What the supposedly inconspicuous Canton in the north of Switzerland does often receives little attention at a national level. Yet an economic success story has taken place here over the last two decades that has been noticeably positive for the whole of Switzerland. The exemplary economic development can be seen in comparison with other Cantons. The rankings of cantonal location factors are an established measure of this development. These are regularly compiled by UBS or CS. In the UBS study «Cantonal Competitiveness Indicator», factors such as cost environment, economic structure or innovative strength of cantons are compared with each other. Schaffhausen has continuously improved in this comparison in recent years. Schaffhausen is currently in ninth place. Six places higher than in 2013, no other canton has moved up more places in the same period.

«It is a togetherness, a shared success.»

Christoph Schärrer, Official Chief Representative Economic Promotion

Another indicator of economic development is the national fiscal equalization system (NFA). The NFA is an instrument for equalizing the performance of the cantons. It consists of an equalization of resources and an equalization of burdens for geographical disadvantages. The resource potential of a Canton reflects the economic strength of a Canton. It is calculated on the basis of the taxable income and assets of natural persons and the taxable profits of legal entities and measures the exploitable economic capacity of a Canton. There are currently only seven resource-rich cantons that pay into the financial equalization system. Schaffhausen is expected to join them as the ninth Canton from 2025. Becoming a donor Canton means that the financial strength has improved - above average compared to the other Cantons. And it also means that "small" Schaffhausen can make a contribution to other Cantons and is no longer a recipient.

What the two indicators of financial equalization and the cantonal competitiveness indicator tell us is clear: Schaffhausen has experienced above-average positive economic development. A development that stands out among the 26 Cantons. For us Schaffhausen residents, this development is no coincidence. We have seen for ourselves how the Canton has been improving the framework conditions for a successful location with an active economic policy for many years. We see the expansion of the transport infrastructure, we vote on tax proposals and - as communicated this week - we also find it in the government's annual objectives. We also see that these activities are being recognized by companies. They are investing in the location and creating jobs. And people are also increasingly moving back to the region - as the city's latest figures show.

It is a joint effort, a shared success to which many - as shapers of the region, as a political force and as part of the population - make a contribution. And a success that, thanks to the Canton's long-term active economic policy, is not only noticeable for companies and people in the region, but also radiates out into Switzerland. Today and in the future.

«My conclusion: the sustainable economic policy is a success for the entire Canton. For the population and companies.»

Christoph Schärrer, Official Chief Representative Economic Promotion