The evolution of regional policy in Switzerland: From a growth oriented to a challenge-led policy?

Abstract

Switzerland is the only central European country that is not a member of the EU. While the country engages in several bilateral treaties and programs, its regional policy neither follow the EU Cohesion Policy framework nor do they explicitly adopt concepts such as the smart specialization strategy. In this In perspective paper, we explore the evolution of Swiss regional policy within the broader context of shifting paradigms in regional development. While much attention has been given to regional policies within the European Union, there is a notable gap in scholarly analysis concerning Switzerland’s unique approach, particularly in relation to contemporary societal challenges and regional policy debates. This paper seeks to fill that gap by providing a comprehensive examination of Switzerland’s regional policy evolution, which has been developed independently of EU influence.