Our thinking

Cyber-attacks are becoming faster, more scalable and more sophisticated. Artificial intelligence (AI) is speeding up attacks even further. Although the threat level is rising, Swiss SMEs are slow to defend themselves in three critical areas.

Effective 1 January 2029, the imputed rental income on self-occupied residential property will be abolished in Switzerland for Direct Federal Tax as well as Cantonal and Municipal Taxes. For many homeowners, this represents a fundamental shift in their tax position.

AI investments are reshaping industries, yet many organisations struggle to deploy scarce resources effectively across multiple potential AI use cases without clear visibility into which initiatives deliver measurable value. The challenge is not a lack of AI ideas, but a lack of measurement discipline.

Mexico's watch market: consumer insights, retail trends & Swiss brand opportunities.

Artificial intelligence in manufacturing has moved beyond experimentation. Manufacturers that treat AI as an operational transformation lever, not just a technology initiative, are better positioned to improve throughput, quality, cost, and resilience. This study highlights where AI is creating the strongest impact, what is preventing scale, and what leaders should do next.

The results of the Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial survey 2026 show: The young generations are rewriting the rules of work. Discover what Gen Z and Millennials in Switzerland really want – and why housing costs, purpose, and work-life balance matter more than simply climbing the career ladder.

The chocolate industry is being disrupted. There is climate, structural and regulatory challenges to the cocoa supply; and cocoa prices have shown unprecedented volatility in recent years.

We are pleased to present the latest edition of our review of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland, covering the year 2025. This year’s report includes two interviews. The first with Hans-Jörg Widiger, former CEO of Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services AG, which was acquired by Hypothekarbank Lenzburg AG in early 2025. The second interview features Christophe Utelli, CEO of Cité Gestion SA, who discusses the banks strategic partnership with EFG International through the sale of its share capital.

In our latest CFO Survey Swiss companies remain optimistic about their business prospects, despite the strong Swiss franc and rising energy and procurement costs putting pressure on margins. However, more companies are able to pass on their higher costs to customers than in autumn. Geopolitical risks, potential demand weakness and currency risks are the greatest challenges. Trade turbulence is affecting 64% of companies, with 15% severely impacted. CFOs expect artificial intelligence in the finance function to deliver overall cost savings, particularly in labour costs, but also anticipate higher spending on IT and technology.

The findings of swissVR Monitor I/2026 demonstrate that Boards see improving their company’s efficiency and optimising its internal processes as the most important opportunity.

An ageing population will leave the Canton of Zurich significantly short of skilled workers over the coming decades. This development could cut economic output by up to 20 per cent and threaten prosperity in the canton. In a joint study with the Canton of Zurich’s Office for Economy, we have analysed the impact of various measures designed to fight the shortage of skilled labour. Our study reveals that introducing a more flexible retirement age and harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) represent the most promising levers with the greatest potential.

As the Swiss watch industry takes a moment to reflect on its legacy, it is also navigating one of its most complex periods in recent memory. Demand remains fragile, tariffs have injected new uncertainty and price sensitivity is rising. The resilience of the Swiss watch industry is once again being tested – not by a single shock, but by the slow accumulation of pressure.

The demographic shift towards an ageing population requires proactive planning to mitigate its negative impact. This report outlines the key actions and innovative approaches Switzerland must take to ensure its economic resilience and social well-being now and in the future.

The coffee industry and environment are evolving fast. New products enter the market every year. This requires coffee roasters, traders, brands, distributors, and machine manufacturers to follow relevant trends and understand consumer preferences.

Since our previous edition in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, and there has been a resurgence of inflation and increase in geopolitical tensions. 

The TrendRadars provide a systematic overview of the most relevant trends shaping Switzerland’s future.