Austria must move from imitator to innovator, says minister
'My aim is that Austria climbs further away from imitator to innovator,' Austria's Minister for Science and Research, Johannes Hahn, has said. Austria is currently in overtaking mode where research and development (R&D) are concerned, with output increasing by 10% annually. But Mr Hahn, who took up the post of Science and Research Minister at the beginning of 2007, believes that Austria can still achieve more. Some €800 million has been made available for Austrian research between now and 2010. The Government expects that this funding will result in 35,000 jobs. With strategic projects and priorities, the ministry is also seeking to build up Austria's innovation potential. The strategy involves strengthening direct support for research, easing mobility for researchers, and attracting research-intensive companies to Austria. In addition, Austria is supporting young researchers and research excellence with the creation of excellence clusters and doctoral schools, the safeguarding of research infrastructure, and the internationalisation of Austrian research. 'Austria is a small but open economy. We are good in many areas, but due to our size we could never be simultaneously at the top internationally in all research fields,' said Mr Hahn. Austria will therefore focus on its scientific strengths, and channel more funding into these. While already convinced of the importance of science itself, the Government has also prioritised getting society more involved in science so that citizens appreciate its importance. 'Research has to be brought to life,' said the minister.
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