About

Mission

GEM Switzerland fosters understanding of the Swiss entrepreneurial dynamics by providing data-driven insights into innovation, sustainability, and social impact. Guided by values of inclusivity, transparency, and evidence-based policy, it aims to empower entrepreneurs and policymakers to build a resilient, purpose-driven, and globally competitive Swiss economy.

GEM Global Framework

As part of the global GEM network spanning 60+ countries and 120 economies, GEM Switzerland delivers a unique bottom-up study that has tracked entrepreneurial activity for over 20 years. Its long-term, comparable insights help position Switzerland within global trends, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to understand the country’s strengths, challenges, and evolving role in the world economy.

Methodology

The National Expert Survey (NES) complements the APS by assessing nine Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions through the views of at least 36 carefully selected experts. Their evaluations highlight how each economy enables or constrains new business creation. Together, APS and NES deliver a robust, bottom-up picture of entrepreneurship in Switzerland and globally.

GEM’s methodology is centrally coordinated and built on more than 25 years of refinement. All surveys undergo strict validation to ensure high-quality, comparable data across economies. The Adult Population Survey (APS) gathers nationally representative insights from at least 2,000 adults, capturing entrepreneurial attitudes, motivations, and activities.

Project Team

Our team consists of skilled professionals driven by expertise, creativity, and a passion for delivering exceptional results and meaningful impact.

Maya Dougoud

Prof. Maya Dougoud is GEM Switzerland’s team leader and a former GEM GERA board member. As associate professor at the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR), she has contributed to the digital transition and sustainability report, thus helping to shape policies for entrepreneurship.

Viktoriia Apalkova

Prof. Viktoriia Apalkova is a researcher at the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR) specializing in digital business models, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Alongside her academic work, she brings extensive consulting experience as a former co-owner of a firm and contributor to numerous European business projects.

Gabriel Simonet

Gabriel Simonet is a Scientific Collaborator at the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR), responsible for financial coordination and managing the Adult Population Survey (APS). He supports research operations and ensures high-quality data collection and analysis.

Lucia Zurkinden

Lucia Zurkinden is a Scientific Collaborator responsible for managing the National Expert Survey (NES). She oversees expert coordination, ensures data quality, and supports research activities within the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR).