Economic advice, method- and data-based

Based on our analysis, we identified hospitals within the group of central hospitals (K112) that differ in their patient and service structure from the other central hospitals and therefore incur additional costs due to performance-related factors, using only a few variables. The analysis process was carried out in two steps: First, variables that could define a hospital with comprehensive care function were selected based on expert input. Subsequently, the available variables were analysed using data-driven methods.

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is currently developing tariffs for the revised list of analyses (medical laboratory services reimbursed by the compulsory health insurance, OKP) as part of the transAL-2 project. Within the scope of transAL-2, Polynomics has prepared a foundational report addressing the question of which method best captures and accounts for efficiency in tariff setting. The analyses show that multidimensional benchmarking methods, such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), or quantile regressions, are particularly suitable for considering efficient service provision in tariff design. These methods allow for the separation of exogenous cost factors, which laboratories cannot influence, from endogenous management factors, enabling a distinction between justified cost differences and efficient service provision.Link to the publication

The supply of and demand for biomethane is developing positively in Switzerland. This is thanks to private initiatives and support from the gas industry. There is great potential in the use of livestock manure, although Switzerland faces additional challenges with its rather small-scale agriculture. The current version of the new CO₂ Ordinance (CO₂-Verordnung), which is still being consulted on until October 17, will hardly provide any additional impetus.According to our hydrogen marginal cost index HySuiX, the production costs for green hydrogen (H₂) in Switzerland have recently fallen. However, shortly before the planned publication of the Swiss government's hydrogen strategy, the mood in the industry remains cautious, although there important progress in regions close to the border.These topics are covered in the new Barometer, published by the Swiss Gas Industry Association in collaboration with E-Bridge Consulting and Polynomics. The Barometer is published twice a year and available in German and French. You can receive future issues by registering here: https://gazenergie.ch/de/h2-barometer.