What is the current status of the MEM economic index?

In the third quarter of 2026 (July), the economic climate index is at -20 points, an improvement of 10 points compared to the previous three months. It's the best result since spring 2024, but it remains in the negative zone. According to Swissmechanic, 66% of SMEs surveyed declare a still unfavourable economic situation, while 34% are of the opposite opinion.

What are the main positive indicators of recovery?

Exports are up for the fourth consecutive quarter. The degree of use of production capacity has returned to the multi-year average for the first time since the end of 2023. The use of reduced work has significantly decreased. These three signs show that the recovery rests on concrete foundations.

What is the main challenge for Swiss MEM SMEs?

The shortage of specialized personnel: one in three companies considers it a priority. In addition, the recruitment of apprentices is increasingly difficult. Many companies receive insufficient applications or with inadequate school requirements, creating a risk of bottlenecks in the medium term.

How does the industry assess the importance of vocational training?

For the first time in the Swissmechanic barometer, vocational training acquires central strategic importance. Approximately two-thirds of SMEs (66%) recognise training as an essential component of people management strategies. The change is significant: companies exit cost reduction mode.

How can companies effectively address staff shortages?

According to Swissmechanic, we need to invest in vocational training. Companies can expand school recruitment, improve apprenticeship conditions (salaries, mentoring, prospects), and invest in remedial courses for promising candidates. Those who act today ensure the specialized personnel of tomorrow.

MEM companies, signs of recovery in the sector (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 26 August 2026

Panoramic view of Lugano with mountains in the background, representing Swiss industry and economy.

MEM economic index at -20 points in July. Best result since spring 2024. Exports are growing, but 66% of SMEs see unfavourable conditions.

Context

In brief

MEM economic index at -20 points (July), best since spring 2024
66% of SMEs see unfavorable situation; 34% opposite
Exports growing for 4th consecutive quarter
Shortage of specialized personnel: main challenge for 1 in 3 companies

Key Facts

What: Improvement in economic climate index for MEM sector
When: Third quarter 2026 (July)
Where: Switzerland, national SMEs
Who: Swissmechanic, industry association
Amount: Index at -20 points (+10 quarterly)

Switzerland's machinery, electrical engineering and metal industry (MEM) continues to face a difficult economic situation, but shows the first signs of recovery after months of tension. In the third quarter of 2026, the industry's economic climate index rose to -20 points, marking an improvement of 10 points compared to the previous three months. It is the best result since the beginning of spring 2024, according to a survey conducted by Swissmechanic, the industry association representing small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector.

However, the data should be interpreted with caution. According to the latest survey, 66 percent of companies surveyed still report an unfavorable economic situation. Only 34 percent express a positive assessment of their current conditions. We are not yet seeing a lasting reversal of the trend: the last time the indicator was in positive territory was April 2023, over three years earlier.

…

Operational details

The challenge of the Swiss labour market

However, the economic recovery of the MEM sector cannot be separated from human capital. While concerns about the ordering situation diminish slightly, the shortage of specialized personnel is once again assuming central importance in company strategies. One in three companies (about 33 percent) consider this as one of the main challenges they face in the short and medium term.

The topic of vocational training acquires for the first time a strategic importance in Swissmechanic's economic barometer. Approximately two thirds of the companies surveyed (66 per cent) now recognise vocational training as an essential component of their personnel management strategy. It is not a given: until a few quarters ago, the focus of companies was mainly on reducing costs and preserving existing employment. If you're looking for opportunities in the MEM or related industries, check out the aziende che assumono nella tua regione.

The Apprenticeship Crisis

The problem is manifested in the recruitment of apprentices, which is becoming increasingly difficult for Swiss SMEs. Many companies receive an insufficient number of applications; of those that arrive, not infrequently the candidates do not meet the required school requirements. 'The shortage of specialized personnel does not only manifest itself when there are vacancies: the problem begins

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Key points

Investing in Training for Tomorrow

'Those who invest today in vocational training secure their specialized personnel for tomorrow,' concludes Erich Sannemann, director of Swissmechanic. The message is clear: MEM sector companies that intend to consolidate their recovery and prepare for sustainable growth must immediately tackle the challenges of recruitment and training.

Swiss enterprises have concrete tools to face this transition. The Swiss dual apprenticeship system is among the most structured in Europe, with training pathways that integrate school education and practical experience in companies. MEM sector SMEs can invest in school-work alternation programs, collaborate with cantonal and national technical institutes, and actively promote their career opportunities at secondary education centers.

Concrete Strategies for Companies

A first step consists in expanding school recruitment programs, meeting directly with students and teachers at secondary schools and vocational training institutions. A second concerns improving apprenticeship conditions (competitive salaries, mentoring, prospects for permanent positions) to attract more motivated talents. Third, companies can invest in remedial or preparatory school courses for promising candidates with initial gaps.

The overall economic context remains fragile, but the direction is positive. If exports continue to grow and production capacity returns to full capacity, the demand for specialized personnel will inevitably increase. Companies that begin today to build a talent pipeline will not only manage the recovery better, but will also be better positioned in the medium term.

To learn more about employment in the Swiss industrial sector and view current job postings, visit the national jobs portal. 📊

Source: swissinfo.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the MEM economic index?: In the third quarter of 2026 (July), the economic climate index is at -20 points, an improvement of 10 points compared to the previous three months. It's the best result since spring 2024, but it remains in the negative zone. According to Swissmechanic, 66% of SMEs surveyed declare a still unfavourable economic situation, while 34% are of the opposite opinion.
What are the main positive indicators of recovery?: Exports are up for the fourth consecutive quarter. The degree of use of production capacity has returned to the multi-year average for the first time since the end of 2023. The use of reduced work has significantly decreased. These three signs show that the recovery rests on concrete foundations.
What is the main challenge for Swiss MEM SMEs?: The shortage of specialized personnel: one in three companies considers it a priority. In addition, the recruitment of apprentices is increasingly difficult. Many companies receive insufficient applications or with inadequate school requirements, creating a risk of bottlenecks in the medium term.
How does the industry assess the importance of vocational training?: For the first time in the Swissmechanic barometer, vocational training acquires central strategic importance. Approximately two-thirds of SMEs (66%) recognise training as an essential component of people management strategies. The change is significant: companies exit cost reduction mode.
How can companies effectively address staff shortages?: According to Swissmechanic, we need to invest in vocational training. Companies can expand school recruitment, improve apprenticeship conditions (salaries, mentoring, prospects), and invest in remedial courses for promising candidates. Those who act today ensure the specialized personnel of tomorrow.