Economic advice, method- and data-based

We are a team of experts, researchers and practitioners with many years of economic experience in various industries. Our methods are data-based, incorporate the latest research findings and are field-tested. This enables us to create reliable analysis and solutions tailored to your requirements and the objectives of your company, public authority or association.

News

He­alth Eco­no­mic As­sess­ment of the New KVG Ta­riff Struc­tu­re for Phy­sio­the­ra­py

On behalf of PROphysio, we reviewed the foundations of the new KVG tariff structure for physiotherapy. The report identifies open questions regarding the representativeness of the underlying time-recording data: there are indications that large practices with shorter treatment times may have been insufficiently represented. This would lead to an overestimation of average treatment times, which, through the tariff calculation, would result in lower tariff points per unit of time. Additional data analyses are required to determine whether such a bias actually exists. The shift from treatment-based flat rates to time-based remuneration also changes the economic incentives created by the tariff. The previous financial advantage of shorter treatments is reduced because the flat rates are now being replaced by a time-based tariff. This weakens the incentives to maintain an efficient treatment duration, making longer sessions a plausible outcome. With staffing resources remaining unchanged, this reduces treatment capacity and may lead to longer waiting times and bottlenecks in access to care.

Cos­ts of the emis­si­ons tra­ding sys­tem for the ce­ment in­dus­try up to 2034

With the gradual phase-out of the free allocation of emission allowances in the Swiss and European emissions trading systems (ETS), CO₂ costs for the cement industry will rise significantly in the coming years. On behalf of cemsuisse, Polynomics analyzed the direct additional costs of purchasing emission allowances up to 2034. The study shows that the share of emission allowances that must be purchased will rise from around 1.2 percent in 2026 to 100 percent in 2034. At the same time, CO₂ emissions from clinker production remain high, as around two thirds of emissions are of geogenic origin and therefore process-related and unavoidable. Without the broad deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS), which is not expected to be available by 2034, these emissions must be fully covered by emission allowances. Avoiding these emissions in the long term requires a competitive CCS value chain, in which transport and storage costs in particular must be reduced. Based on different price scenarios for emission allowances, the direct ETS costs for the Swiss cement industry up to 2034 are estimated at a total of 753 to 993 million Swiss francs. The study places these developments in the context of the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Swiss climate policy and shows the economic impact of the gradual phase-out of free allocation on an emissions-intensive basic materials industry.

Reg­Con­trol is he­re

Put an end to uncontrolled Excel spreadsheets for revenue caps. RegControl—developed jointly by Polynomics and the KVK—fully digitizes Germany’s incentive regulation: revenue caps, cost of capital (down to the asset level), and income statements—all in one tool. Includes StromNEV/GasNEV, ARegV, as well as StromNEF/GasNEF starting with the 5th RP. Regulatory expertise and technology from a single source. Available now as a beta version—try it for free with no obligation. Learn more: regcontrol.polynomics.ch Request a trial account:

Services

En­er­gy sup­p­ly

He­alth­ca­re

Fi­nan­cial sec­tor

Me­dia and te­le­com­mu­ni­ca­ti­ons

Com­pe­ti­ti­on eco­no­mics

Re­gu­la­to­ry eco­no­mics and re­gu­la­to­ry im­pact ana­ly­sis

Eco­no­mic po­li­cy ana­ly­ses

Da­ta ana­ly­sis

Bench­mar­king / Ef­fi­ci­en­cy ana­ly­sis

Cos­ting and pri­cing

Pre­fe­rence me­a­su­re­ment / Dis­crete choice ex­pe­ri­ment

Team

Publications

Health Economic Assessment of the New KVG Tariff Structure for Physiotherapy

On behalf of PROphysio, we reviewed the foundations of the new KVG tariff structure for physiotherapy. The report identifies open questions regarding the representativeness of the underlying time-recording data: there are indications that large practices with shorter treatment times may have been insufficiently represented. This would lead to an overestimation of average treatment times, which, through the tariff calculation, would result in lower tariff points per unit of time. Additional data analyses are required to determine whether such a bias actually exists.The shift from treatment-based flat rates to time-based remuneration also changes the economic incentives created by the tariff. The previous financial advantage of shorter treatments is reduced because the flat rates are now being replaced by a time-based tariff. This weakens the incentives to maintain an efficient treatment duration, making longer sessions a plausible outcome. With staffing resources remaining unchanged, this reduces treatment capacity and may lead to longer waiting times and bottlenecks in access to care.

Costs of the emissions trading system for the cement industry up to 2034

With the gradual phase-out of the free allocation of emission allowances in the Swiss and European emissions trading systems (ETS), CO₂ costs for the cement industry will rise significantly in the coming years. On behalf of cemsuisse, Polynomics analyzed the direct additional costs of purchasing emission allowances up to 2034.The study shows that the share of emission allowances that must be purchased will rise from around 1.2 percent in 2026 to 100 percent in 2034. At the same time, CO₂ emissions from clinker production remain high, as around two thirds of emissions are of geogenic origin and therefore process-related and unavoidable. Without the broad deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS), which is not expected to be available by 2034, these emissions must be fully covered by emission allowances. Avoiding these emissions in the long term requires a competitive CCS value chain, in which transport and storage costs in particular must be reduced.Based on different price scenarios for emission allowances, the direct ETS costs for the Swiss cement industry up to 2034 are estimated at a total of 753 to 993 million Swiss francs. The study places these developments in the context of the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Swiss climate policy and shows the economic impact of the gradual phase-out of free allocation on an emissions-intensive basic materials industry.

Costs and tariffs for thermal networks – A guide for operators

Thermal networks play a significant role in the decarbonization of heat supply. At the same time, the planning, operation, and further development of such infrastructure place high demands on economic efficiency, financing, and tariff setting.The new practical guide, “Costs and Tariffs for Thermal Networks,” helps operators establish a sound cost accounting system and design tariffs that are transparent and economically feasible. It addresses key issues related to planning and profitability analysis, system delineation, cost accounting, and tariff calculation.The guide is intended for operators of thermal networks and is designed to serve as a reference for identifying financial risks early on, recording costs transparently, and creating structures that are sustainable in the long term.The guide was developed by Polynomics AG and Rytec AG on behalf of Thermische Netze Schweiz with support from EnergieSchweiz and is available in German and French.