The life sciences industry plays a key role in Fribourg’s economy. Mathieu Resbeut, Key Account Manager at BAK Economics, presented the findings of a study conducted by the independent institute, highlighting several key figures related to employment, added value, and productivity in this sector for the canton of Fribourg.

3,300 Full-Time Equivalent Jobs

The life sciences industry, which includes the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech sectors, along with related activities (wholesale trade, consulting, laboratory infrastructure), accounts for 3,300 full-time jobs in the canton of Fribourg. This places the sector on par with finance (3,300 jobs) and ahead of information and communication (2,900 jobs), although still far behind the food industry (8,700 jobs) or construction (11,500 jobs).

1.54 Billion Francs in Added Value

Companies in Fribourg’s life sciences sector generate an annual added value of CHF 1.54 billion, representing 8% of the total wealth created in the canton. Compared to other key industries, this contribution is greater than real estate (6%), construction (6%), or the food industry (6%).

12.4% Annual Growth

Over the past ten years, the added value of life sciences has grown by 12.4% per year, effectively tripling over a decade. This rapid expansion reflects the sector’s national growth and demonstrates its dynamism despite occasional slowdowns, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

467,000 Francs in Productivity per Job

Each full-time job in the life sciences sector in Fribourg generates an average of CHF 467,000 in added value per year—3.2 times higher than the cantonal average (CHF 146,000). This figure positions life sciences as the most productive industry in Fribourg, far ahead of trade (CHF 176,000) and the food industry (CHF 91,000).

A Strong Multiplier Effect

The economic impact of life sciences extends far beyond the companies within the sector. Each job in life sciences creates an additional job elsewhere in the cantonal economy, bringing the total to 6,672 direct and indirect jobs. In terms of added value, for every CHF 100 generated by the industry, an additional CHF 27 is injected into other sectors of the regional economy.

These figures illustrate the impact of life sciences on the recent economic development of the canton of Fribourg. With sustained growth and a strong contribution to cantonal wealth, this sector is emerging as a key pillar of high-value-added industries.