Studies in Swiss Competitive Advantage

This book provides a unique empirical investigation of how Switzerland, a mountainous, landlocked nation with scarce natural resources, has become and remained internationally successful in a wide range of industries. This fascinating collection of case studies employs a framework which integrates findings from the fields of business administration and international economics to explain how Swiss firms achieved competitive advantage in both well-known success stories like the Swiss dyestuff, pharmaceutical, banking, watch, and textile machinery industries, and lesser-known, but equally interesting examples like the Swiss sugar confectionery, fire detection, comfort controls, and international freight forwarding industries. The editors use the studies to explore the patterns of Switzerland's historical success and to assess the nation's prospects for future prosperity.