Overview of Innovation Policy
The small geographical size of the Principality of Liechtenstein results in a very special situation in economic terms. A labour market with low unemployment, a high National Income and good conditions in the capital market provide for a perfect setting for the production of highly advanced specialised products. Therefore, Liechtenstein has a strong emphasis on industry. The industrial sector mainly produces highly specialised and high-tech products. The necessary cost-intensive research and innovation activity is undertaken entirely by the firms involved and is not fostered by contributions from the Government or other institutions or agencies. This means that Liechtenstein does not provide for any technology policy, or measures to spur the economy, or any export promotion. Consequently, policy documents do not exist. Technology policy in Liechtenstein revolves around the Minister of Economic Affairs. The minister drafts proposals for actions based on support and advice by the Office of Economic Affairs, the Offices for Education, other supporting offices and the Research and Technology Council (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) respectively. Where several ministries are involved, coordination takes place through an inter-ministerial approach. The proposals of the ministers are discussed within the Government and are presented to the Parliament following a public hearing. The Parliament takes the final decision on the overall strategy, which will be implemented through specific measures. The operational tasks to achieve the strategic objectives is carried out by the Government and its supporting offices. At the moment there is no explicit 'national innovation strategy'. Basic research in the field of technology is not being conducted by public institutions or agencies in Liechtenstein. However, a modernisation of the tertiary education sector has taken place in 2005. The first university of Liechtenstein evolves out of the former university of applied sciences and it is in line with the Bologna-Declaration (Bachelor- and Master-System). It focuses on architecture, and business administration emphasising business information system and financial services. It is expected that the university promotes the economic and societal development of Liechtenstein also by building a bridge between science and the business sector. The former university of applied science was equipped with a budget of 7.63 Mio. CHF (4.91 Mio. Euro*) in 2004. An increase in budget for the new university of Liechtenstein can be expected. The Swiss technical university "university of applied sciences Buchs" was being supported in 2004 by the Liechtenstein Government with a contribution of 854 442 CHF (549'304 Euro*). Furthermore the Government spends 750 000 CHF (482 160 Euro*) on the "Liechtenstein Institute", which promotes research in several disciplines (law, political sciences, human and social sciences and history) closely related to the country. *Exchange Rate Euro/CHF = 1.5555 (February 2006) - source: http://europa.eu.int/comm/budget/inforeuro/index.cfm?Language=en
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Country report 2009 for Liechtenstein
