Session2

Question 1

Technology and long-term growth

Answer 1

• Economic growth involves technical and organisational change.
• Organisational changes tend to lag behind technological advancements.

Question 2

Technological Trajectories

Answer 2

• Examples: Steam power, internal combustion engine, semiconductors.
• Key quest: Increase in scale, efficiency, and mobility.

Question 3

Organisational Trajectories

Answer 3

• Examples: Factory work to control time, moving assembly line.
• Focus: Efficiency, mass production, new forms of organisation.

Question 4

Global Innovation Index (GII)

Answer 4

Switzerland ranks highest due to metrics like education, infrastructure, and knowledge creation.

Question 5

R&D in Switzerland

Answer 5

Switzerland has a high R&D investment (3.3% of GDP), largely driven by private enterprises.

Question 6

Patent Leadership

Answer 6

Switzerland leads in patents per capita despite absolute numbers being lower than larger countries.

Question 7

Why Firms Invest in R&D

Answer 7

Key reasons:

• Scientific knowledge as input
• Absorptive capacity
• Attracting talented inventors.

Question 8

Decline of Science in R&D

Answer 8

Investment in scientific research by firms is declining, driven by short-term goals and specialisation.

Question 9

AI in the Lifecycle

Answer 9

AI is still in the exploration phase, with increasing competition and no dominant design emerging yet.

Question 10

Are we killing the golden goose?

Answer 10

R&D focus has shifted from research to technology, with a potential decline in long-term innovation.