton of Fribourg (CSL Vifor, Grifols, OM Pharma, UCB and Verfora).
The life sciences industry as an economic player and employer Fribourg’s life sciences industry – pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech, pharmaceuticals trading, laboratory infrastructure and consulting activities – has been more dynamic than the cantonal economy as a whole over the past 10 years. Between 2013 and 2023, the added value generated by life sciences more than tripled, and employment is now 1.4 times higher. At CHF 467,000 per job, productivity is 3.2 times higher than the average for the Fribourg economy. This superior performance is the result of the industry’s high value-added activities, which include production, research and development (R&D) – one in every 12 jobs is dedicated to R&D activities – and the marketing of the goods and services produced. To carry out these activities, the life sciences industry has to rely on a highly qualified workforce: 60% of employees have a tertiary-level diploma, compared with only 38% for the economy as a whole.
A driving force for the regional economy
Many regional companies benefit from the purchases and investments of life science companies, as well as from the consumer spending of their employees. The production, R&D and commercial activities of life science companies generate 1.96 billion francs directly and indirectly, representing 10% of the Fribourg economy. These indirect effects amounted to 420 million francs in added value, 3,379 full-time jobs and 301 million francs in salaries. For every 100 francs of added value generated directly by the activities of the life sciences industry, a further 27 francs are produced in other industries. In addition, for every job in the life sciences, one additional full-time position is created in the cantonal economy.
Fribourg’s life sciences ecosystem
In order to carry out their activities successfully and be successful, Fribourg’s life sciences companies not only collaborate with each other, but also benefit from the proximity of various players outside the industry, such as those in the healthcare sector (HFR), academic institutions (Unifr, HEIA-FR) or technology campuses (Bluefactory, MIC). The canton’s central location extends the ecosystem beyond its borders, increasing exchanges with players in neighbouring cantons such as Bern and Vaud (EPFL, Unil, Unibe, CHUV, Inselspital, etc.).
The advantages of the canton of Fribourg for life sciences
A survey of Fribourg life sciences companies revealed the many advantages of the canton of Fribourg as a location. Fribourg has a highly qualified, multilingual workforce that meets the needs of companies operating on a national and international scale. Fribourg’s accessibility has also been identified as a key factor in the smooth running of business. The attractiveness of the region is of paramount importance in attracting talent and highly qualified personnel. In addition, the technology campuses have contributed to the establishment and maintenance of numerous companies and start-ups, consolidating Fribourg’s life sciences ecosystem.
➡️ Source: Press Release
📸 Created with IA – Dall-E