Swiss stakeholders warn that reduced funding for education and research may undermine future success as the Federal Council announces budget cuts.

The Federal Council wants to spend less on education and research over the next four years due to the tight financial situation.

In doing so, the Federal Council risks squandering success factors for the future, critics say.

The Federal Council has earmarked a total of CHF 29.2 billion for education, research and innovation (ERI) between 2025 and 2028.

This corresponds to growth, not adjusted for inflation, of 1.6% compared to the years 2020 to 2024. The decision will be made by Parliament soon.

Swissuniversities, the ETH Board, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and the Swiss National Science Foundation are therefore concerned, particularly about the ETH Domain and the universities.

They wrote on Monday that the federal funds available to them would decrease in real terms due to the expected inflation.

However, universities need more money due to the growing number of students and developments in teaching and research. The shortage of specialists requires targeted support for young talent.

©Keystone/SDA