Digitalisation as a strategy for the future: opportunities, hurdles and...
A recent study by gfs.bern on behalf of the Swiss Bar Association sheds light on...
gfs.bern provides empirical and evidence-based answers to a wide variety of societal, political and economic questions.
We are seen as leading the way with our findings on opinion forming trends in Switzerland and in direct democratic processes. We apply a wide variety of methods for data gathering: representative surveys, specific target group surveys, focus groups, qualitative in-depth interviews, planning and accompanying studies for campaigning, data modelling, regional analyses and media analyses. We also conduct surveys simply and efficiently using our own online panels polittrends.ch.
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gfs.bern services for your market and opinion research!
Since the turn of the millennium we have conducted more than 1000 surveys and surveyed more than a million people throughout Switzerland.
Insights into your own position
For data-driven decision-making
Revealing political and societal contexts
Mobilizes people for a political or social objective.
Before and after national elections and referendums we conduct surveys among voters on behalf of Switzerland’s Federal Chancellery or the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG / SRR).
These are used when approximate or anecdotal knowledge of opinions among target groups or stakeholders is not sufficient.
Impact analyses and evaluations are methods that are used to study the How and Why of political and societal changes.
gfs.bern stands for political and communications research. A further key aspect of our work lies in the accompaniment of strategic, evidence-based communication
The GfS research institute was founded in 1959 by the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für praktische Sozialforschung. Even in the early days, the findings published by the GfS Research Institute on opinion forming trends in Switzerland and in direct democratic processes were considered groundbreaking. From 1992, the GfS research institute had an independent office in Bern in the form of gfs.bern.
Our clients include political parties, associations, private-sector companies, cities and municipalities, cantons, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG/SRR) and also civil society organizations. Our services cover all kinds of market and opinion research, such as surveys, data science, evaluations, analyses around referendums and campaigning, as well as campaign analyses, issue monitoring or image and reputation analysis for the optimization of communication strategies.
We provide background information and rankings on referendums, opinion polls, barometers and monitors. We have summarized the most important points for you and present the details here.
17.09.2025 | Monitor
After several years of declining interest, the importance of nutrition and exercise among the population will increase significantly again in 2025. At the same time, this year’s survey shows growing scepticism towards government intervention – the need for personal responsibility and education is at the forefront. In addition, the study confirms the high value placed on enjoyment when eating and drinking.
17.09.2025 | Votations
Voter turnout 44% | Voting intentions for property taxes on second homes narrow and for e-ID stable in favour
If the vote had taken place on 6 September 2025, the property tax proposal would have been narrowly accepted and the e-ID law would have been approved by a stable majority. At 43%, voter turnout was below the long-term average (47% between 2011 and 2023 according to the FSO).
13.09.2025 | Monitor
The Swiss electorate’s interest in transport issues is at a record high. Congested roads and traffic jams are seen as the biggest problems, with the solution lying in the expansion of transport infrastructure and public transport services. Majorities continue to be in favour of electric mobility, even though the range and recycling of batteries are still viewed critically.
10.09.2025 | Umfrage
A clear majority of voters would currently vote in favour of the existing agreements with the EU. After a temporary decline in January 2025, the perceived benefits of the bilateral agreements returned to their 2024 level in July. The perceived importance of access to export markets is growing in particular in view of the current international turmoil.