Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
Governance of regional development: How can regions unlock their potential?
SWISS ACADEMIES FACTSHEET, VOL. 13, NO. 3, 2018
Regional development is a mainstay of Swiss domestic policy, as evidenced by the federal government’s New
Regional Policy, regional nature parks, and more. But how do regional development processes really work? And how could they be more effectively supported?
This factsheet analyses existing models and provides recommendations for action. This factsheet is based on a doctoral dissertation about “Governance of Regional Development” written at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL that among other things analyses how regional development agencies in Switzerland formulate and implement regional development strategies.
Willi Y, Pütz M (2018) Governance of regional development: How can regions unlock their potential? Swiss Academies Factsheets 13 (3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1308822
Swiss Young Academy SYA
Compassionate Science - Integrating Empathy and Compassion in Research
This report explores how empathy and compassion shape research practices across disciplines. Drawing on a review of existing literature and illustrative examples from early-career researchers, it shows that empathy and compassion are not abstract ideals but practical dimensions of research that can influence study design, relationships, data interpretation, and knowledge translation. Across fields, integrating these dimensions can strengthen trust, deepen understanding, improve collaboration, and enhance ethical reflexivity.
Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+
STEM 2026: Where Switzerland stands today
Twelve years on from the first STEM Youth Barometer, the new 2026 edition reveals that interest in STEM has remained largely stable, stereotypes persist, and women underestimate their own abilities. At the same time, the findings are more nuanced than expected and point to clear areas for improvement.
Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT
Beyond the transaction: commodity trade and sustainable development
This factsheet maps the sustainability links of commodity trade, identifies knowledge gaps, and outlines options for commodity hubs, including Switzerland, to reduce economic, environmental and social sustainability risks.