The main feature of this research is the application profile, aimed chiefly at meeting the needs of companies and institutions, with a number of internationally recognised areas producing work of a high scientific level. SUPSI participation in European research projects is particularly noteworthy.

Collaboration with private companies, mainly in the technology sector, is conducted in the form of direct mandates and by means of projects financed by Innosuisse, the Swiss Innovation Agency.

Research in the financial, social, construction and environmental sectors principally consists of collaboration projects and service activities for public institutions.