Auswirkungen der Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise von 2008 aus der Sicht der Unternehmen

The crisis of 2008 affected in Switzerland primarily export-oriented and innovative firms with an unfavourable cost structure and low labour productivity, independently from firm size, firm age and ownership situation (domestic or foreign firm). This can be traced back to the specific character of this recession that hit the Swiss economy via the exports and the exchange rate. As main determining factors of the crisis have been identified by the firms macroeconomic factors such as “falling prices”, “reduced propensity to consume”, and “exchange rate”. The crisis has of course affected negatively investment. About one fourth to one third of firms reported that they have suspended investment in buildings, equipment and information technology because of the crisis. Less than one fourth of firms reported suspended investment in R&F, innovation and further education of personnel.