Ticino's pharmaceutical industry, record investments and over 4,100 jobs: the sector looks to the future with growth and new challenges.

The Ticino pharmaceutical industry continues to consolidate its role among the main pillars of the cantonal economy. Growing numbers, significant investments, and a strong presence in international markets outline the picture that emerged during the Ordinary General Assembly of F.Ticino Industry Weapons (FIT), held at the LAC in Lugano.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the health of the sector, but also the challenges facing an increasingly complex global economic environment. From the availability of qualified personnel to international trade tensions, the strong Swiss franc, and the evolution of artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical companies are looking to the future with confidence but also caution.

A sector that continues to grow

According to data presented by Farma Industria Ticino, the association currently has 62 member companies, an increase over previous years. Overall, the sector employs over 4,100 people and generates a global turnover of 2,71 billion francs.

Employment growth is one of the most significant indicators. Over the past twenty years, the number of employees has more than doubled, reaching 4,136 full-time equivalents, including over 120 apprentices. This figure confirms the pharmaceutical industry's ability to create skilled jobs and contribute to the development of future professionals in the region.

The wage bill also continues to grow, exceeding 383 million francs. This highlights the sector's economic importance, not only in industrial terms but also in its direct impact on the canton's socioeconomic fabric.

Export protagonist

The international vocation of Ticino's pharmaceutical industry remains one of its most significant aspects. Today, approximately 85% of its turnover is generated abroad, while only 15% comes from the Swiss market.

Europe absorbs a significant portion of production, but an equally significant share reaches non-European markets. This strong international openness allows companies to compete on a global scale, but at the same time exposes them to greater currency fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and shifts in global trade balances.

Industrial turnover also exceeded the two billion franc mark for the first time, confirming the sector's strategic importance for the cantonal economy.

Over 630 million francs invested in three years

Among the most significant figures is that relating to investments. In 2025 alone, member companies allocated 189 million francs to new projects, bringing total investments made in the 2023-2025 period to over 630 million francs.

The largest share of resources was directed towards production facilities, laboratories, and industrial infrastructure. At the same time, a significant portion was allocated to research, innovation, and clinical trials.

Companies in the sector therefore continue to focus on strengthening their production capacity and technological development, elements considered essential to maintaining high levels of competitiveness in an increasingly demanding global market.

Difficulties in finding qualified personnel

Alongside the positive results, however, some critical issues emerge that worry those working in the sector.

Among these is the growing difficulty in finding specialized personnel. Companies report an ever-increasing demand for technical-scientific, regulatory, and managerial positions in a labor market characterized by fierce international competition.

The availability of adequate skills is considered one of the key elements for supporting future growth. For this reason, FIT continues to invest in professional training, collaborations with schools and training institutions, and programs dedicated to apprentices.

Strong franc and international tensions among the main risks

The survey conducted among member companies also highlights a growing focus on geopolitical and economic risks.

Among the main concerns is the strength of the Swiss franc, perceived as one of the most critical factors for a sector that exports a large portion of its production. An unfavorable exchange rate can reduce companies' competitiveness and squeeze operating margins.

Alongside the currency issue are the rise of trade protectionism, the uncertainty surrounding the introduction of new tariffs, and the indirect effects of international conflicts on supply chains and logistics costs.

However, companies continue to demonstrate a good capacity for adaptation, as demonstrated by the investments made in recent years and the development prospects indicated by the forecasts collected by FIT.

Positive signs for employment and orders

Expectations for the next two years remain generally favorable.

Nearly a third of companies expect an increase in staffing, while over 60% expect a stable situation. Moderate optimism also prevails regarding turnover, accompanied by a significant increase in orders for a significant portion of companies.

These indicators suggest substantial confidence in the sector's ability to continue to develop despite the uncertainties of the international context.

Artificial intelligence enters the pharmaceutical industry

One of the key moments of the assembly was dedicated to the topic of artificial intelligence, with a roundtable discussion titled "AI is not the future. It's now."

The debate was attended by Andrea Barni, deputy director and head of the SME sector of the AGIRE Foundation, Angelo Gulisano, IT consultant and Microsoft certified trainer, and Christian Pala, Senior NLP Engineer at Artificialy SA.

The meeting explored the concrete applications of artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting how these technologies are already being used in data analysis, new process development, quality management, and production optimization.

Attention was focused not only on the opportunities offered by AI, but also on the ethical, organizational, and strategic implications that will accompany its diffusion in the coming years.

A strategic sector for Ticino

The data presented by Farma Industria Ticino confirm the central role of the pharmaceutical industry in the Canton of Ticino. With over 4,100 skilled jobs, a global turnover of 2,71 billion francs, and investments exceeding 630 million over three years, the sector continues to be one of the most dynamic industries in the region.

The challenge for the coming years will be to maintain the attractiveness of Ticino as a business location, ensure access to the necessary skills, and maintain favorable investment conditions. In a rapidly changing international environment, innovation and adaptability remain key to sustaining the sector's competitiveness.