Secrétariat d'Etat à l'Education et à la Recherche

Overview

The Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, SBFI) is a federal government agency in Switzerland responsible for the strategic development and coordination of the country’s education, research, and innovation policies. Operating under the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, the SBFI plays a central role in shaping Switzerland’s higher education landscape, promoting excellence, innovation, and international cooperation.

History and Legal Framework

The SBFI was established in 2013, merging various federal responsibilities related to education, research, and innovation into a single secretariat to enhance coherence and efficiency. It operates under Swiss federal law, including the Higher Education Act and the Research and Innovation Promotion Act, which provide its legal basis and mandate. The SBFI’s creation reflects Switzerland’s commitment to maintaining a competitive and innovative knowledge society through integrated policy oversight.

Mission, Vision and Objectives Role in Higher Education

The mission of the SBFI is to promote high-quality education, advanced research, and innovative development to strengthen Switzerland’s competitiveness and social well-being. Its vision includes fostering an inclusive, flexible, and internationally connected education system. The SBFI’s objectives in higher education focus on:

• Ensuring access to quality higher education institutions and programs.
• Promoting research excellence and innovation within universities and research centers.
• Supporting lifelong learning and skills development.
• Encouraging internationalization and mobility of students and researchers.
• Aligning education and research with the country’s economic and social needs.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The SBFI operates as a federal office within the Swiss administration, reporting to the Federal Council through the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. Its governance structure includes a State Secretary who leads the organization and oversees various divisions covering higher education, vocational education and training, research funding, innovation policy, and international cooperation. While integrated within the federal system, the SBFI maintains operational independence to implement strategic policies and coordinate with cantonal authorities and higher education institutions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

Though the SBFI does not directly accredit higher education institutions, it sets the regulatory framework for accreditation and quality assurance through Swiss federal laws. The agency supports the Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ), which performs external evaluations and accreditation of universities and professional training institutions. The SBFI ensures that quality standards in teaching, research, and institutional governance align with national and international benchmarks.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The SBFI actively engages in international collaboration to position Switzerland as a leading knowledge hub. It represents Switzerland in European and global education, research, and innovation networks such as the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the European Research Area (ERA), and various UNESCO initiatives. The SBFI facilitates cross-border academic mobility, joint research projects, and participation in global innovation partnerships, enhancing Switzerland’s influence and access to knowledge resources worldwide.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Based on uniRank research, the SBFI’s integrated policy approach has significantly contributed to Switzerland’s global reputation for excellence in higher education and research. It fosters a dynamic ecosystem that supports academic innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the alignment of education with labor market needs. The SBFI is also expected to play a pivotal role in addressing future challenges such as digital transformation, sustainability, and demographic changes by adapting policies to maintain Switzerland’s competitive edge.

Summary

The State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI) is a key federal agency driving Switzerland’s education and research policies. Established to unify federal responsibilities, it ensures quality, innovation, and international cooperation in higher education and research. While not directly accrediting institutions, the SBFI shapes regulatory frameworks and supports quality assurance bodies. Through its strategic governance and active global engagement, the SBFI sustains Switzerland’s position as a leader in knowledge and innovation.

FAQs

• What is the role of the SBFI?

  The SBFI coordinates Switzerland’s education, research, and innovation policies, promoting quality, innovation, and international collaboration.

• Does the SBFI accredit universities?

  No, accreditation is conducted by the Swiss Agency for Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ), with the SBFI setting the regulatory framework.

• How does the SBFI support international cooperation?

  It represents Switzerland in European and global networks, facilitating academic mobility and joint research partnerships.

• When was the SBFI established?

  The SBFI was established in 2013 to integrate federal education, research, and innovation functions.

• What are the future challenges for the SBFI?

  Addressing digital transformation, sustainability, demographic changes, and maintaining Switzerland’s global competitiveness in higher education and research.

Organization Name

Secrétariat d'Etat à l'Education et à la Recherche
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation
Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation

Acronym

SBFI/SERI

Year of Establishment

2012

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Hallwylstasse 4
Bern
3003 Bern Switzerland

Phone

+41 (58) 462 2129

Fax

+41 (58) 464 9614

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation's Facebook page

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation's Wikipedia article

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