Companies cover the majority of research expenditure – maintaining a strong focus on research and innovation in the future
Vienna (OTS) – “Austria has established itself internationally as a research location over the past 20 years. Our research quota not only achieves a top ranking in the EU comparison, but is also in the top places in the OECD comparison. Compared to 2004, there are now around 60 percent more R&D-active companies in Austria, which cover around two thirds of the total domestic research investments,” emphasizes IV President Knill at today’s FFG press conference to mark its 20th anniversary. “Through the FFG, local companies have had a strong, competent partner for 20 years to support companies and scientific institutions – both with direct R&D funding at national and European levels and with the extremely important USP of the research bonus,” said Knill.
Mastering challenges and shaping the future positively
The strong increase in R&D spending at the location shows the high relevance of research and development for the ability of industrial companies to master challenges and look to the future. “If the potential of the digital and green transformation is to be used and value creation in Europe is to be further strengthened, a high level of technological competence and massive efforts in research, technology and innovation are required,” explains Knill and calls for a clear commitment in the future to a strong research and innovation focus.
In concrete terms, this means a significant strengthening of the technology offensive with a clear growth path for applied R&D, especially for key technologies and future fields. As a very important component of RTI financing, the Fund for the Future of Austria must also be secured and increased beyond 2025. This in particular offers a good opportunity to react flexibly to current developments and to quickly take up European initiatives with a national share of financing.
The successful acquisition of Horizon Europe funds by science and business researching in Austria shows that we are home to outstanding competencies and that the national RTI system has succeeded in creating good synergies with European RTI initiatives. “In the upcoming EU research framework program, Austria must also clearly commit to a strong budget of at least EUR 200 billion and to focus on Austrian areas of strength,” demands Knill. In addition, in recent years, new EU initiatives such as the EU Chips Act or IPCEI, in addition to Horizon Europe, have created essential building blocks that strengthen Europe in the global competition for technology and talent. Active design, successful participation and implementation by Austria must also be the clear focus here in the future.
Questions & Contact:
Industrial Association
Marlena Mayer
Press spokesperson
+43 (1) 711 35-2315
marlena.mayer@iv.at
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