Switzerland offers a liberal and highly competitive business environment. The World Economic Forum ranked Switzerland as number one in its global competitiveness survey of 125 countries in 2006. Switzerland’s well-developed infrastructure for scientific research allows close collaboration between the leading research centers and industry. Intellectual property protection is strong, which has helped spur high levels of technological innovation. Flexible labor markets and excellent infrastructure are two vital features of the business environment. About 10% of the Swiss gross national product (over USD 32 billion) is generated directly or indirectly by foreign companies.