SwissCyber Initiative: Basis for Decision-Making on Cybersecurity Research in Switzerland

The SwissCyber Initiative is developing a comprehensive overview of Swiss research activities in the field of cybersecurity. It provides decision-makers in business, research, and politics with a basis for deciding on strategic investments, exploring cooperation within the cybersecurity ecosystem, and identifying the need for action. Starting in late 2026, the results of data analyses and surveys will be published on a freely accessible platform.

Making research activities visible

The starting point for the SwissCyber Initiative is an existing 2023 study on the university research landscape in the field of cybersecurity. The discussions triggered by the study showed that a more comprehensive view of the Swiss cybersecurity ecosystem is required for future collaboration.

The initiative therefore covers

• the thematic research activities of startups, SMEs, and private research institutions based on comprehensive data analyses;
• the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks within the Swiss cybersecurity ecosystem with the help of a broad-based survey.

Public platform from 2026

Starting in late 2026, the results of the SwissCyber Initiative will be available in a graphical and searchable format on a publicly accessible platform.

The results of the data analyses will provide an overview of existing research activities and reveal potential for cooperation and blind spots in the cybersecurity ecosystem. This will allow national and international collaborations to be strategically aligned and research funding to be used in a more targeted manner.

The available survey results will help identify existing knowledge gaps and enable a target–actual comparison within the Swiss cybersecurity ecosystem. From this, concrete fields of action in cybersecurity can be derived for policymakers and public administration.

Contribution to the cybersecurity strategy

Overall, the SwissCyber Initiative also contributes to the overarching national cybersecurity strategy, which aims, among other things, to empower Switzerland and strengthen its resilience in protecting itself against cyber threats.