The impending demographic changes in society and economy have raised our
awareness of the importance of intergenerational structural changes. In 2000,
only 15,1% of the population of Switzerland were over 64 years old, in 2012 it
was already 17,4%, and in the year 2030 it will be 24,2%, according to the
Federal Statistical Office.
These demographic developments presumably also exacerbate the current
shortage of skilled workforce. The Federal Council has approved financial
support measures to mitigate this development for 2013-2016, which primarily
focus on education, research and the promotion of Switzerland’s innovative
power. In addition to the financial measures, the Federal Council has also
addressed crosscutting issues such as equal opportunities and sustainable
development as important aspects.
