Swiss Firms Fear Exclusion From EU Innovation Procurement

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The European Commission intends to reform the European Union's public procurement market. This could prevent innovative Swiss firms from bidding for funds. Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Swiss firms fear exclusion from EU innovation procurement This content was published on September 10, 2026 - 16:30 3 minutes Matthias Strasser, SRF

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The EU aims to promote innovation within member states. Public funds are also to be channelled into these initiatives. New rules may soon be introduced that govern how these funds are allocated.

This is an important decision for Switzerland, a centre for research and development that is closely intertwined with Europe. However, according to the EC's proposal, Swiss companies will, in principle, not be allowed to bid for the public procurement funds.

The funding is aimed at new experimental technologies – solutions that local authorities or public enterprises want to procure but which are not yet available on the market.

Examples include robots for hospitals or artificial intelligence (AI) software for rubbish collection.

The EC wants to simplify this area of public procurement. This is because, out of every €100 (CHF94) spent on public procurement in Europe, only 60 cents is currently invested in innovative projects. The equivalent figure in the United States is 50 cents for every €7, according to the EC.

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