Research & Development

Austria has continually moved ahead as an innovative business location. Since the year 2000, total research and development expenditures have increased by 70 percent, to EUR 6.8 billion in 2007. This correspondis to an annual rise of almost 8 percent - the largest increase in the EU.

Companies also invest heavily in R&D. According to the Austrian Statistical Office, they are responsible for 62.2 percent of R&D expenditures - of which one quarter are investments made by foreign firms operating in Austria.  

Austria is particularly strong in the mechanical engineering, automotive, medical technology, biotechnology and ICT sectors, taking advantage of its geographical position in the heart of Europe, its top-notch educational system and last but not least, its high quality of life. These sectors have a long-established tradition in science and industry. Today, they have become the dynamic forces driving the country’s emergence as one of Europe’s most attractive technology locations.