Wirtschaftsminister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Vertreter:innen der Branche und der Medien diskutieren in Wien. © Ellie Mantler
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Microelectronics: Austria’s Strengths Take Center Stage at the ABA CEO Round Table

02. November 2026

What makes Austria an attractive location for international microelectronics companies? Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, industry representatives, and members of the media discussed this topic in Vienna. Read more in our article and watch the video.

At the ABA CEO Round Table on October 20, 2026, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austria’s Federal Minister of Economy, Energy, and Tourism, Sabine Herlitschka (Infineon Technologies Austria), Jan Preibisch (AT&S), Herbert Schöffmann (Lam Research), Wolfgang Steinbauer (NXP Austria), and ABA Managing Director René Tritscher discussed topics related to Austria as a hub for microelectronics. Lisa Marie Wögerbauer (Kronen Zeitung) and Patrick Dax (KURIER) also took part in the discussion.

The focus: What strengthens the microelectronics sector in Austria – and what framework conditions are needed for further investment, research, and production?

Federal Minister Hattmannsdorfer aims to position Austria as a key player in the semiconductor sector. To support the industry in this effort, the federal government will adapt existing apprenticeship programs and create new ones, as well as strengthen the field of microelectronics through targeted public funding and ensure faster approval processes. The “Austria 2035 Industrial Strategy” is intended to provide the framework for this – with the goal of securing greater value creation and production in Austria.

Sabine Herlitschka said that the industry’s outstanding position, which has been built up over the past decades, must now be strengthened. The CEO of Infineon Technologies AustriaInfineon Technologies Austria (), which employs around 5,800 people in Austria, particularly highlighted the company’s expertise in power electronics, sensor technology, and security technologies, and advocated for their targeted expansion.

Wolfgang Steinbauer of NXP Semiconductors Austria also underscored the expertise available in Austria in the field of microelectronics. The NXP site in GratkornNXP site in Gratkorn () now employs around 650 experts from 45 countries. The short path from development to demonstrators and small production runs is a major advantage of the location.

Herbert Schöffmann, who officially co-opened Lam Research’s new research and production facility in SalzburgLam Research’s new research and production facility in Salzburg () in May 2026, highlighted the strong research ecosystem and AI as growth drivers for the industry. He noted that the ABA plays a vital bridging role between businesses and the public sector in addressing and discussing real-world issues, as is the case here at the CEO Round Table.

Jan Preibisch of AT&SAT&S (), which employs around 2,600 people in Leoben and Fehring and has approximately 15,000 employees worldwide, emphasized the importance of collaboration and alliances in translating research and knowledge in Europe into competitive industrial offerings.

ABA Managing Director René Tritscher made it clear: To be internationally competitive, Austria must be a technology leader in certain segments. With its highly educated workforce, established expertise in applied research, and a strong funding system, Austria offers the best conditions for this.

Learn more about the industry and its strengths here: Microelectronics in AustriaMicroelectronics in Austria ()

FAQs

  • 01

    What makes Austria an attractive location for microelectronics companies?

    Austria stands out for its well-trained skilled workers, applied research, and a robust funding system. Its technological strengths include power electronics, sensor technology, and security technologies.

  • 02

    How does Austria rank compared to other European countries?

    According to figures from the FEEI trade association for 2025, Austria ranks among the top four microelectronics locations in the EU. Relative to its size, the country ranks first in terms of corporate R&D spending and employment. Approximately 72,000 employees work at just under 300 companies. The industry generates 23.6 billion euros in production value, 27.1 billion euros in revenue, and has an export ratio of 84.2 percent.

  • 03

    What topics were the focus of the ABA CEO Round Table?

    The focus was on Austria’s strengths as a business location and the framework conditions for further investment, research, and production. Discussions centered on skilled workers, faster approval processes, resilient supply chains, the transfer of research into industrial applications, AI as a driver of growth, and the Austria 2035 Industrial Strategy.

  • 04

    How is the “Austria 2035 Industrial Strategy” intended to strengthen the country as a business location?

    Federal Minister Hattmannsdorfer aims to position Austria as a key player in the semiconductor sector. The focus is on qualified talent, faster approval processes, and resilient supply chains. The “Austria 2035 Industrial Strategy” is intended to provide the framework for ensuring greater value creation and production in Austria and Europe.

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