Demography and economic policy: the challenges ahead

Jean-Pierre Roth, Chairman of the Governing Board

Colloquium on "Chances et défis du vieillissement" (Opportunities and challenges of demographic ageing), University of Geneva, Geneva, 10.11.2006

What will Switzerland look like in 2050? The demographic changes under way will have a strong impact on the future demographic landscape, with regard to both the working population and the older age segments. The ageing society poses two major challenges for economic policy: ensuring the production capacity of the Swiss economy as well as the continuance of the social security scheme. To address these challenges, an economic policy that promotes productivity increases while guaranteeing economic growth must be implemented with immediate effect. In line with this economic policy, adjustments must be made to our social security system.