Technology group NTT DATA in Austria for 20 years

"AI and automation are protagonists that can help relieve the burden on employees and close the growing skills gap," explains Reinhard Birke, General Manager Austria at NTT DATA  DACH. "We are playing a pioneering role in this technology: internally, we work with our own Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tool, which helps us to carry out tasks more efficiently and with which we can expand our expertise for our customers."

This and the implementation of numerous AI projects for customers in various industries are constantly expanding our expertise. As security is a crucial factor in AI applications alongside data protection and copyright, NTT DATA works with TÜV SÜD, which offers quality assurance services for AI applications, including local certifications. The aim is to support companies in complying with EU regulations on the development and use of AI, such as the EU AI Act. A "GenAI Office" has also been established, in which the expertise relating to GenAI is brought together and passed on both internally and externally.

Alongside AI, IT security is another important field with significant growth potential. Some companies have an enormous need for advice. They should take a proactive approach to the topic, not least because the EU is in the process of establishing clear guidelines with regulations such as NIS2 and Dora. These are intended to increase IT and cyber resilience and promote the secure use of technologies. Top management has a central role to play in the defence against and management of cyberattacks. Failure to implement legal requirements can result in financial penalties, personal liability and even industry-specific bans.

NTT DATA is committed to sustainability around the world - including at its Austrian site. This is reflected in various campaigns such as participation in "World Cleanup Day", on which more than 100 employees cleared the environment of rubbish, in social commitment to disadvantaged people or with the Health@Work programme, which helps people to stay physically and mentally healthy. "We stand for sustainable corporate management, in which we focus on climate protection, including through digitalisation and networking with relevant partners, as well as social aspects with the aim of promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities and the protection of minorities," emphasises Birke.

"In the last two years, turnover in Austria has increased significantly and the number of employees has almost doubled," says Birke happily. The baby boomer generation will gradually retire and the shortage of skilled labour will become even more acute. "Attracting and retaining new talent requires new concepts and a modern management style," Birke is convinced. The guiding principle "Think globally, act locally" - network globally, cooperate and act locally - is put into practice at the company: the team benefits from exciting, global projects and a network that allows them to change internally and develop professionally and personally in the process. In this way, knowledge can be successively expanded and new perspectives gained. "It is this special DNA that defines us. A blend of Japanese-German structure and the special Austrian flavour that keeps us close to our customers," says Birke. 

AI, sustainability and security are decisive factors for technological advancements with the aim of successfully shaping the transformation of the economy strategically and operationally and securing an ethically responsible future. "The Austria Business Agency actively supports the networking of relevant players on the market. Particularly with regard to topics such as recruiting, trade fair appearances and publicity, it makes a significant contribution to integrating international companies into the Austrian business market.

Read more about deep tech in Austria