Innovation in Austria

The path to a sustainable future

In parallel with its economic success, Austria's research and innovation system has come a long way in recent years. And the country has a plan for the future. To find out where it is going and how, Euroabstracts interviewed Josef Mandl, Head of Division for Innovation and Technology Transfer at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs.

 

How to get out of the cosy niche

Austrian experts, asked to point out possible fields of scientific leadership for their country, prefer to play safe. Pragmatically, they opt for applied technologies on a top quality level in Austria's leading markets of today, rather than breaking new ground with truly innovative R&D efforts.

 

The well-connected society

Are we all to be part of the information society, or will some of us be left out? Austria is set to build an inclusive wired society by deliberately making telematic services more accessible to its citizens and more relevant to their everyday needs.

 

The legacy of Manja Sklodowska

Introducing advanced medical technology may disrupt complex organisational systems. To adapt successfully, you must assess its impact on all levels - including the doctor-patient relationship.

 

A clear case for science brokering

Scientists willing to co-operate wait for industry to come up with initiatives, whilst enterprises see no need for the new findings of research or do not know where to get them. The Austrian innovation system needs a forceful push.