Austrian RTI Strategy 2030

02INTRODUCTION

According to the Austrian government programme, the RTI Strategy 2030 sets out the important objectives and fields of activity of Austrian RTI policy for the coming decade. Key parameters define Austria’s further development to become a leader in research, technology and innovation. The RTI Strategy lays out a stable and long-term framework to ensure this.

The RTI Strategy 2030 is based on a clear commitment to increasing efficiency and output in the system. The work on the RTI Strategy 2030 is largely based on the detailed analysis “OECD Reviews of Innovation Policy: Austria 2018”. The European Commission’s con-cept of Smart Specialisation was also used as a reference framework for developing the RTI Strategy 2030. In addition, the strategy is also based on a number of cross-cutting issues (Sustainable Development Goals, digitalisation, strengthening gender equality in RTI, Responsible Science, Open Science and Open Innovation) as well as initial anchor points of the Excellence Initiative, the Location Strategy and the Technology Offensive.

This strategy reflects the cross-departmental governance of RTI policy. The top administrative level of the RTI Task Force is composed of representatives of the Federal Chancellery, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs, and the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology. It is responsible for coordinating RTI policy at the federal level and controls and accompanies the implementation of the RTI Strategy. In developing this strategy, it was possible to draw on the expertise of a wide range of stakeholders.

An RTI Pact establishes the definition of cross-departmental research and innovation policy priorities as a fundamental principle of Austrian RTI policy. This is intended to improve the coordination of implementation activities and achievement of objectives while avoiding duplication of effort. The RTI Pact connects the RTI Strategy, funding and the institutions responsible for practical implementation. This adds a new, integrative element to the Austrian RTI landscape, creating a stable and dependable framework for the next few years for the individuals and groups concerned.