More Opportunities Than You Think
You expected a ski map.
You get a map to 100 million customers.
- High purchasing power and access to the whole DACH region
- Ecosystem of clusters, research centers and networks & lots of support for innovation & development
- Talent: highly qualified and productive experts
Why is Austria the ideal location?
The favorable economic climate, stable infrastructure and high purchasing power offer opportunities not only for established companies but also for startups and innovative entrepreneurs looking for a promising market.
- 412 regional headquarters: International companies from a variety of sectors find an extremely promising environment here to grow and succeed. Austria with its its central location and traditional expertise is ideal for companies to conduct their business in CEE and SEE.
- International Business Hub: Vienna is the location of many international organizations (e.g., UN, OPEC, and IAEA).
- Access to the DACH region: Austria is a launchpad for German-speaking Europe.
What is so special about the ecosystem in Austria?
We found a very collaborative framework and a business culture of innovation and openness. We've discovered awesome manufacturers but also good research institutes we collaborate with and most importantly a brand of excellence. This strategy of Austria to Europe has grown even more and the more we are spending time in Austria and working with Austrian companies.
AI Factory Austria (AI:AT) is building a strong AI ecosystem in Austria. Through initiatives such as eustella, a training programme with more than 1,600 participants, and a growing network of businesses and researchers, AI:AT helps turn AI innovation into real-world applications. By connecting expertise, infrastructure and collaboration opportunities, the initiative strengthens Austria’s position as a leading hub for trustworthy AI.
Austria as a research hub
- A dynamic research hub: The research ratio increased from 1.53% in 1994 to 3.35% in 2024, positioning Austria third in Europe among the strongest research and development locations.
- Support for innovation and development: Austria offers companies direct funding for their research projects as well as a research premium of 14%.
- Innovative strength: In the European Innovation Scoreboard, Austria ranks 8th in the EU and is classified as a “Strong Innovator.”
- Intellectual property – a European leader: No other country files as many patents, trademarks, and designs relative to its GDP to secure its intellectual property.
More talent than you think
- Expertise & motivation: In Austria, you get highly skilled employees that are extremely motivated and productive – 10,7% productivity is above the EU average.
- STEM experts: International companies highly value the specialised expertise of Austrian employees, e.g. in STEM areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, bioinformatics, cyber security, data science or power electronics. More than 30% of graduates in Austria are from STEM areas, which makes Austria #3 in the EU.
- Dual training system: The dual apprenticeship system links schools with the business community and focuses on practice-oriented skills. Austria’s young specialists win awards regularly - they won 12 medals at the 2025 European Skills Championships.
- English proficiency: Austria holds a top position in the English Proficiency Index and a quarter of all Austrians grow up bilingual.
More success stories
FAQs
- 01
Why is Austria a good business hub in Europe?
Austria is centrally located in Europe and offers companies a solid economic environment, well-developed infrastructure, high purchasing power, high legal security and a stable, predictable business framework. As a business location, Austria provides access to a market with more than 600 million consumers. More than 412 international companies already use Austria’s strategic location in the heart of Europe for their regional headquarters.
- 02
Does Austria provide access to the DACH market?
Yes. Austria offers direct access to more than 100 million consumers across the entire German-speaking region, making it a strong entry point for companies targeting the DACH market. Austria is also used as an ideal test market for the entire DACH region. Its central location allows companies to test and refine products and services before expanding into larger markets.
- 03
Why is Austria attractive for research and development?
Austria is a dynamic research location with a strong innovation ecosystem, direct research funding and a 14% research premium. The research ratio increased from 1.53% in 1994 to 3.35% in 2024, positioning Austria among Europe’s strongest research and development locations. Companies benefit from close cooperation between business and science, including universities, research institutes, suppliers, customers and startups.
- 04
Do I find the right talents for my needs in Austria?
Austria offers highly qualified, motivated and loyal employees. The country’s dual apprenticeship system links schools with the business community and supports practice-oriented learning. Austria is also a country of education with around 400,000 students from all over the world, especially in STEM areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, bioinformatics, cyber security, data science or power electronics. More than 30% graduate in STEM areas, which makes Austria #3 in Europe.
- 05
Is Austria suitable for international headquarters and expansion?
Austria is highly attractive for international headquarters thanks to its central geographical location, stable conditions and access to European markets. International companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Henkel, Takeda and the BMW Group are already present in Austria, and many headquarters in Austria also carry out research and development. INVEST in AUSTRIA supports international companies in finding the right corporate form and expanding their business to Austria.
- 06
What support can you expect when expanding to Austria?
INVEST in AUSTRIA supports international companies before entering the Austrian market, throughout the settlement process and after the company has established operations in Austria. Services include up-to-date information on Austria as a business location, access to relevant facts and figures, networking with industry representatives, information on funding programs, support with site selection and assistance in finding suitable land or real estate. These services are provided free of charge.
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- Top infrastructure & central location
- Stable framework conditions
- Supportive environment for innovation