Research location
A willingness to invest, entrepreneurial spirit and a dynamic research scene: Companies that invest in research and development in Austria can benefit from a 14% research premium as well as from numerous direct research funding programmes.
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A tradition of innovation
in Austria
Austria is a member of the group of “strong innovators” within the EU, demonstrating a robust commitment to invest in research across diverse fields.
From circuit boards and batteries to turbines and sewing machines – our inventions have significantly shaped the world of science and technology and revolutionised our everyday lives. These are just a few examples of the Austrian inventive spirit. Many Austrian inventions have radically changed research and technology and our everyday lives as well as revolutionising or even creating the market in the first place. Austria’s innovative strength continues unabated. The country ranks sixth among EU member states in the European Innovation Scoreboard, leading the group of “strong innovators''. Austria is even rated first when it comes to intellectual property. No other country registers as many patents, trademarks and designs in relation to its GDP, showcasing its successful investment in research strategy.
Small country,
large-scale research funding
Austria combines direct and indirect funding, which is unique in Europe. In an EU comparison, Austria ranks third with a research ratio of 3.2%.
Companies can apply for direct funding for their research projects via the relevant programme offered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). The 14% research tax credit can be claimed for the costs not covered by these programmes, regardless of the firm’s size, sector or corporate structure. This applies to both in-house investment in research in Austria and to contract research.
Who is The Austrian Research Promotion Agency?
Investment in research plays a crucial role in science, technology and innovation.
It involves the targeted allocation of financial resources to support research activities aimed at gaining new knowledge and further developing existing products or processes for practical implementation.
Scientific methods are an important part and are used in this process. Research in Austria serves as a vital driver of progress and prosperity in the country and is a key component of the innovation process. This process ranges from the discovery of fundamental principles to the implementation of revolutionary ideas in practice.
What is research investment?
Investment in research plays a crucial role in science, technology and innovation. It involves the targeted allocation of financial resources to support research activities aimed at gaining new knowledge and further developing existing products or processes for practical implementation.
Scientific methods are an important part and are used in this process. Research in Austria serves as a vital driver of progress and prosperity in the country and is a key component of the innovation process. This process ranges from the discovery of fundamental principles to the implementation of revolutionary ideas in practice.
International talents
The world’s highest quality of life makes Austria an attractive location to work for international researchers.
Additional support is provided by programmes such as Talente linking researchers and companies, Forschung Austria awards scholarships to researchers from abroad and the Austrian Science Fund FWF provides assistance at the interface between basic and applied research. Furthermore, researchers who move to Austria benefit from attractive tax advantages, a key component of the country’s strategy to invest in research.
Innovative companies meet top international experts and scientists in Austria
In addition to a strong research community in the higher education sector, non-university research facilities enjoy a worldwide reputation. They work hand in hand on practical high-tech innovations, for example in the fields of microtechnology and quantum computing.
Great importance is also attached to the collaboration between companies and research institutions. International firms profit from “open innovation.” The 45 competence centres set up within the context of the Competence Centres for Excellent Technologies (COMET) funding initiative are home to such business and science partnerships. Examples include the Austrian Center for Medical Innovation and Technology and the Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering in Graz.