Key industry clusters

From an economic perspective, clusters can be defined as networks of manufacturers, suppliers, research facilities (e.g. universities), service providers (e.g. designers and engineers) and related institutions (e.g. chambers of commerce) that have a certain regional proximity to one another and which are formed via a common relationship based on trade along a value chain (e.g. automotive manufacturing). The members of these clusters are connected through supplier or competitive relationships or common interests. These networks are referred to as clusters only if there is a critical mass of companies near to one another whose activities complement or are relative to another along one or more value chains. Only then can a growth pool be formed which also attracts suppliers and specialized service providers and creates competitive advantages for all companies involved.

Switzerland has several of these industry clusters, which are also important on an international scale. The key industry clusters in Switzerland will be briefly described over the next few pages. The figures provided are for reference purposes only, as the clusters sometimes overlap.