India’s Inc.’s effort to look outward with an increasing aspiration to integrate itself in the global value chain and expand its geographical reach is evident from the sustained high levels in Indian

outbound investments over the last few years. Traditionally, Indian companies expand with an intent to explore new markets, and access better technologies, which would enable them to increase

their customer base and achieve a global reach. According to the data provided by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) in equity, loan and guaranteed issue stood at US$ 14.89 billion in 2019-20.

Switzerland is often viewed as a preferred regional hub by global MNCs for the larger European market. The country’s commitment to quality, security, innovation and overall business competitiveness has enabled it to maintain this position. In the context of a continuously changing

business environment, a key element for Switzerland’s success has been its dogged emphasis on ensuring an economic infrastructure that encourages RD and innovation, coupled with a sound and effective intellectual property protection regime and an attractive taxation regime. Several Indian life science companies have chosen to carry out critical RD in the country for this reason. The country has also focused its attention on developing a framework that allows academic

institutions and the private sector to benefit from each other’s strengths to develop innovative products that can be brought to the market quickly. Following this approach, a large Indian conglomerate has successfully invested in a clean tech spin-off from one of Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Technology.

A deeply embedded aspect of the Swiss business environment is the inclination of its SMEs, which form more than 98% of the Swiss corporate segment, to focus on developing niche, sophisticated and high value-add products. A Swiss SME that develops high precision drive systems and views RD as the cornerstone of its success now and in the future has successfully powered Martian Rover missions on the Red Planet. Many Swiss SMEs hold similar distinction of being market leaders

in such niche business segments. In an increasingly globalised and digitised world, Switzerland is aiming to further strengthen its position as a global leader in innovation. Switzerland’s vibrant deep-tech ecosystem enables businesses to innovate and successfully transform creative ideas into marketable products. There is an increased focus on emerging technologies including advanced

manufacturing, blockchain, AI, robotics drones and personalised medicine.