Understanding the Need for Strategy Consultants in Switzerland

As businesses strive to reach peak performance, harness technology, embrace sustainability, and achieve key milestones with efficiency, the demand for strategy consultants is soaring. These consultants, known for their cross-industry expertise, provide invaluable insights that help companies unlock their full potential and realise their goals.

Switzerland has emerged as a global hub for strategy consulting, and in our guide, we dive into the reasons behind this rise. We’ll explore the factors driving the demand for strategy consultants in Switzerland, spotlight the industries shaping the field, and highlight the prominent consulting firms making Switzerland their base for innovative market strategy.

What is a Strategy Consultant? 

A strategy consultant is a professional that organisations employ to provide expert advice with the aim of improving its efficacy. They liaise with senior executives to analyse past performance and complex problems, detect flaws, identify strengths, and present plans designed to secure success. A strategy consultant’s key responsibilities include: 

• Collaboration: Participating in client meetings with relevant executives to gain insight into company ambitions. 
  
  

• Market Research: Studying industry trends and conducting competitor analysis to support strategic solutions. 
  
  

• Data Analysis: Understand current processes and market state through quantitative and qualitative data analysis. 
  
  

• Strategy Development: Producing detailed reports and leading presentations outlining strategies. 
  
  

• Support: Provide support to clients when implementing the suggested strategies. 
  
  

• Building a Rapport: Offering a continued service to clients and creating a strong relationship. 

In addition to a range of responsibilities, a selection of skills is required to be a successful strategy consultant. Here’s an outline: 

• Analytically Adept: A strategy consultant can collate and interpret vast amounts of data and use it to make data-driven decisions that support strategy. 
  
  

• Affability: Engaging with clients and stakeholders is essential. They will have strong interpersonal skills, emphasising clear, concise communication. 
  
  

• Problem-Solving: Can highlight issues and develop and apply innovative solutions. 
  
  

• Industry Knowledge: Will have an extensive understanding of specialist sectors or relevant markets. 
  
  

• Teamwork: Can work efficiently individually and as part of a cooperative team. 

Explaining why Switzerland’s a Global Consulting Hub 

Switzerland has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in global consulting, and there are several compelling reasons why.

An Environment Where Business Prospers 

Strategy consulting firms worldwide view Switzerland as having ideal conditions in which to conduct business. Here’s why:

• Strategic Location: Switzerland’s unique geographical position means it’s close to key European markets, allowing strategy consultants to connect with clients across the continent easily. 
  
  

• Political Stance: Neutrality has formed healthy relationships with many nations, giving them confidence to commit to long-term investments and plans. 
  
  

• Economic Stability: According to an SGI report two years ago, Switzerland ranked third globally in economic policy. The continued strength of the Swiss economy is reflected in the IMF's forecast of GDP growth of 1.2% in 2025. 
  
  

• Business Policies: The Swiss government implements regulations that benefit businesses. Favourable tax policies also encourage companies to operate from Switzerland. 

Attracts and Develops Exceptional Talent 

Swiss educational institutions are among the best in the world. They regularly produce students who become expert strategy consultants from high-performing universities like ETH Zurich. Furthermore, courses like Master in Commodity Trading offered by the University of Geneva are available to help strategy consultants advance their skills. As well as developing skilled professionals, Switzerland’s relaxed employment laws, coupled with a high quality of life, attract individuals worldwide. 

Leaders in Innovation 

Globally, Switzerland routinely ranks as one of the most innovative countries. As companies become increasingly focused on finding growth methods, this commitment to innovation increases the demand for strategy consultants. Since 2015, the country has ranked first on the Global Innovation Index. How is Switzerland leading the way for innovation? 

• A Focus on Research and Development: Investment in research and development across various industries. 
  
  

• Startup Scene: Switzerland, particularly Zurich, has become a regular destination for startups, creating ample opportunities for clients and strategy consultants. 
  
  

• Central for Technology: Companies specialising in fintech, blockchain and other advanced technologies choose to operate from Switzerland. 

Factors Driving Strategy Consulting Market in Switzerland 

Strategy consultant jobs account for 29% of consulting services in Switzerland, rendering it the largest servicing segment. Let’s explore what’s contributing to the growth the strategy consulting market is experiencing. 

Digital Transformation 

Digital transformation is a catalyst for the demand for strategy consultants in Switzerland. Swiss organisations are continually looking for ways to optimise their business and increase profit. Therefore, these businesses seek advice on the following: 

• Digitising business operations and processes to save resources and be seen as an innovative company. 
  
  

• How to implement and leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as cloud structures and the latest analytical tools. 
  
  

• Utilising digital methods to develop business models and strategies. 

Digitisation requires a degree of expertise that many companies may not have internally. Strategy consultants are depended on to help businesses overcome the challenges faced when evolving into digitally minded organisations. 

Sustainability and ESG 

Sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) are high on the agenda of Swiss companies. To become more sustainable, businesses are relying on strategy consultants’ expertise across several areas: 

• Developing strategies that enhance sustainability, such as optimising supply chains, reducing emissions, and implementing circular economy principles. 
  
  

• Integrating ESG factors into business models through green supply chain management, creating renewable energy business models and incorporating internal carbon pricing. 
  
  

• Capitalising on cleantech by building strategies that focus on climate development. For example, EY assisted ThyssenKrupp in planning a €2 billion investment in a new hydrogen-powered steel plant to cut CO2 emissions significantly. 

Talent and Skills Gap 

As mentioned, strategy consult marketing makes up 29% of consulting services and is in a strong position. However, other consulting sectors are not so fortunate, and this is leading to opportunities for strategy consultants to offer advice on: 

• Solutions to retain consultants and strategies to recruit exceptional candidates.
  
  

• Reshaping organisational designs to attract relevant, experienced and skilled professionals. 
  
  

• With the evolution of team structures, management changes may be necessary to accommodate shifts in team size. 

Industries Supporting the Growth of the Swiss Strategy Consulting Market 

Having covered factors fuelling strategy consulting marketing in Switzerland, we’ll discuss the specific industries supporting the market. 

Financial Services 

Financial services is the industry that is most supportive of strategy consulting marketing. This sector represents around 35% of the Swiss consulting market and generates a reported €652 million in revenue. New legislation concerning banking secrecy is resulting in changes, which, in turn, is causing a demand for strategy consulting services related to regulatory compliance.  

Manufacturing and Consumer Goods 

The consumer and industrial sectors are second to financial services in terms of support for the strategy consulting market. Together, they account for 24% of the market or an estimated €447 million. Within these sectors, Industry 4.0 initiatives are becoming more prominent in Swiss manufacturing, which presents an opportunity for strategy consultants to advise on what’s been coined the fourth industrial revolution. 

Pharmaceutical and Biotech

Life sciences are synonymous with Switzerland, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies are prominent across the country. Because of this presence, numerous marketing strategy consulting firms have become proficient in creating bespoke strategies for pharma and biotech companies. For example:

• Executive Insight: According to Finanz und Wirtschaft and Bilan, Executive Insight is among the top ten consulting companies in the pharmaceutical sector. 
  
  

• HealthEcon: Situated in Basel, HealthEcon is a specialist in Health Technology Assessment, European market access and value strategy for the pharmaceutical industry. 
  
  

• Justin Stindt Consultants: Operating from Zug, Paris, and Cologne, Justin Stidnt Consultants offers expertise in market access and strategy advisory services for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. 
  
  
  

Technology and Innovation

We know that digital transformation is supplementing the growth of strategy consulting marketing in Switzerland, but other technological elements are also supporting its increasing influence. 

• Emerging Technologies: Swiss companies are turning to strategy consultants for advice on how to benefit from technologies like AI and Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. 
  
  

• Cross-Industry Application: Strategy consultants are needed to help companies successfully apply technological advancements across a number of industries, including chemicals, aviation, machinery, and plant engineering. 
  
  

• End-to-end Solutions: Thanks to technology, strategy consulting firms are expanding their skill sets and range of expertise. Their portfolios will cover business transformation, product lifecycle management, and implementing Enterprise Resource Planning systems. 

Major Strategy Consulting Firms 

Global strategy consulting firms have headquarters set up in Switzerland, for example: 

• McKinsey and Company: This strategy consulting firm has a large office in Zurich with over 400 colleagues and a smaller office with around 90 team members in Geneva. It advises various industries, including financial services, life sciences and technology. Its expertise encompasses Sustainability, Digital, Strategy and Corporate Finance, and People and Organisational Performance. 
  
  

• Boston Consulting Group (BCG): BCG has been present in Switzerland for decades, with its first office opening in Zurich in 1989. Testament to the strategy consulting market’s growth, BCG expanded with a second office in 2012 and has around 500 employees. It provides services to clients from an array of sectors, such as the private and public sectors and not-for-profit organisations. 
  
  

• Bain and Company: Bain and Company set up their Zurich office in 1998 and has since become famed for its expertise in industries such as financial services, insurance, and industrial goods and services. 

Final Say: Understanding the Swiss Strategy Consulting Market 

Evidently, marketing strategy consulting firms are integral for organisations striving for success. Success is often obstructed by complex challenges, such as regulatory compliances, sustainability measures, lack of personnel, or an absence of the latest technology. Therefore, Swiss companies are frequently relying on strategy consultants to overcome these barriers to optimal performance, 

With its stable economy, political neutrality, and commitment to innovation, Switzerland has declared itself as a global hub for strategy consulting. As the country embraces digitisation, ESG goals and leveraging technology, the demand for strategy across crucial industries will likely continue to grow. As companies evolve and encounter fresh challenges, the need for strategy consultants will always be present. 

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