FIT for the Future: the organisational development of the ETH Domain
The ETH Board is currently working on the organisational development of the ETH Domain in order to make it fit for the future and to identify its optimal organisation and structure. This should ensure that the ETH Domain is better equipped to meet the urgent challenges it faces now and in the future. The aim is to create a system in which the outstanding capacities of the ETH Domain’s institutions can be harnessed to address the major societal challenges of our time.
Last updated on 1 April 2025
Switzerland is facing major challenges. The ETH Domain therefore needs to be organised in a way that makes it as agile and flexible as possible, so that it can swiftly address major new issues such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, health, energy and the environment. Adapting the organisation and structure of the ETH Domain in a future-oriented way is intended to strengthen cooperation between the institutions, exploit synergies and avoid administrative obstacles. It will also make it easier for partners from the areas of business, science and administration to access the institutions of the ETH Domain, and will strengthen collaboration with them.
Project progress and next steps
The FIT for the Future project is now in its second phase, the design phase, in which the specifics of the project are being fleshed out. At its meeting on 5/6 March, the ETH Board discussed the vision for the FIT for the Future project and the mission of the Swiss National Lab (SNL, working title) which will be the shared roof of the research institutes and any new units.
At its meeting on 4/5 December 2024, the ETH Board took a decision in principle and issued mandates for further implementation in 2025. The ETH Board is continuing to hold talks with various stakeholders. In addition to political bodies, these include partner organisations of the research institutes and both ETH, industry federations, the cantons in which the sites are located, and public authorities. Before the ETH Board reaches a decision on which solution it wishes to propose to the Federal Council for implementation, it will conduct a consultation within the ETH Domain as well as with the federal offices. If, in addition to new forms of cooperation, a decision is made in favour of structural adaptation is also reached, the ETH Board will propose that the Federal Council launches a legislative process to this effect, with the Swiss Parliament having the final word.
Timetable and milestones
From autumn 2023
- Development and further definition of the options for cooperation
- Discussions with stakeholders from politics, industry and society
2024
- August to October: preliminary consultation within the ETH Domain (see summary of results in the report by Interface)
- December: ETH Board’s decision in principle
2025/2026
- Consultation in the ETH Domain and office consultation
- Decision by the ETH Board
2026/2027
- Request to the owner or Federal Council, followed by legislative procedure if necessary
