THE VAUD TECH

The sectors with a technological component bring together very different activities, both in terms of dynamics and challenges. Pharma does not have the same needs as precision mechanics or the development of IT solutions. Not all of them have the same intensity of innovation and research.

A very diversified Vaud technology....

The sectors with a technological component cover very different activities, ranging from the development of new pharmaceutical products to drones, as well as more traditional sectors such as watchmaking and precision mechanics. This was partly an editorial choice when the statistical aggregate used by the "Vaud Innove" study was compiled, but it reflects a reality: Vaud technology is very diversified.

IT services account for 30% of jobs in the technology sector, but pharmaceuticals dominate in terms of added value and growth

When we look at these sectors in the light of different metrics, we notice very clearly that the issues are not homogeneous. Some sectors are very intensive from a human capital point of view, such as consulting or the development of IT solutions, and others are very export-oriented with high-value products, such as the pharmaceutical sector. We also see that the dynamics of job creation, and therefore redistribution within the local economy, are very different from one sector to another.

«The dynamics of  job creation, and therefore redistribution within the local economy, are very different from one sector to another»

... but in the midst of change

In the long term, the share of most technology sectors in the GDP of the Canton of Vaud is stable or increasing. This is the case for services in information technology and telecommunications (IT), chemistry or activities with a strong R&D focus. However, some sectors show growth that is significantly higher or lower than that of the Vaud economy as a whole.

Over twenty years, the technological sectors have progressed in a very differentiated way within the GDP of the Canton of Vaud

 

The two most significant long-term movements are the withdrawal from machine production activities and the massive rise of the pharmaceutical sector in the canton.

The pharmaceutical sector is in the process of transforming Vaud's technology

In 20 years, the pharmaceutical sector in Vaud has grown from a marginal sector (1% and less than 15% of the technical sectors) to a flagship sector (with almost 50% of the value of Vaud technology and nearly 8% of the value of cantonal GDP). It is the result of a fundamental movement, marked by several key events. Merck's decision to expand its activities in the canton after the takeover of Serono's activities in 2006 is certainly one of these events, which continues to have a positive impact through major investments in the canton of Vaud, which were recently decided. But the sector has a broader base, with players such as Debiopharm, historically, Ferring, ADC therapeutics or AC Immune, more recently, and a large number of start-ups, whether in oncology, immunology, treatment or diagnosis in particular. In their wake, a whole ecosystem is being set up and is gradually transforming the canton's technological sector.

«In 20 years, the pharmaceutical sector in Vaud has grown from a marginal sector to a flagship sector»

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