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.
of R&D staff in Austria are employed by international companies
people in Austria work in research and development
is expected to be spent on R&D in 2025
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 3.35%.
Companies can apply for direct funding for their research projects via the relevant programme offered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFGFFG ()). 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 AustriaResearch 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 AustriaResearch 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 TalenteTalente () linking researchers and companies, Forschung AustriaForschung Austria () awards scholarships to researchers from abroad and the Austrian Science Fund FWFFWF () 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.
FAQs
- 01
What research funding is available to companies in Austria?
Austria combines direct and indirect research funding. Companies can apply for direct research grants through programs offered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). For cost shares not covered by this, however, the 14% tax research premium can also be utilized. It is available for in-house research and development in Austria as well as for contract research, regardless of the company’s size, industry, or structure.
- 02
Why is Austria a good location for research and development?
Austria boasts a dynamic research landscape, attractive funding opportunities, and a strong research community. With a research expenditure ratio of 3.34%, Austria ranks third among EU countries. Companies also benefit from collaborations with universities, non-university research institutions, and centers of excellence.
- 03
How much does Austria invest in research and development?
In 2025, 17.39 billion euros were spent on research and development in Austria. 49.4% of total R&D expenditures came from abroad, mainly from companies whose subsidiaries conduct research in Austria.
- 04
What advantages does Austria offer to international researchers?
Austria combines a strong research community with a high quality of life and a variety of support services. Programs such as “Talente” connect researchers and companies. In addition, Forschung Austria and the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) provide support to researchers.