Austria at the Centre of Europe

Economic Reports & Business Guide 2019

Austria is proving itself to be a highly attractive business location with an outstanding www.ehl.at We stand for business environment. real estate. BROKERAGE | VALUATION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT STRONG PARTNER

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01_CE_Inserat_wohnkompanie_210x280mm.indd 2 16.01.19 09:47 Quality of Living as Austria’s Economic Driver

WHEN COMPANIES ARE PLANNING TO OPEN SUBSIDIARIES ABROAD, hard criteria such as the tax burden, market opportunities, location and logistics, infrastructure and the availability of skilled workers play a decisive role. But factors such as fewer days lost to strikes and political and legal stability also influence the final decisions of globally active companies. Because stable conditions are also a long-term guarantor of stable profits.

SO-CALLED SOFT FACTS SUCH AS LIVING STANDARDS are well down this list of criteria. However, prosperity and the quality of living in a country remain important factors that not only impact upon purchasing power and market opportunities but also create a generally stable economic environment in which companies can operate. And this is precisely where Austria has an edge: In 2018 the federal capital Vienna was named the city with the highest quality of living worldwide – for the ninth year in a row. Even if Austria is known as a country of lakes, mountains, Mozartkugel and Lipizzaner horses, it is actually one of the world’s most highly developed industrial countries as well as being the fourth richest in the EU.

FOREIGN COMPANIES INTERESTED IN SETTLING IN AUSTRIA receive free support on all aspects of Business Location Austria from the corporate relocation agency ABA – Invest in Austria (page 19). This includes advice on the choice of location, labour and taxation issues and questions of financing and subsidies as well as help in dealing with the authorities.

A TOP BUSINESS LOCATION ALSO REQUIRES AN ATTRACTIVE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT. Austria has been one of the leading EU countries in terms of tax breaks for research for many years. In 2018 the research premium was raised again, from twelve to 14 per cent (page 32). And a highly developed infrastructure is just as important (page 40). This edition of “Austria – Europe’s Heart. Economic Reports & Business Guide 2019” will offer you an insight into the many projects and new initiatives in and for Business Location Austria.

ENJOY YOUR READ!

yours Elisabeth Della Lucia

2019 3 CONTENT

INTRODUCTION 7 Preface Harald Mahrer, Harald Mahrer President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber: 9 Preface Sebastian Kurz, “We must loosen the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria bureaucratic chains in order to 11 Preface Margarete Schramböck, offer companies more freedom Federal Minister for Digital, Business and Enterprise and flexibility.” 13 Preface Christoph Neumayer, Page 7 General Secretary of the Federation of Austrian Industries

© Knopp ECONOMY 14 Business Location Austria Austria’s Economy – Bright to Overcast 19 Interview with René Siegl, Director of the ABA “Government plans aim to strengthen Austria as a business location” Sebastian Kurz 20 ABA – Invest in Austria Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria: Location with Undiminished Appeal “Austria is well on track 24 Interview with Sigrid Oblak, to becoming an Managing Director of Wien Holding international trailblazer.” „More Vienna for Living in“ 26 Interview with Walter Ruck, Page 9 President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce “If you invest in Business Location Vienna you are doing the

© Butzmann © right thing” 28 Interview with Peter Hanke, Executive City Councillor for Finance, Economic and International Affairs “Vienna Stands for High Quality“ 30 Interview with Roland Schmid, CEO of IMMOunited GmbH Margarete Schramböck Transparency in the digital age Federal Minister for Digital, 32 Research & Development Business and Enterprise: Research Means Future “We have remodelled our foreign trade strategy as a means of supporting Austrian companies FINANCE & LEGAL SERVICE on the international stage.” 34 Capital market Austria Page 11 Attractive valuation following the adjustment 35 Interview with Christoph Boschan,

© Lendl © CEO of the Vienna Stock Exchange “An annual return of seven per cent” 36 Interview with Wolfdieter Jarisch, Executive Board member of the S+B Gruppe AG “More than just Housing” 38 Legal Services Christoph Neumayer In Good Hands General Secretary of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV): INFRASTRUCTURE “A central feature of the 40 Infrastructure international orientation is Excellent Transport Connections and High Performance the country’s positioning as an Communication Networks attractive research location.” 41 Interview with Norbert Hofer, Page 13 Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology

4 2019 42 Interview with Andreas Matthä, REAL ESTATE Board member of ÖBB “Rail travellers are climate protectors” 72 WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung 43 Interview with Günther Ofner and Julian Jäger, 45 Projects for Vienna Board members of Flughafen Wien AG 74 Interview with Fritz Lehr, “Strong Growth in Passenger Numbers” Managing Director of Hafen Wien 44 Airport City „A Location for Thousands of Jobs“ “Airport City” continues to grow 76 Logistics Online Retailing Drives Logistics Investments CULTURE 80 Interview with Sebastian Nitsch, 6B47 REAL ESTATE INVESTORS 46 Cultivated Austria “Transparent Real Estate Investments” Life is a Festival of Theatre 82 Living in Austria 48 Vienna State Opera Residential property is the most popular asset class 150 Years of the Vienna State Opera 49 Schönbrunn Palace 84 Interview with Gerhard Schuster, World Heritage Schönbrunn Palace CEO of wien 3420 aspern development AG “A Business Hotspot in the Lakeside Park Quarter” 88 Luxury Real Estate TOURISM Meeting the Highest Expectations 50 Hotel Real Estate 90 Temporary Living New Beds for the City Living, not just staying the night 52 Interview with Roman Kopacek, 91 Interview with Raffaele Sorrentino, Managing Director of Michaeler & Partner CEO of RAS Maßgeschneiderter Concierge „The local guest is becoming more and more important“ Service & Empfangsdienste GmbH „At your Service“ REGIONS & CLUSTERS 94 Micro Living Making Room in the Smallest Spaces 54 Business Location Burgenland Small but Innovative 96 Zinshaus 100 Years and Beyond 55 Interview with Hans-Peter Doskozil, Provincial Governor of Burgenland 97 Interview with Markus Arnold, “We are providing the economic tailwind” CEO of Arnold Immobilien 56 Business Location Lower Austria “Gems from stone” Growth Advantage over the Euro Area 98 Consulting 57 Interview with Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Demand exceeds supply on the investment market Provincial Governor of Lower Austria 99 Timber Construction „Deregulation and Administrative Efficiency” Building with Wood Protects the Climate 58 Interview with Gerhard Müller, 100 Office Real Estate CEO of WALTER BUSINESS-PARK Spoilt for choice on the office real estate market „A Focus on Personal Service“ 103 Operating Halls 59 Business Location Upper Austria Gaining Space with Hall Systems Leading the Way 104 Business Parks 60 Business Location Salzburg Tenants are being offered more and more Competitive Edge through Knowledge 61 Business Location Tyrol Innovative and Totally Digital SERVICE & INFORMATION 62 Business Location Vorarlberg 106 Address Guide Fresh Winds in Vorarlberg 110 Index of Advertisers and Imprint 63 Interview with Joachim Heinzl, Managing Director of Wirtschaftsstandort Vorarlberg GmbH (WISTO) “There is huge sectoral diversity” 64 Business Location Styria Top Location with Growth Potential 65 Business Location Carinthia Growth plus Tourism 68 Interview with Hans Schönegger, Managing Director of BABEG „Carinthia: Innovative Technology Hub in the South“ 70 Business Location Vienna Vienna – a Top Location for Companies

2019 5 We stand for Competence

We are fluent in real estate. EHL represents the highest level of professional quality, independence and service. As the leading real estate advisor in Austria, EHL is in a position to offer you both, local expertise backed by a global network and therefore ensures excellent service quality. We stand for www.ehl.at real estate. We stand for Competence Business Location Austria has many strengths – we have to make use of them

AUSTRIA HAS MANY STRENGTHS: In its “Competitiveness Report” the World Economic Forum highlights the good infrastructure, the macroeconomic stability and the training of apprentices. I also think that it is very significant that the Austrian economy is so diverse and, hence, broadly based, that Austrian companies are intensely focused on quality and that our country is home to so much creativity and innovative energy. © Knopp THIS IS ALSO JUST AS CLEAR TO THE INVESTORS, who choose Business Location Austria year-after-year, as it is to the many international customers of Austria’s successful exporters. However, we have to make even more of these strengths by making the right adjustments. This means that we must loosen the bureaucratic chains in order to offer companies more freedom and flexibility. We must reduce the level of taxes and other charges in order to create more room for investment.

MUCH HAS ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED IN THIS AREA: The flexibilisation of working hours, which came into force in September 2018, enables companies to react more easily to their order books while the reform of the social security system represents a first step towards addressing non-wage labour costs. Furthermore, we at the Austrian Economic Chambers are refining the training of apprentices and working to guarantee the supply of specialists as well as establishing new focuses in the areas of education, digitalisation and innovation.

ALL OF THIS MAKES ME CONFIDENT that Business Location Austria will develop its strengths even further. The Austrian Economic Chambers are certainly supporting this with all their energy and are ready to offer advice to all companies and investors – both here in Austria and in the more than 100 offices of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA right around the globe.

Harald Mahrer President of the We are fluent in real estate. Austrian Economic Chambers EHL represents the highest level of professional quality, independence and service. As the leading real estate advisor in Austria, EHL is in a position to offer you both, local expertise backed by a global network and therefore ensures excellent service quality. We stand for www.ehl.at real estate. 2019 7 „There is nothing as valuable as experience in real estate“

Spiegelfeld Immobilien GmbH, Stubenring 20, 1010 Wien Telefon: +43 (1) 513 23 13, Fax: DW 23 E-Mail: [email protected], www.spiegelfeld.eu „There is nothing as valuable as Austria is on Track to Becoming an International Trailblazer experience in A STABLE AND COMPETITIVE BUSINESS LOCATION is a key requirement for any successful country. As an export-oriented nation it is vital that our companies flourish on the international market. The strengthening and expansion of the location supports innovation and development. This creates additional jobs – and guarantees future real estate“ prosperity.

© Butzmann © THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DIGITALISATION is central to this process. Austria is a small country with few natural resources. This is why we want to position ourselves internationally as a trailblazer and a leader of innovation. It is particularly essential to take advantage of the opportunities of digitalisation. This is possible with the help of a coordinated research strategy, an attractive tax system for workers and companies and a flexible labour market. And the strengthening of social innovation and the provision of a state-of-the- art infrastructure are also of paramount importance.

THE SUCCESS OF A COUNTRY is not determined by its size. It is much more a question of the existence – and the strength – of the desire to develop further. We need new ways of thinking. Especially in response to the question of whether progress and innovation are grounds for optimism or for insecurity.

EVEN IF THESE OBJECTIVES may appear ambitious: The measures that we are planning mean that Austria is well on track to becoming an international trailblazer.

Sebastian Kurz Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria

Spiegelfeld Immobilien GmbH, Stubenring 20, 1010 Wien Telefon: +43 (1) 513 23 13, Fax: DW 23 E-Mail: [email protected], www.spiegelfeld.eu 2019 9 Everything remains different.

Perhaps you’ve already noticed? We’ve pepped up our logo and design. Our website too.

Look and see. We do things differently here. It’s who we are.

But the essence still remains. And that is a good thing. Our main focus remains on providing our customers with personal support and care. We have and we ourselves are experienced experts in every facet of real estate.

We work within an incredibly strong network as Knight Frank’s exclusive partner in Austria.

And we remain a 100% owner-operated business.

These are things about which we are proud, and this is recognised by our customers in our enthusiasm for the shared objective. And that will never change.

Dr. Eugen Otto, Martin Weinbrenner & the team and department heads of property sales - as representatives of all 90 employees of Otto Immobilien in Vienna. Good Conditions for Growth and Prosperity

A GLANCE AT THE STATE OF THE AUSTRIAN ECONOMY Everything reveals a positive picture: Last year’s growth rate, the highest since 2011, was well above the EU average. The number of people in work is rising steadily while the unemployment rate continues to decline. And 2018 saw a rise in the levels of both investment in and exports from Business Location Austria. remains different. BUT WE SHOULDN’T ALLOW OURSELVES to be deceived by this positive snapshot. Growth is forecast to be weaker this year and the

© Lendl © outlook is clouded by protectionism, trade conflicts and geopolitical events. This makes it even more important to target measures to strengthen the Austrian economy. Our declared aim is to keep Business Location Austria moving forward. It should be easier for every company – from startup via SME to market leader – to carry out its daily work.

Perhaps you’ve already noticed? THIS REQUIRES LESS BUREAUCRACY and outdated regulation We’ve pepped up our logo and design. and more services and flexibility. The platform oesterreich.gv.at, Our website too. launched at the end of March 2019, responds to this need by offering centralised and simplified access to the most important administrative Look and see. services. Our “Digital Innovation Hubs” and “KMU Digital” enable us to We do things differently here. It’s who we are. support small and medium-sized enterprises as they undergo digital transformation. We are addressing the shortage of skilled labour But the essence still remains. And that is a good thing. by modernising the integrated system of workplace and classroom Our main focus remains on providing our customers with personal training and introducing measures within the immigration system. support and care. We have and we ourselves are experienced experts in every facet of real estate. WE HAVE DRAWN UP a Location Development Law for Austria (that came into force on 1st January) and remodelled our foreign trade strategy as a means of intensively supporting Austrian companies We work within an incredibly strong network as Knight Frank’s on the international stage. And such initiatives as “Invest in Austria” exclusive partner in Austria. actively (and successfully) encourage foreign companies to relocate here.

And we remain a 100% owner-operated business. IF WE INTENSIFY OUR SUPPORT of entrepreneurs, capitalise on the opportunities offered by digitalisation and raise the international profile of Business Location Austria we will ensure good conditions for These are things about which we are proud, and this is recognised by our growth and prosperity and, hence, a successful future. customers in our enthusiasm for the shared objective. And that will never change. Margarete Schramböck Dr. Eugen Otto, Martin Weinbrenner & the team and department heads of property sales - Federal Minister for Digital and as representatives of all 90 employees of Otto Immobilien in Vienna. Economic Affairs

2019 11 YOUR SUCCESS

INVESTMENT IS OUR GOAL CONSULTANCY

SALE AND LEASING OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OFFICE, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE CORPORATE REAL ESTATE SERVICES REAL ESTATE CONSULTANCY

YOUR COMMERCIALMODESTLY REAL AMBITIOUS ESTATE SPECIALISTS

MODESTA REAL ESTATE - Austria MODESTA REAL ESTATE – Slovakia MG Real Estate GmbH MRE Management, k.s. 1010 Vienna, Dr. Karl-Lueger-Platz 5 81102 Bratislava, Hviezdoslavovo námestie 7 Ph.: +43/1/513 29 39-0, ofﬁ [email protected] Ph.: +421/2/3240 8888, ofﬁ [email protected] www.modesta.at www.modestagroup.com MODESTLY UNIQUE

ANZ_Modesta_210x280_EN.indd 1 15.02.19 11:52

MODESTLY UNIQUE

THE MODEST WAY TO YOUR SUCCESS

THE MODEST WAY TO YOUR PERFECT HOME

THE MODEST WAY TO YOUR PERFECT HOME Austria – a Modern Industrial Nation at Europe’s Heart

AUSTRIA IS ONE OF EUROPE’S most competitive industrial nations. The manufacturing and related sectors are responsible, directly and indirectly, for almost 2.5 million jobs. In addition to this, Austrian industry, with its countless export-oriented companies, was once again the country’s strongest driver of growth and jobs in 2018, with around YOUR SUCCESS 25,000 new jobs being created by the manufacturing sector alone.

© Michalski © ALONGSIDE THEIR MOTIVATED AND WELL-QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES – on-the-job and class-based training are key assets INVESTMENT IS OUR GOAL – the international orientation of these companies is another of the country’s greatest strengths. Indeed, in view of its 55 per cent export CONSULTANCY ratio, Austria’s future is dependent upon the success of its companies on global markets. A central feature of this international orientation is the country’s positioning as an attractive research location: The SALE AND LEASING increase in the research premium to 14 per cent represents a further OF COMMERCIAL powerful incentive to invest in Austria, particularly for research- REAL ESTATE oriented companies. OFFICE, COMMERCIAL, DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS politicians have focused on INDUSTRIAL AND improving Austria’s locational qualities. Modern working hours’ LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE regulations, a reduction in bureaucracy and the improvement of CORPORATE REAL processes for location-related projects are amongst the key milestones. ESTATE SERVICES Because: The international economic environment will become more REAL ESTATE CONSULTANCY difficult in 2019, which means that the framework within which companies and their employees operate must be competitive. The planned structural reforms in the areas of administration and taxation are essential if Austria is to maintain its successful track record as an industrial location.

Christoph Neumayer General Secretary of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV)

YOUR COMMERCIALMODESTLY REAL AMBITIOUS ESTATE SPECIALISTS

ANZ_Modesta_210x280_EN.indd 1 15.02.19 11:52

MODESTLY UNIQUE

THE MODEST WAY TO YOUR SUCCESS

THE MODEST WAY TO YOUR PERFECT HOME

THE MODEST WAY TO YOUR PERFECT HOME 14 2019 Austria’s Economy – Bright to Overcast Even if the Austrian economy is not able to evade global problems, the trend remains positive. And the subject of digitalisation is becoming more and more important. • TEXT: Harald Kolerus

n 2017 the Alpine Republic was still amongst other things, severe stock mar- Ibathed in uninterrupted sunshine: After kets fluctuations, the mood of Austria’s years of restrained growth the Austrian export-oriented industry worsened rapid- economy was experiencing a significant ly at the end of 2018. Now, this rising un- upturn. GDP had risen by 2.6 per cent in certainty is also hitting other areas of the comparison with 2016, which was the best economy and consumer confidence. Only result since 2011. Last year, however, GDP in the building industry did the turn of the growth peaked at 2.7 per cent before the year see a rise in the level of optimism.” weather slowly but unmistakeably started This hardly positive diagnosis naturally to turn – due to a range of factors, many of raises questions about how well or how which are to be found at the global level. badly the Austrian economy is really fair- These include the trade dispute with China ing. One way of answering this is to take a triggered by Donald Trump and the turbu- look at the UniCredit Bank Austria Busi- lence surrounding the far-from-smooth ness Indicator. This suggests that, follow- Brexit process. These factors have palpa- ing the strong beginning to 2018, business bly dampened the mood amongst inves- confidence steadily worsened throughout tors and companies worldwide and led to the year. “By the end of 2018 the indicator a clear slowdown of the global economy. It had dropped to 2.9 points. In light of the should also be added that this same global intensifying international headwind busi- economy had been “chugging” powerfully ness confidence has now fallen from its along for the past few years – principally highpoint of a year ago to its lowest level fuelled by the USA – and experts were and in 20 months,” explained Bruckbauer at are united in the belief that this situation the beginning of this year. couldn’t last forever. Hence, the talk is of a logical and vir- A PATH OF STABLE GROWTH tually global slowdown, which Austria is However, it would be a mistake to use naturally also unable to avoid. The Chief these figures as the basis for taking an Economist of UniCredit Bank Austria, overly pessimistic view of the future. For, Stefan Bruckbauer, comments that: “in despite this downturn, the UniCredit Bank view of the significantly rising concern Austria Business Indicator is still clearly about the global economy that has led to, well above its long-term average value.

2019 15 ECONOMIC GROWTH 2018 And, although economic momentum has my – an economy in which the service sec- slowed since the beginning of 2018, the tor and, in particular, tourism continue to Austrian economy was still growing as it play a decisive role. prognosis +2.8 % entered 2019. Bruckbauer expects GDP to increase by 1.9 per cent this year and “THE YEAR OF DIGITALISATION” 1.5 per cent in 2020. The prognosis of the But let us take an even closer look at these ECONOMIC GROWTH 2019 OeNB (The Austrian National Bank) is extremely important SMEs. They are be- even more optimistic: two per cent growth coming increasingly heterogeneous and prognosis in 2019 followed by 1.9 per cent next year. diverse to the extent that 36 per cent of +2.0 % “This would mean that the Austrian econo- all companies in the market economy are my has left behind its cyclical peak and is now single-person businesses. Further- GDP 2018 (at current prices) slowly switching to a path of stable growth. more, increasing numbers of these single- We are in the latter phase of a powerful person businesses are being established Billion Euro / estimate economic upturn,” sums up the commenta- by older workers and graduates. And while 386 tor from the central bank. And the OeNB the number of such companies in Austria also has good news about the job market: is still below the European average they GDP PER CAPITA (2018) The unemployment rate (as defined by Eu- demonstrate that the country is also wit- rostat) fell to 4.9 per cent in 2018. In 2019 nessing the transformation of the world of Euro / and 2020 it is expected to fall further to work. Qualities such as increased individ- estimate 39,509 4.7 per cent before reaching 4.5 per cent ual responsibility, flexibility, lifelong learn- in 2021. ing and the reduction of bureaucracy are UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (2019) All of which leads to the conclusion that required if Austria is to keep up with the there is no reason to talk of negative sce- times. This brings us directly to the key- prognosis narios such as an economic slump with word digitalisation, which will lead to de- 4.6 % rapidly rising unemployment. The Austrian cisive changes in corporate processes and economy looks set to remain healthy and the entire way in which work is organised. RESEARCH RATIO (2018) can count on the support of a large number Changes from which business should be of innovative and successful companies. one of the major beneficiaries: According The backbone of this corporate landscape to a study from PwC, Austria’s industrial 3.19 % continues to be formed by the country’s companies are expecting extra turnover of SMEs. As demonstrated by the numbers almost 15 billion euros between now and EXPORT RATIO (2018) set out in this year’s report on Austria’s 2020 as a direct result of the “fourth indus- medium-sized companies, around 329,000 trial revolution.” prognosis companies belong to this SME sector. This But these possible advantages are just 54.5 % figure represents an almost unbelievable one side of the coin. Digitalisation will also 99.6 per cent of all Austrian companies. require a more highly qualified workforce. LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE (2018) This also means that SMEs offer jobs to There is a fear that those who can’t keep around two million Austrian workers while up could soon find themselves losing their also being responsible for more than 60 jobs. Austria is taking measures to ensure 76.8 % per cent of both the revenues and the value that this doesn’t happen. For example, the creation recorded by the Austrian econo- Austrian Government proclaimed 2019 the

16 2019 Smaller Austrian companies as the ropeway specialists Doppelmayr have also reached the very top.

2019 17 Erste Group is OMV produces and one of the largest markets oil and gas, financial services innovative energy and providers in Central high-end petrochemical and Eastern Europe. solutions.

“Year of Digitalisation” and, in the course GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS importance of Austrian companies on the of doing so, created the umbrella brand INDEX international stage because these also Digital Austria. Amongst other things, this include some true red-white-red global helps SMEs to obtain advice, qualifications nd of 140 countries market leaders, of which voestalpine and training in the area of digitalisation. 22 worldwide (Forbes ranking: 895) is a good example: In addition to this, the Corporate Service The “steelmaker” from Linz is a global Portal should be expanded further in order market leader in points technology, spe- to relieve the pressure on companies: Here, GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX cial rails, tooling steel and special profiles. the focus will be on mobile e-government Furthermore, smaller Austrian compa- and the provision of seamless electronic st place out nies have also reached the very top, as services to companies going through im- 21 of 126 exemplified by the presence of such com- portant processes – such as relocation. panies as the ropeway specialists Dop- A final factor is the impending expansion pelmayr, Fischer Sports (consumer goods of the ultrafast 5G mobile communications MERCER QUALITY OF LIVING STUDY and textiles, Alpine and Nordic skis) and standard. Experts estimate that this will in- Isosport (composite plastic materials for volve investment of between six and eight st Vienna of 231 the ski and snowboard industry) on the billion euros. This is no mean sum but it is 1 cities worldwide global market leader index of the Univer- one from which private households, SMEs sity of St. Gallen. Particularly interesting and also large companies will benefit. One in this context is a cutting from the ar- consequence of the dominant position of chive: In 2006 it was reported that vir- SMEs in Austria is that these large com- the Vienna Insurance Group (VIG). The tually exact copies of Doppelmayr lifts panies can sometimes be somewhat over- well-known business and financial maga- were being manufactured in China and looked by the public. This is a shame, how- zine bases its ranking on a combination even being adorned with the well-known ever, because they are also responsible for of turnover, net profit, assets and market name! A particularly audacious example of a large proportion of the jobs, wealth and value. Admittedly, these numbers sug- product piracy that, at the same time, also innovative energy of the Alpine Republic. gest that these Austrian representatives acknowledges the excellent reputation of are more like “dwarves” when viewed on Austrian products: an excellent reputation HEAVYWEIGHTS AND a global scale, with Erste Group only oc- that is unlikely to change in 2019. GLOBAL MARKET LEADERS cupying 430th place in the global rank- According to Forbes, Austria’s five larg- ing – and Raiffeisen and the VIG 622nd est companies are Erste Group, Raiffeisen and 1,164th place respectively. However, © MA 18/Fürthner, Österreich Werbung/Einzenberger, Doppelmayr/Photoart Reifmüller, Erste Group/Wind, Bank International, OMV, voestalpine and this fails to say everything about the true OMV Aktiengesellschaft

18 2019 Government plans aim to strengthen Austria as a business location René Siegl, Managing Director of the national investment promotion agency ABA – Invest in Austria, talks about Austria’s undiminished attractiveness as a business location and the positive outlook for 2019 • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

ABA reported its ﬁ fth straight record year Austria is the country of “hidden champi- fi rms. From our point of view as a business in 2018. What makes Austria so sustain- ons” because it is home to the most global promotion agency, the decrease in the cor- ably attractive as a business location? market leaders in relation to the number porate income tax rate down to close to 20 Austria continues to score high thanks to of inhabitants. Niche players in all sectors percent as planned for 2021/22 is a par- its high productivity and optimally quali- such as Kreisel, Doppelmayr and ViraTera- ticularly gratifying step. The enhancement fi ed specialists. Due to its central of Austria’s attractiveness as a busi- geographical location, Austria is the ness location along with the planned number one business location when it simplifi cation of tax regulations would comes to building up business ties to help safeguard existing jobs and cre- South East and Eastern Europe. This ate new jobs. is demonstrated by the 380 headquarters operating out of Austria. Con- What else does the business location versely, Austria is also the perfect lo- need in addition to the announced tax cation in the EU for Eastern European relief measures? companies. The country serves as a In the long term, Austria will only be reliable partner for EU expansion, pro- successful in international competi- viding the necessary know how and tion if key technologies are available competent service providers. Promi- throughout the country. As a nation nent fi rms such as Lukoil, Centrex and with high wage levels. Austria can Sberbank realized this long ago, and only further strengthen the business the number of Eastern European com- location and maintain its competi- panies located in Austria has risen tiveness through innovation and the from 546 in the year 2003 to 7,248 in 2018. peutic manufacture outstanding leading- deployed technologies. For this reason, the edge products. FACC helps the internation- nationwide availability of a 5G network is How important is the predictability of the al aviation industry to save fuel by using crucial to its future economic development. underlying conditions for companies? new materials. Companies such as Red That is why the federal government’s aim In times of large-scale uncertainty across Bull, Swarovski and Manner have achieved to make Austria a 5G trailblazer in Europe, the globe, political stability and a reliable worldwide fame, but are not usually per- one of the top three nations for digitali- legal system accompanied by a high level ceived as Austrian brands. zation in the EU and among the top ten of personal security are increasingly im- Austria is ranked an impressive fi fth worldwide is expressly welcomed by ABA. portant criteria according to which fi rms behind Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland make business location decisions. Many and Sweden in the KOF Globalization In- How does ABA speciﬁ cally support inter- managers enjoy being able to use public dex 2018. It is compiled annually by the national companies wanting to settle in transportation late in the evening or take renowned Swiss Federal Institute of Tech- Austria? a stroll through the city after going to the nology in Zurich, and measures the eco- We advise foreign companies interested in theater. This is a matter of course for us, nomic, social and political dimensions of establishing business operations in Austria also in the big cities. Naturally, the fact that globalization. on all business location issues. This ranges strikes in Austria continue to be measured from site selection, labor and tax regula- in seconds helps us in convincing compa- What are your expectations for the future? tions, funding and fi nancing possibilities, nies interested in setting up business op- The multi-stage relief measures initiated cooperation partners and support in han- erations here. by the federal government will reduce the dling formalities with public authorities to overall tax burden towards the 40 percent gathering information on schools for em- How well-known is Austria as a business level. This is an important step in safe- ployees’ children and the best residential location around the world? Do companies guarding and strengthening purchasing areas. still tend to think of Austria as a tourism power. In this way, Austria also continues or cultural destination? to be attractive as a market for foreign © ABA - Invest in Austria

2019 19 Mozart Chocolates and Microelectronics, Lipizzan Stallions and Lightweight Construction

Less well-known: Austria research to GDP ratio of 3.19 per cent. Global and large companies are equally sup- is a top research location. players such as BMW, Bosch, Infi neon and ported. Thanks to the generous research Novartis bundle R&D activities in Austria for tax credit, companies conducting research Whoever thinks of Empress good reason. These fi rms are complemented have been able to can claim a tax deduc- Sisi, Sacher cake, skiing by innovative spin-off s and a lively startup tion for 14 percent of R&D expenditures or the Vienna Opera Ball scene within the context of a creative, interdis- since January 1, 2018. The research tax fi rst in connection with ciplinary ecosystem. Clusters and compe- credit comprises an eff ective comple- tence centers promote the close collaboration ment to direct research funding. Moreo- Austria is not wrong at all, between science and business as well as univer, there is a research tax allowance for but this individual does versity and non-university research. migrants working as scientists and overlook one important Diversity and strong networking researchers accounting for 30 factor: Austria is actually characterize the research com- percent of income from scientifi c munity: top researchers and “serial work, which can be claimed for up an extremely innovative entrepreneurs” work side by side. to fi ve years. and profi table business Companies and intellectual property The apprenticeship allowance, location. come together via idea portals and tax loss carryforwards, the pos- incubators promote entrepreneurial visionar- sibility to transfer hidden reserves and a ies. Precision medicine, artifi cial intelligence, corporate tax rate of 25 percent are among In addition to highly qualiﬁ ed and moti- autonomous driving, alternative drive systems the other tax incentives for companies. vated employees, Austria always boasts and lightweight construction complement tra- Austria is in the middle ranks in Europe with the highest density of world market leaders ditional sectors such as mechanical engineer- an eff ective tax burden of 22.4 percent. in relation to the number of inhabitants. ing, vehicle manufacturing, plant construction The high level of stability, productive and Innovative small and medium-sized fi rms and industrial goods. motivated employees, a strong economy operating as niche players such as ENGEL, and a market with high purchasing power Rosenbauer and Doppelmayr manufacture 14 euros bonus for 100 euros and a central geographical location are leading-edge products. In the meantime, as a in R&D investments among the commonly known success “strong innovator”, Austria is ranked second in Research takes place in many places. That factors in Austria. It is the fourth most pros-

Europe terms of research investments, with a is why small and medium-sized enterprises perous country in the EU and boasts an Wien/Houdek MedUni November, ©

20 PROMOTION 2019 ABA – Invest in Austria: The best contact partner for business location issues

As the national investment promotion consultancy of the Republic of Austria, ABA – Invest in Austria (ABA) is the ﬁ rst choice of foreign companies aiming to establish their own business in Austria.

30 qualifi ed employees consult and excellent infrastructure and an exception- ATTRACTIVE CONDITIONS – support companies quickly, unbu- ally high quality of life. The City of Vienna BUSINESS LOCATION reaucratically and free of charge has been named the most livable city in the AUSTRIA AT A GLANCE in setting up business operations world for many years, for example by the well-known Mercer study. The high quality Economic and social stability in Austria. They off er information • Member of the eurozone of life not only positively impacts consumer • High level of personal security tailored to the needs of international behavior but productivity as well. Austria • Political stability and reliable legal system investors in the following areas: has a top position compared to other • Low strike rate and high social satisfaction EU member states with respect to labor • Easy system for establishing a company • Economic, political and legal productivity per employee. The level of Qualifi ed, motivated and productive employees 116.8 percent of the gross value added per • High labor productivity (4th in the EU) conditions employee puts it ahead of other industrial • Highly qualifi ed and motivated employees nations such as France, Italy, Germany and (rank 5 worldwide) • Labor and tax issues Great Britain. Flexible labor regulations • Minimum wages ensured thanks to • Funding and fi nancing possibilities Next steps industry-specifi c collective agreements • Working week of 38.5 - 40 hours Austria aims to become even more attractive • Support in handling formalities • 25 days of vacation for company founders from abroad in the • Simple, uniform severance payment system (e.g. applications for public fun- years to come thanks to a further gradual re- Unparalleled quality of life duction of auxiliary wage costs, the creation ding, operating licenses, • Austria has the highest quality of life world wide of incentives for investors and the reduction • Vienna is the most livable city in the world work permits, visas etc.) of the tax burden as well as its leveraging of Central location in the heart of Europe the potential related to digitalization. • Every destination in Europe can be reached • Site selection and consulting in only three hours of fl ight time Foreign companies – • Leading fl ight interface to Central and Eastern • Establishing appropriate national Europe: six international airports an important source of impetus and regional contacts for Austria as a business location • 40 destinations in CEE, 573 fl ights per week from Vienna Airport Foreign companies in Austria comprise • Excellent Eastern European know-how off ered by • Ongoing support of companies an indispensable economic factor and a Austrian service providers: tax consultants, lawyers signifi cant driving force for research and in- and fi nancial services providers which located business operations novation. They feature higher productivity • Well educated and loyal employees with in Austria and average salaries than domestic com- CEE language skills panies. On balance, close to 4,000 foreign Tax advantages • Point of contact for expansion fi rms have settled in Austria with the sup- • 25 percent corporate tax rate port of the national investment promotion • Attractive group taxation for holdings investments • More than 80 double tax agreements company ABA – Invest in Austria since ABA • No wealth or trade tax is levied was established in the year 1982. These • Tax benefi ts for private foundations fi rms have accounted for investments of Attractive funding about EUR 9 billion and created more than • Grants for innovative investments 57,000 new jobs. ABA – Invest in Austria • Grants for application-oriented R&D as well has registered a positive development as basic research in its performance over the last ten years • Comprehensive funding system for startups whereas global economic development • Investments in environmental protection measures: has been volatile. Germany is traditionally 15-30 percent the most important source of investments Research and development Opernring 3 followed by Italy. The attractive conditions • Research tax credit: 14 percent in cash • Optimal networking between science and business: A-1010 Vienna, Austria for companies carrying out research also 50 competence centers, 60 industry clusters T: +43-1-588 58-0 lure Swiss fi rms to Austria. Vienna has tradi- • 22 public and 13 private universities, tionally been the most popular geographi- 21 universities of applied sciences E-mail: offi [email protected] cal destination of the foreign fi rms. • More than 1,000 non-university research facilities www.investinaustria.at

2019 PROMOTION 21 An award-winning idea: a reusable temporary school made from timber modules.

Working in a special atmosphere Neu Leopoldau: Living In addition to the apartments the project also Building for Kids includes the creation of commercial space and a lot of greenery around the listed build- WIP Wiener Infrastruktur Projekt GmbH, which belongs to the Wien Holding subsidiary WSE with Open Space ings, which will be primarily available in future Wiener Standortentwicklung, has assumed responsibility for the construction project man- for use as workshops and for the creative agement of the building, expansion and refurbishment of schools on behalf of Vienna City A new urban district with apartments, commercial space industries. In addition to this, the ground fl oor zones of the residential buildings will accom- Council. For Vienna is growing and, with it, the demand for educational infrastructure. and lots of greenery is being created on the site of the modate the social infrastructure and other former Leopoldau gasworks. uses. The designers envisage that the pro- The city’s major off ensive in the area of allow for particularly short construction rooms, a recreational classroom, a gymnas- ject will predominantly appeal to small-scale educational infrastructure began back in periods during which schools can continue tics room and ancillary spaces was built at Neu Leopoldau Entwicklungs GmbH, which subsidised, social infrastructure, commercial commercial users and off er a lot of space for 2014. In the fi rst year alone 27 classrooms, operating. Schüttaustraße 42 in Vienna-Donaustadt belongs to the Wien Holding subsidiary premises and large amounts of open space creative and crafts-based energy. together with their ancillary facilities, were In addition to this high level of prefabrica- in just eight months. In the Dietmayrgasse- WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung and are being created in the former Leopoldau Neu Leopoldau Entwicklungs GmbH built at fi ve schools. Nine further projects tion wood off ers a number of further advan- Spielmanngasse neighbourhood two exist- the landowner Wiener Netze, developed gasworks. A third of the subsidised apartments worked with wohnfonds_wien to hold a were completed in 2015. Since then, fol- tages. It is, for example, a renewable raw ing primary schools were enlarged and a the concept for reusing the site in Vienna- will be built as particularly economical two-stage developer competition lowing its appointment by the City Council, material. The share of “grey energy” – the new middle school was built. Altogether, four Floridsdorf. SMART apartments. The entire site with the motto “Junges Wohnen WIP Wiener Infrastruktur Projekt GmbH has energy required in, for example, produc- additional primary school classrooms and a will be pedestrianised and communal (Young Living)”. The approximately overseen or is overseeing more than 20 tion, transport and storage – is very low in new middle school with 16 classrooms and On the way to becoming garages will be provided for the cars 1,000 subsidised apartments will be such projects, always in close consultation comparison with other building materials. two sports halls were built at the location. a new urban district of residents and users. built on a total of eight plots. A park with the department MA 56 (Vienna Schools) And timber buildings also off er an excellent WIP also completed the construction of a 13.5 hectares, 17 listed buildings and a lot of The project is the outcome of Vi- covering more than 8,000 square and the city’s building directorate. Wood and interior environment. kindergarten in Pötzleinsdorf. All three build- green space: The site of the former Leopoldau enna’s largest cooperative planning http://bit.ly/1eV3fT2 metres, an avenue of trees and a va- concrete are the principal building materials ings were completed in two phases without gasworks is being transformed into a dynamic process to date, which involved the riety of open spaces and communal in these projects. The timber elements are Room for playing and learning interrupting regular operations. The fi rst two new urban district. The starting point is the participation of neighbours, experts from facilities will provide room for living together. largely delivered prefabricated to site and WIP has recently been able to complete a could be opened and used by the children striking ensemble of listed buildings and trees the areas of urban, transport and landscape And a specially developed mobility concept joined together in just a few weeks. The number of school buildings: A new school in 2017 while the third was completed in and the existing network of streets and paths. design, architects, political decision-makers should also contribute to a high quality of life quiet processes permitted by this approach extension with fi ve primary school class- 2018. The special location right on the edge 1,400 new apartments, of which 1,000 are and the Federal Monuments Offi ce. and residential experience. of the Vienna Woods now off ers 300 children lots of space for playing, learning and letting off steam. WIP supervised a very special project at making vienna worth living. Torricelligasse/Braillegasse in the 14th district. Here, an ecologically sustainable temporary school consisting of 26 classrooms, two gym- nastics rooms and a sports hall was built from timber modules. This temporary school is WIEN HOLDING GMBH designed in such a way that it can be erected 1010 Vienna, Universitätsstr. 11 and dismantled fi ve times as required over Phone: +43 1 408 25 69-0 the course of the next 25 years. The building earned WIP the GBB Award in the category E-mail: oﬃ [email protected] real estate projects at the 8th GBB – Green & www.wienholding.at

Blue Building Conference in Vienna. Fürnkranz © Romana www.schreinerkastl.at Thalbauer, Peter Hawlik/Sophie und ZT/HUSS © Virtual DynamiX, Reinberg

22 PROMOTION 2019 Working in a special atmosphere Neu Leopoldau: Living In addition to the apartments the project also includes the creation of commercial space and a lot of greenery around the listed build- with Open Space ings, which will be primarily available in future for use as workshops and for the creative A new urban district with apartments, commercial space industries. In addition to this, the ground fl oor zones of the residential buildings will accom- and lots of greenery is being created on the site of the modate the social infrastructure and other former Leopoldau gasworks. uses. The designers envisage that the project will predominantly appeal to small-scale Neu Leopoldau Entwicklungs GmbH, which subsidised, social infrastructure, commercial commercial users and off er a lot of space for belongs to the Wien Holding subsidiary premises and large amounts of open space creative and crafts-based energy. WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung and are being created in the former Leopoldau Neu Leopoldau Entwicklungs GmbH the landowner Wiener Netze, developed gasworks. A third of the subsidised apartments worked with wohnfonds_wien to hold a the concept for reusing the site in Vienna- will be built as particularly economical two-stage developer competition Floridsdorf. SMART apartments. The entire site with the motto “Junges Wohnen will be pedestrianised and communal (Young Living)”. The approximately On the way to becoming garages will be provided for the cars 1,000 subsidised apartments will be a new urban district of residents and users. built on a total of eight plots. A park 13.5 hectares, 17 listed buildings and a lot of The project is the outcome of Vi- covering more than 8,000 square green space: The site of the former Leopoldau enna’s largest cooperative planning http://bit.ly/1eV3fT2 metres, an avenue of trees and a va- gasworks is being transformed into a dynamic process to date, which involved the riety of open spaces and communal new urban district. The starting point is the participation of neighbours, experts from facilities will provide room for living together. striking ensemble of listed buildings and trees the areas of urban, transport and landscape And a specially developed mobility concept and the existing network of streets and paths. design, architects, political decision-makers should also contribute to a high quality of life 1,400 new apartments, of which 1,000 are and the Federal Monuments Offi ce. and residential experience.

making vienna worth living.

WIEN HOLDING GMBH 1010 Vienna, Universitätsstr. 11 Phone: +43 1 408 25 69-0 E-mail: oﬃ [email protected] www.wienholding.at Virtual DynamiX, Reinberg ZT/HUSS Hawlik/Sophie und Peter Thalbauer, www.schreinerkastl.at Thalbauer, Peter Hawlik/Sophie und ZT/HUSS Virtual DynamiX, Reinberg ©

2019 PROMOTION 23 “In 2019 we will continue our investment strategy and therefore making vienna worth living in for the people of the city.”

Making Vienna worth living

teaching space. The primary school at making From the fi rst “new generation municipal housing” Ruckergasse 42–44, which is part of the to school expansion projects: Sigrid Oblak, new school centre in Meidling, will gain an Managing Director of Wien Holding, reports on extension that will connect two existing school buildings. And in Carlbergergasse investments in the area of real estate. 72 in Wien-Liesing we are building a new • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl primary school and extending the existing middle school.

Wien Holding is one of Vienna’s most Neu Leopoldau, where we are building a What innovations are being integrated important real estate developers. How new, dynamic urban district with a total into the new school buildings? many million euros were invested in the of around 1,400 apartments on an area We principally use wood and concrete v enna area of real estate in 2018? of 13.5 hectares, the executing companies as building materials. The prefabricated In 2017 we invested around 117 million will be able to hand over the fi rst units in timber elements enable us to build the euros in real estate. And a large share of summer 2019. After this, around 70,000 new educational buildings in just a few worth our total investments also fl owed into this square metres of commercial space will weeks. One advantage of this is the par- area in 2018. In terms of turnover it is our be executed on the site while the histori- ticularly short construction period. The strongest sector. cally protected existing buildings will be relatively quiet work also means that this remodelled to create space for studios and can be carried out while the school is in How will things develop in 2019? workshops for small businesses and the operation. In addition to the high level of In 2019 we will continue our investment creative industries. prefabrication wood has many other ad- living. strategy and therefore making vienna vantages: On the one hand it is a renew- worth living in for the people of the city. Wien Holding is making a major contri- able raw material and, on the other hand, bution to the school expansion off ensive. timber buildings off er an excellent interior What are the largest residential projects What are the plans for 2019? climate. Open spaces are of course also Your life is our passion. in 2019? Several school expansion projects are important in educational buildings and Vienna’s fi rst “new generation munici- planned for 2019: A new building will be these are designed and implemented as Culture, real estate, logistics and media: making vienna worth living. pal housing” project will be completed added to the all-day primary school at required. Wien Holding brings our city to life. in Oberlaa in autumn 2019. This will in- Novaragasse 30 in Vienna’s 2nd district Wherever and whenever you want. clude 120 new municipal apartments. In in order to meet the urgent need for more © Eva Kelety 365 days a year. For everyone in Vienna. www.wienholding.at 9424 2019

210x280_anzeige_imagesujet_englisch_europesheart_1216_rz.indd 1 12.12.16 11:00 making v enna worth living.

Your life is our passion. Culture, real estate, logistics and media: making vienna worth living. Wien Holding brings our city to life. Wherever and whenever you want. 365 days a year. For everyone in Vienna. www.wienholding.at

210x280_anzeige_imagesujet_englisch_europesheart_1216_rz.indd 1 12.12.16 11:00 If you invest in Business Location Vienna you are doing the right thing Walter Ruck, President of the Vienna Economic Chamber, looks back on a successful 2018, in which numerous measures were taken to strengthen the business location. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

Numerous measures were taken in 2018 construction of the Vienna Underground. to strengthen Business Location Vienna. And we have agreed the introduction of What were these? new digital apprenticeships, which will We have enabled tens of thousands of improve the pool of skilled personnel. employees of Viennese companies to use residents’ parking zones between Monday What should be the impact of these and Friday rather than driving in circles measures? “Vienna is one of Europe’s looking for a parking space. Since Janu- We want to strengthen the economy, safe- ary, Austrian SMEs have had easier ac- guard prosperity and wealth creation and fastest growing regions.” cess to the Vienna Stock Exchange, which support the business location. Eastern has allowed them to raise fresh equity for Austria is currently facing a veritable log- their companies. The Finance Minister jam in infrastructure development. This wants to use the next tax reform to imple- must be broken if we are to regain ground ment our model of automatic income tax on our international competitors. assessment, which will significantly ease the burden on small companies. We have Can you name the top three factors that succeeded in ensuring that the Federal speak for Business Location Vienna? Government’s Location Law will speed Vienna is one of Europe’s fastest growing up the planning process for major build- regions and nobody can take away the Vienna’s economy is on the right track. ing projects so that we no longer have to geographical advantage of our location How do you see things developing in 2019? wait for decades for such projects as the at Europe’s Heart and our excellent links The economy is in its best condition for Lobau Tunnel or the third runway at Vi- with the CEE Region. In an international a decade. Now we need supporting meas- enna Airport. comparison the location scores points due ures to consolidate this. Important ex- to its globally active and interconnected amples include infrastructure projects What is set out in this agreement with corporate clusters in the fields of biotech, such as high-level transport projects – the City Council? life sciences, ICT, urban technologies and the upgrade of the road network, public We have signed an agreement for the creative industries. Moreover, our office transport and the airport – or seamless future with the City Council designed to space is really affordable. International broadband coverage. And we are press- promote the realisation of new projects, connections are well-developed due to ing politicians to be even more business- the reduction of burdens and the sim- Vienna Airport and the regional trans- friendly. This is also why we have con- plification of life for business. We have port network. And the social stability and cluded a strategic agreement with Vienna also agreed a support package with the quality of life also speak for Business Lo- City Council. All the signs are positive. If city for companies that will suffer losses cation Vienna. you invest in Vienna you are doing the due to the U2/U5 building works – the right thing. largest such package in the history of the © WKW

26 2019 VIE_Lounges_Austria_Europes_Heart_gold_EN_210x280.indd 1 20.02.19 11:16 Vienna Stands for High Quality Peter Hanke, Executive City Councillor for Finance, Business, Digital Innovation and International Affairs, on the qualities of the business location and the roadmap for digitalisation. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

Vienna is breaking one record after an- building upon and developing our existing other for international corporate relo- strengths. We at the City Council see new cation. Why is the city so attractive for technology as offering an opportunity to companies looking to relocate interna- bring different generations together. This tionally? social solidarity is central to our city and Vienna succeeds in combining many its high quality of life. strengths into a strategy. Alongside the highly qualified workforce and excel- How important is digitalisation for Busi- lent infrastructure these strengths also ness Location Vienna? “We have to give Vienna include the high quality of life. Vienna It is essential that we prepare our infra- stands for high quality on the internation- structure for the digital economic space. a new cardiovascular al stage – in particular for trustworthi- It is as if we have to give Vienna a new system – with glass ness and integrity. The figure of 191 inter- cardiovascular system. I am referring national corporate relocations means that here in particular to glass fibre and 5G. fibre and 5G.” we not only recorded more than all other In Vienna, digitalisation is not an empty provinces combined but also achieved phrase but a concrete roadmap that will another historic record. This confirms the keep our city amongst the global leaders. success of both our approach and our activities. Vienna is the heart of Austria’s research landscape. Is the number of research How do you promote Business Location companies in a city also an indication of Vienna internationally? a flourishing business location? We do this primarily through the work A flourishing business location needs a of our Business Agency right across the strong research landscape and also at- globe. But our work here at home also acts tracts many research companies. Vienna as invaluable publicity. Thanks to the su- invests heavily in education. This means perb support from the Expat Center more that the city has a highly qualified work- than 90 per cent of the expats based here force. We also invest in research as a re- would recommend Vienna to others. sult of which we have one of the highest research ratios in the EU. Two-thirds of The German “Lebendige Stadt” Founda- all those working in research in Austria tion has honoured Dortmund and Vienna are based in Vienna. In an era of digitali- as “the most digital cities”. What does Vi- sation we have to push this even harder. enna’s digitalisation strategy look like? Only thus will we be optimally prepared One of Vienna’s success factors is that for the challenges ahead. everyone in our city should be able to

share in its progress. We achieve this by © Bohmann

28 2019 is the only international specialist magazine about Business Location Austria

The prestigious medium for presenting your company internationally 110 pages of high-quality content in English The annual magazine for business, corporate relocation and investment Top news and insider tips about the Austrian economy

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DMV - DELLA LUCIA MEDIEN & VERLAGS GMBH Tel.: +43 (0)1 997 43 16-0, Fax: DW 99, Mobile: +43 (0) 664 307 74 11, E-mail: [email protected], www.dmv-immobilien.at “Digitalisation has transformed citizens into responsible, informed consumers.”

these new digital technologies into business concepts that they then introduce to the real estate market. Our business models mean that we are also deeply rooted in today’s real estate industry.

What role is played by transparency in this context? Transparency means security. A transparent market is a secure market. This is why transparency plays such a key role today. A transparent market will not only Transparency survive longer but also be in a position to offer high-quality services. And ultimate- in the digital age ly this will have a positive impact on consumers, who will respond by placing their Roland Schmid, owner and CEO of trust in the market. IMMOunited GmbH, on digitalisation and the Will this also be the case in future? Definitely! In future transparency will be- importance of transparency in the real estate come even more important. Increasing sector. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl levels of digitalisation and automation will ensure that markets and market partici- pants will continue to be open about their What challenges is the market facing? They demand that companies take their processes and obliged to take responsibil- The real estate market is subject to a wide needs seriously and expect products and ity for their actions. Beyond this, end cus- range of influences that can be, for exam- services that meet these needs. tomers and their needs will continue to be ple, social, technological or political. This the focus. Companies must always listen means that the sector is changing con- To what extent will this development to their clients and act accordingly. In stantly. We no longer focus on products change the real estate market? short: Transparency and customer focus and services but, rather, users and end So-called proptech companies have al- will define the future of the (real estate) customers. Many market players have yet ready been influencing and defining the market. to adjust to this transition, which could be sector for some time. IMMOunited and a problem for them in the years to come. IMABIS have also actively contributed to © Bohmann the digital development of the real estate And what about digitalisation? market. Our products offer our clients de- IMMOunited GmbH Digitalisation favours this user-oriented cisive competitive advantages and enable 1010 Vienna, Börseplatz 4, Mezzanin perspective. Today’s consumers have ac- them to better serve the end customer. As Tel.: +43 1 997 1560 0 cess to far more information than before. a result: Digital development is transform- E-mail: [email protected] Digitalisation has transformed citizens ing traditional business processes and www.IMMOunited.com into responsible, informed consumers. models. Proptech companies integrate

30 2019 CHANCENLAND VORARLBERG MODERN INDUSTRIES With relatively low energy costs, accurate security of supply and state-of-the-art STRONG BRANDS infrastructure, Vorarlberg oers ideal In Vorarlberg successful ﬁrms conditions for industries. are in good company and boost

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MILANO CENTRALITY 3,5 h drive access to well-funded ROME 1,5 h ﬂight markets and premium MADRID 2,5 h ﬂight partners. Seven INSPIRING ENVIRONMENT airports are located STRATEGIC LOCATION within two hours driving distance. WWW.CHANCENLAND.AT Fotocredits: WISTO, Matthias Weissengruber/ALPLA, Florian Strigel/Vorarlberg Tourism

Vorarlberg – Strongest Exporter and Leader in Innovations Austria’s westernmost province is one of Europe’s 20 leading locations and seen in many ways as a model region. The high level of economic and innovative energy, strategic, forward-looking projects and effi cient, stable structures combine to ensure that Vorarlberg is an attractive place to establish and expand a company.

Products developed and manufactured for an export-oriented, manufacturing-based Red Bull and, most recently, Rentschler (phar- by companies from Vorarlberg are well- economy to generate competitive advantage maceuticals) are just some of the companies known and in demand across the globe. through R&D, the right business environment that make targeted use of the excellent loca- The region’s above-average level of exports and a highly-qualifi ed workforce. The result tion conditions. This dynamic environment is has been rising vigorously for years. With a is that Vorarlberg’s companies are well-posi- also encouraging the emergence of further population of around 390,000, Vorarlberg tioned – and often play a leading role – in the technological sectors (photonics, lasers and has Austria’s highest export ratio and is sectors of the future.” medical and bio technology) while digital rightly regarded as an export champion. transformation is being strongly boosted by The province’s innovation-powered main FOCUS ON SUCCESS the province’s Digital Agenda and a series sales markets are Germany and Switzerland, Vorarlberg off ers a higher concentration of of related initiatives (such as the Digital and followed by Italy, China, France and the globally renowned brands than virtually any Startup Hubs). USA. The surrounding region is home to other region. These range from many family around 70 million consumers with companies, who have developed SUCCESSFUL START high purchasing power. Many of into global players thanks to Companies who are interested in fi nding a Vorarlberg’s companies are noted new business ideas, and major location in Vorarlberg or keen to work with for their constant commitment to international groups, which have companies from the province will receive developing products that prove established strategically important helpful advice and support from WISTO. themselves on the market – and do subsidiaries in the province, to so with impressive quality and effi - the many ambitious and highly ciency. They achieve this by invest- specialised small and medium- Wirtschafts-Standort ing constantly in state-of-the-art, sized enterprises that are market Vorarlberg GmbH (WISTO effi cient workplaces and innovation Dr. Joachim Heinzl leaders and play a key role in (Vorarlberg‘s business CEO of WISTO of the highest level. “Vorarlberg’s shaping Vorarlberg’s economy. Al- promotion agency) businesses have to operate in a pla (plastic bottles), Blum (hinges), Hintere Achmühlerstraße 1 constantly changing and highly demanding Doppelmayr (ropeways), Getzner Textil and 6850 Dornbirn, Österreich environment,” explains Dr. Joachim Heinzl, Getzner Werkstoff e, Liebherr (construction [email protected] CEO of Wirtschafts-Standort Vorarlberg GmbH machinery), Hilti (construction tools and mate- www.wisto.at (WISTO), “which makes it ever more important rial), Mondelez International (Milka chocolate),

2019 PROMOTION 31 The Federal Real Estate Company (Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft) and the Vienna Technical University have invested around €22mn in the new Center for Micro & Nanostructures.

vehicle and plant construction as well as Research industrial goods. R&D centres of excellence set up by international companies also ensure a constant flurry of fresh winds across Means Future the research landscape. An example thereof is the Global Cancer Research Center Austria has distinguished itself in an from Boehringer Ingelheim scheduled for launch in Vienna in 2021. The pharmaceu- international comparison of research locations. tical company is currently investing around Here, companies benefit from qualified €500mn in a new production facility for cell culture based biopharmaceuticals. In addi- specialists, modern infrastructure and tion, there are more than 60 sector clusters sustainable funding initiatives. • TEXT: Helmut Wolf that ensure close networking with more than 7,000 companies with over 800,000 employees. These clusters initiate, promote cience and research are essential HIGHER PREMIUMS and coordinate successful collaboration and Sfoundations for the future viability Global players such as BMW, Bosch, In- knowledge sharing between companies. At of our country. I am most pleased about fineon and Novartis have been appreciative the same time, they constitute the link be- our successful initiatives such as the of the innovative environment which Aus- tween business, research and public facili- new Centre for Micro & Nanostructures”, tria provides for years and pool their R&D ties. Partly responsible for the R&D increase proudly states Heinz Faßmann, Austria’s activities here. These renowned companies is the Austrian Research Bonus which was Minister for Science. At the end of 2018, are complemented by innovative spin- raised to 14 percent in 2018. the opening of the new Centre for Micro & offs and a lively start-up scene: Precision Nanostructures in Vienna laid the founda- medicine, artificial intelligence, autonomous SOUGHT-AFTER QUALIFICATIONS tion for “cross-faculty top-level research driving, alternative propulsion systems and In order to make innovations and research on a global level.” In addition to increased lightweight construction supplement tra- market-ready, not only top researchers but funding for universities, Austria has also ditionally strong sectors such as machine, also highly qualified experts are needed for been an important impetus provider for their practical implementation. In its role as years, particularly in the field of research a top-level research location, Austria offers funding and thus the Alpine Republic both and has a long tradition of “applica- has been a dynamic research location for tion-oriented training”: Almost 90 percent equally as long. Research-orientated com- of Austrians undergo vocational training. panies and international top scientists “International collaboration between sci- consciously and consistently choose the ence and industry constantly provides location in the heart of Europe, and not new approaches and guarantee the direct without reason. With a research quota of transfer of knowledge which helps to secure 3.14 percent of GDP Austria is now offi- Austria’s role as primary centre of knowl- cially recognised as a “strong innovator” edge,” says Sabine Seidler, rector of the TU and ranked second in Europe for research Boehringer Ingelheim‘s new biopharma- Vienna, thus addressing the core essence of investment, bettered only by Sweden. Fur- ceutical production facility in Vienna- the message: Research means future! thermore, Austria has more than doubled Meidling is due to go online in 2021. its R&D quota since 1995. © Lukas Schaller, Boehringer Ingelheim

32 2019 your successful project starts here: standortkompass.at

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Attractive valuation following the adjustment Last year, the ATX had to sustain significant already lined up for the Vienna Stock Exchange. The new “direct market” and losses, but the solid figures posted by Austrian “direct market plus” segments are in the companies suggest that times are getting better. starting blocks. These should offer expanding startups and Austrian SMEs • TEXT: Harald Kolerus swift, economical and unbureaucratic access to local capital. Maurer views ot long ago, Vienna was easily able to still posted good figures. In addition to this, this positively: “Further companies will Noutperform other stock exchanges: In the Vienna Stock Exchange had also been go public, which will be good for the 2017, for example, the ATX rose by over 30 fuelled by the fact that the booming econ- financial market. And it is also possi- per cent – a proud achievement. By 2018, omies of Central and Eastern Europe had ble that, after receiving enough capital, however, this strength had become a thing exceeded expectations. these companies will later switch to the of the past: Austria’s leading index fell by prime market and make this even more more than ten per cent – although the sig- ECONOMICAL LEVEL dynamic.” nificant losses also registered by, for ex- Hence, the losses on the ATX can large- How else could one support the Vienna ample, the DAX meant that we found our- ly be put down to external factors rather Stock Exchange? Lukas Sustala, an eco- selves in “good company”. Bernd Maurer, than being a “home-made” problem. Quite nomics expert at the think tank Agenda the Chief Analyst at Raiffeisen Centrobank the opposite, in fact: Major listed Austrian Austria, believes that the second and (RCB), puts this in a nutshell: “Unable to es- companies are reporting good results – third pillars of pension provision (com- cape the general downward trend of stock and “red-white-red” shares are priced at- pany and private) should be expanded exchanges around the world the ATX fell tractively. In 2018, the price-earnings ratio more strongly. Through, for example, the in line with comparable indices such as the (p/e) of ATX stocks was 11: This year, the involvement of the capital market: “The DAX or Euro Stoxx.” The expert also points RCB is predicting a level of just over ten. In key is to strengthen the relationship be- out that, just a few years ago, the Vienna comparison with this, the p/e of the DAX in tween savers and business”. By encourag- Stock Exchange was being positively driv- 2019 is 11.25. According to Maurer, “following the former to invest in a more yield- en by factors that are no longer present in ing the adjustment the ATX is attractively oriented way, the latter could gain access the same form or to the same extent: “In priced and the average dividend yield of to new forms of investment. It would be 2016 and 2017, the banks and insurance ATX stocks of 3.7 per cent also looks good excellent if savers slowly recognised that, companies, which are strongly weighted when compared internationally.” rather than being a form of pure specula- on the ATX, were supported by expecta- tion, shares represent a share of growth tions of rising interest rates. In 2018, on the DYNAMIC MARKET and profits.” other hand, there was little movement in All this means that expectations for 2019 interest rates, even though Austrian banks are good, while several innovations are © Wiener Börse/Stiller

34 2019 An annual return of seven per cent Christoph Boschan, CEO of the Vienna Stock Exchange, advises investors to think long-term and wants to improve the financial literacy of Austrians. • INTERVIEW: Harald Kolerus

In 2018 stock exchanges around the world a profit – or fail to protect themselves were unable to continue the success story adequately – far too often. Each year, our of recent years. What are the current argu- company holds over 350 seminars as a con- ments for equity investment in general and tribution to the improvement of so-called the Vienna Stock Exchange in particular? financial literacy in Austria. Furthermore, Even by including just a few stocks in their with its global market, the Vienna Stock Ex- portfolio investors can increase their money change offers Austrian investors affordable over the long-term, despite the fact that access to stocks from around the world. share prices rise and fall during the course of the year. The ATX, for example, has pro- The government is planning a new Equi- duced an average annual return of almost ties Law in 2019 with the aim of energis- seven per cent since 1991, despite occasion- ing the Austrian capital market. What do al sharp falls in prices. In order to trade in you expect from these measures? Austrian companies, the Vienna Stock Ex- Since 21st January 2019 the new market change offers by far the most liquid market segments “direct market plus” and “direct place with the highest price quality. market” have provided access to the capital market to even smaller Austrian inves- What is the Vienna Stock Exchange plan- tors. Particularly aimed at medium-sized ning in order to make stocks even more enterprises and fast-growing young com- attractive, especially to Austrian private panies, this new option offers a simple and investors? affordable access to the stock exchange. Due to a lack of knowledge Austrian in-

vestors miss out on opportunities to make © Wiener Börse

Commercial ahead of residential Anton Bondi, Managing Partner of Bondi Consult, sees commercial property as offering the best potential returns in the current year. But investors should be careful when deciding which assets to acquire. • INTERVIEW: Walter Senk

Which Austrian real estate sectors could ably. In contrast with this, however, loca- be particularly interesting for investors tion and use criteria in the retail sector are this year? coming under much closer scrutiny. The rising demand for commercial properties and the higher potential returns that What challenges must the real estate these offer when compared with residen- sector in Austria overcome in 2019? tial real estate mean that investors are in- The greatest challenges are the high cost creasingly focussing on this sector. Logis- of both construction and land. The new tics real estate continues to be interesting zoning categories in the residential sector while demand in the hotel sector is falling will also lead to a transition in the acqui- all aspects of the real estate sector (and (in particular in the luxury segment). De- sition of sites for residential development. will intensify even further), will continue mand for speciality real estate – such as Open issues such as the drawing up of – increasingly – to occupy our attention. retirement homes, laboratories, mixed use new tenancy laws and ongoing digitalisa- properties and the like – is rising notice- tion, which are having a huge impact on © Bondi Consult/Hetzmannseder

2019 35 More than just Housing With its many residential projects the S+B Group is shaping the federal capital Vienna – and especially Donau City, where not only new buildings but also an appropriate infrastructure are being created. An interview with Wolfdieter Jarisch, shareholder and executive board member of the S+B Group. • INTERVIEW: Walter Senk

Apartments for sale are being built in the the Erasmus programme has hardly any Danube Flats tower while DC2 will con- chance of finding an apartment on the tain rental apartments. Further develop- open market. They have to overcome such ments that will also contain units for both hurdles as agency fees, unfurnished apart- “In DCity we are sale and rent are DC Flats and our Dresd- ments and the organisation of electricity ner Straße project. and the Internet, etc. The operators of stu- building the highest dent residences take over many of these student hotel, DC3.” Danube Flats is bringing international responsibilities as well as offering a range standards to Vienna. What is special of other opportunities: Integration between about this tower? students and local residents, cycle hire, in- Above all, the opportunity to live and house sporting facilities and much more. work on the water provided by this ex- This is why halls of residence (primarily traordinary location! Every apartment in for foreign students) are experiencing such Danube Flats will open onto the continu- a boom. We recognised this trend very ous terraces. The outermost troughs will early on and are currently already build- Which segment do you see as providing be watered automatically and contain ing our fourth student residence in Vienna. Austria’s most exciting market in 2019? plants identified as ideal by an on-site I am very curious how the market will study carried out by Vienna’s University The S+B Group is realising three residen- react to the new building code, which for Natural Resources and Life Sciences. tial projects in Vienna DC. How will these requires two-thirds of apartments to be Life in the complex will be provided by a affect the location? subsidised in areas subject to new zon- kindergarten, a supermarket, a restaurant, Donau City has developed progressively ing or rezoning decisions. I expect this to a medical centre within the building, ex- over the course of the past few decades. exacerbate the housing shortage because cellent public and private transport con- Now, however, it lacks life – life in the current building and investment costs nections and the cycle link with and di- evening, on the water, in the restaurants, make the new rule hard to implement. rect pedestrian access to the Donauinsel. etc. Our new projects should change this. We expect that around 1,000 students, Which residential towers is the S+B Vienna is one of Europe’s largest student a kindergarten, restaurants, more than Group currently realising in Vienna and cities. Which residential concepts are re- 1,000 new apartments for sale and rent, how do these vary conceptually? quired? a primary school, a middle school, start- In DCity (Donau City) we are building not Due to the rule that 25 per cent of places up spaces, apartments for musicians and only Austria’s highest residential tower must be made available to foreign stu- all the developments on Copa Beach will – Danube Flats – but also the highest dents the image of student residences has bring life to DCity. student hotel, DC3, as well as planning changed. A foreign student who comes an office and residential building, DC2. to Vienna for one or two semesters on © S+B Gruppe/Wilke

36 2019 CREATING REAL SUCCESS

COME AND SEE US AT THE MIPIM 7.E2 Booth Austria R

In Good Hands Companies that settle in Austria are advised by Austrian lawyers in more than just legal matters. Large firms such as Wolf Theiss also offer operational and logistical support. • TEXT: Anita Orthner

he attractiveness of Austria as a corpo- ing a subsidiary or require a regulatory iss also employs Chinese-speaking lawyers Trate location is underlined by the num- feasibility study for a major project – it’s in Austria. ber of new relocations, which grows every not enough to merely explain Austrian law year. According to Rupert Wolff, President to a client or to set up an Austrian limited WELL CONNECTED of the Austrian Bar (ÖRAK), the factors that company. We always combine our legal ex- As they advise foreign firms, Austrian law- favour the country as a business location pertise with expertise in the relevant sector,” yers are able to impress with not only their include the level of social stability, the high emphasises Christian Mikosch, Partner at high level of professional expertise and quality of life and security and, in particular, Wolf Theiss. The firm supports clients in al- comprehensive range of advisory services the impeccable quality of the administra- most every aspect of corporate relocation. It but also with their international networks. tion of justice and the resulting legal cer- also provides help as required in establish- This level of international integration is par- tainty. According to information from the ing contacts with real estate agents, look- ticularly helpful because it enables them to corporate relocation agency ABA – Invest ing for the right location or designing job speak the same language as their clients – in Austria the level of interest in Austria advertisements. One often acts as an inter- both literally and in terms of cultural under- shown by companies from the CEE/SEE mediary between different ways of thinking standing, says Mikosch of Wolf Theiss. And Regions is particularly high. The ABA also and cultures, as in the case of our Chinese networks are also particularly important sees the number of relocations from boom- clients, says Jiayan Zhu, Senior Associate because they offer clients a point of contact ing economic regions such as China as be- at Wolf Theiss. In recent years, for exam- in their home country when they urgently ing highly significant, even if these remain ple, the firm has provided legal support to need information, documentation or other modest in numerical terms. the largest Chinese producer of SUVs Great critical inputs. Such cross-border coopera- Wall Motor during the establishment of its tion is naturally helped by the fact that 14 IMPORTANT PARTNER Austrian subsidiary and to China Electron- languages are spoken in the firm’s Vienna Austrian lawyers are an important partner ics Technology Group Corporation as it set office and that almost all of the 140 lawyers for foreign companies during the relocation up its European headquarters in Graz, its working there have international experience. process – and not just in legal matters. “Re- first location outside Asia. These processes gardless of whether they are simply open- were made easier by the fact that Wolf The- © XXX

38 2019 Space and time are true luxury Illustration: © PlusONE – shutterstock.com

Look forward to pages full of luxury — from the most exclusive city apartments to lake residences. Every Saturday in „Die Presse“ and at DiePresse.com/immobilien Excellent Transport Connections and High Performance Communication Networks Business Location Austria has a lot to offer international investors and companies. The high standard of the infrastructure and the optimal location are amongst the key arguments. • TEXT: Helmut Wolf

ustria has been notable for its excellent imum of three hours. Around 360 regional VIT) has established clear objectives and Atransport connections for many years. headquarters of international companies guidelines for the years between now and A range of modes of transport and trans- such as Henkel, Bosch and DHL, as well 2025. One of the key principles: Mobility shipment hubs connects a series of inter- as many transport and logistics operators, should be as freely available and comforta- modal terminals with the country’s road, rail make full use of the countless advantages ble as possible for both people and business and waterway networks. A further advan- offered by Vienna Airport. while transport should be predominantly tage is Austria’s central topographical posi- environmentally friendly and efficient. This tion at the heart of Europe. This guarantees SUSTAINABLE EXPANSION is exemplified by investment in Austria’s the Alpine Republic both ideal access to Austria’s roads, rail network and waterways rail infrastructure, where the focus is on the EU markets and excellent connections with also help to ensure that the economy runs modernisation of existing routes. This will neighbouring countries and regions. Vienna smoothly. The country’s already excellent increase capacity by around 30 per cent so Airport is one of the leading “hubs” for trav- transport infrastructure is continually being that, upon the completion of the new cor- ellers to and from Eastern and Southeastern developed further through the sustainable ridors, 300 million passengers should be Europe. Over 35 destinations and more than expansion of the “Federal Transport Infra- travelling by train every year and 40 per 540 flights per week guarantee intense eco- structure.” As part of its “Transport Master- cent of freight transported by rail. And the nomic exchange and Vienna Airport is ac- plan for Austria”, the Federal Ministry for “Danube Action Programme” is also up- cessible from the whole of Europe in a max- Transport, Innovation and Technology (BM- grading Austria’s most important waterway: Between now and 2022 almost twelve million euros will be made available and many aspects of the work are being coordinated with wider programmes such as the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. The provision of high performance communication networks is equally important for the infrastructure and the economy. On the basis of its “Broadband Strategy” the BMVIT published a masterplan for pro- moting broadband back in 2014. The so- called “broadband billion” has already supported the launch of several coordinated funding mechanisms. The aim is to expand ultra-fast internet provision until it covers the whole of Austria. From road and rail, air transport and waterways to the expan- Another objective is to increase the level of electrification of the railways sion of broadband – the infrastructure of and to replace shunting engines, some the future is already available today, online of which are still diesel-powered, with and offline. electrical units by 2025.

40 2019 A Sustainable Reduction in Emissions Infrastructure Minister Norbert Hofer is turning to subsidies in order to encourage innovation while reducing the consumption of energy and other resources. • INTERVIEW: Helmut Wolf

new forms of logistical organisation. And one of the twelve flagship projects of our a new “Logistics Funding Programme” “#mission2030” strategy. Together with supports the implementation of innova- the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and When it comes to modes of transport, tive projects. This will lead to a sustain- Tourism, the Austrian automotive industry, Austria believes in sustainability. 37 per able reduction in not only emissions and bicycle importers and sports retailers the cent of freight alone is carried by rail. immissions but also the consumption of BMVIT has established a new 93-million- Which measures to promote sustainabil- energy and other resources. euro support package. I am also highly ity can we expect in the near future? committed to supporting the activities of The Federal Ministry for Transport, In- E-mobility is making a major contribu- Austrian researchers and industry in the novation and Technology (BMVIT) has tion to decarbonisation. Demand for elec- area of innovation. With its “Zero Emission a number of programmes that are sup- tric cars and charging stations is also in- Mobility” programme, the BMVIT has es- porting the search for new, environmen- creasing in Austria. What is planned in tablished a new research programme that tally-friendly approaches in the transport this area? is worth seven million euros every year industry. The “Mobility of the Future” pro- Electromobility will be encouraged by the and will support its first projects in 2019. gramme has a particular focus on pro- new e-mobility offensive, which comes

jects that research into, develop and test into operation on 1st March 2019 and is © BMVIT

Innovation for growth

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SAT_AEH_210x140_E.indd 1 12.02.19 17:22 Rail travellers are climate protectors Railways are the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. Andreas Matthä, Chairman of the Board of the ÖBB Holding, explains that the ÖBB is investing billions in new trains and modern stations, etc., in order to ensure that even more people travel by rail in future. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

Which new routes and offers can be total of 1.8 billion euros. In 2019 this will found in the 2019 Timetable? include 165 local Cityjets and 21 Talent3 In 2019 our passengers can look forward for Vorarlberg, plus a further 25 Talent3 to the extra 1.1 million kilometres covered for Tyrol in 2020. This modernisation of by local trains as well as almost 300 extra the fleet means that our future local pas- long-distance trains every day. The obvi- sengers will be served by almost 500 ous highlights include the new Nightjet state-of-the-art trains. service between Vienna and Berlin and the Railjet xpress that will connect Brati- The declared target for 2030 is “100% green slava, Vienna and Zurich in future. mobility”. How will this be achieved? Did you know that our passengers and How will the station building offensive freight customers are Austria’s leading develop in 2019? climate protectors? Together, we are al- Our station offensive is already benefitting ready reducing annual CO2 emissions by commuters because all of Austria’s major 3.5 million tons. And we are aware that stations have already been renovated, mod- this is becoming ever more important. “Our station offensive ernised and embody the highest standards This is why I’m proud of the fact that our is already benefitting of customer-friendliness, service and secu- electric trains have already been powered rity. Now it’s the turn of the medium-sized by 100 per cent renewable energy since commuters.” and small stations: in spring, for instance, July 2018. The next steps towards “100% the “freshly” modernised station in Lus- green mobility” are the electrification of tenau. Work is also starting on Lienz Sta- further lines and the use of alternative tion, while Frohnleiten Station is due for propulsion systems. completion in autumn. By 2020 more than 90 per cent of our customers will be ben- What incentives does the ÖBB offer to efitting from barrier-free stations. make it easier for customers to switch from road to rail? A couple of numbers for 2019: How much We see ourselves as a comprehensive mo- is the ÖBB investing in infrastructure bility services provider. Our Rail&Drive and modern trains etc.? Service enables us to offer our custom- Thanks to the Transport Ministry we will ers end-to-end mobility from door to door. invest around 13.9 billion euros in modern And integrated mobility is the state of the infrastructure for our passengers by 2023 art. The last few kilometres at the end of – including around two billion this year. the rail journey can be simply covered Naturally this also includes our stations. with the Rail&Drive Auto – from every And of course we also want to raise lev- provincial capital as well as smaller towns els of passenger satisfaction even higher such as Leoben. And this will make rail by investing heavily in the quality of our travel even more attractive. trains. This is the aim of our huge mod-

ernisation programme, which is worth a © ÖBB/Hauswirth

42 2019 “The investment of 500 million euros till 2023 will represent a major step towards our objective of being a true five-star airport.”

Julian Jäger and Günther Ofner, 2018 was yet another successful year members of the Management Board of Flughafen Wien AG. for Vienna Airport. How would you sum it up? JÄGER: The strong growth in passenger numbers is especially pleasing. 2018 we passed the mark of 27 million checked- in passengers in a year for the first time. Strong Growth in The number of aircraft movements and volume of cargo also rose. And we remain extremely confident about the outlook for Passenger Numbers 2019. OFNER: In 2019 we are expecting the rev- enue of the Flughafen Wien Gruppe to rise Günther Ofner and Julian Jäger, members of to over 820 million euros. the Management Board of Flughafen Wien AG, on plans for expansion and new routes. There is a huge amount of building activity within the airport perimeter. Which projects • INTERVIEW: Anita Orthner were launched and completed in 2018? OFNER: Airport City continues to grow gardère, which will open in the shopping ject opponents to this approval were re- and incoming companies brought 2,500 plaza in Terminal 2 in mid-2019, will offer jected by the Constitutional Court, which new jobs in 2018. The year’s highlights a new retail experience. As part of the ter- is still to make a final ruling. Either way, were the opening of Health Center Vien- minal development project we will expand Vienna Airport will only take a final deci- na Airport, the state-of-the-art medical the shopping and restaurant area further sion about the construction when there is centre in Office Park 3, and the opera- over the course of the next few years by a legally-binding permit. tional start of the Vienna Pharma Han- modernising Pier Ost and Terminal 2 and dling Center, a new cargo service for the extending Terminal 3 to the south. This What is new in terms of routes and air- speedy and highly specialised handling of will involve the phased investment of 500 lines? temperature-sensitive medicaments. The million euros between now and 2023 and JÄGER: In 2018 our timetable gained 30 centrepiece of the new Airport City is the represent a major step towards our objec- new destinations, including five new long- construction of Office Park 4, which will tive of being a true five-star airport. distance destinations – such as Cape offer a further 26,000 square metres of Town and Shenzhen – and seven in East- office and event space by May 2020. A What is the state of play regarding the ern Europe. Air Canada will fly to Toron- quarter of the new offices are already let. construction of Vienna Airport’s third to from summer 2019. Japan’s ANA will The highlights for 2019 include the op- runway? serve Tokyo-Haneda daily from mid-Feb- erational start of the new DHL logistics OFNER: By approving the project for the ruary. And we are also expecting further campus and the completion of two new building of a third runway on appeal the strong growth amongst low-cost carriers, hangars for general aviation. Federal Administrative Court has taken which enjoyed a market share of over 20 a forward-looking step towards strength- per cent in 2018 What is planned for the airport in 2019? ening Austria as a business and tourism JÄGER: The multi-brand store from La- location. In October, the objections of pro- © Flughafen Wien AG

2019 43 ly moved to the existing “Office Park 3”. The groundbreaking ceremony for “Office Park 4” took place in April 2018. As well as being an architectural landmark, this will also offer a diverse range of services. In step with other major international airports, According to Scheibenpflug: “Every form “Airport City” is growing of office – from 180 to 2,300 square me- at Vienna Airport. tres – will be possible here.” The complex, which is due for completion in 2020, will also contain co-working spaces, catering outlets and a kindergarten.

THE “FUTURE ZONE” IS ALSO GROWING “Airport City” But a lot is also happening along the airport perimeter. In the “Future Zone”, in the airport’s business park, companies are continues to grow springing out of the ground. The already existing “Future Zone East” is home to the The steadily growing “Airport City” at Austrian subsidiary of the Japanese logis- Vienna Airport is a highly desirable location tics company “Makita” and the recently opened logistics centre of “Cargo Partner for Austrian and international companies. Österreich”, while DHL is also currently New office and commercial space is being building the 47,000-square-metre “DHL Campus” there. The 140,000 square me- built right now in the shape of “Office Park 4” tres of commercial space will soon be and “Future Zone West”. • TEXT: Robert Penz joined by the additional 220,000 square metres of “Future Zone West”, which are currently being prepared. “Negotiations f you want to count the cranes on your pansion was essential. “In the past 14 about potential relocations have already Ifingers you will have to use both hands. months alone a further 2,500 jobs have started,” says Scheibenpflug. In five to The strategy of developing Vienna Air- been created here as a result of corporate seven years this western part will also be port into a multifunctional “Airport City” relocation and passenger growth. One has fully let. and highly dynamic business location is to respond to such dynamism,” explains clearly in full swing. The airport has al- Wolfgang Scheibenpflug, Head of the SUPERB PORTFOLIO OF SERVICES ready been home to three “Office Parks” Real Estate and Location Management It is quite obvious why the space at the and the “Future Zone East” business park Department at the airport. For exam- airport is so interesting to companies: for some time. However, the large demand ple, a vehicle registration office, a health The traffic connections are perfect. One for space at the location meant that ex- centre and a fitness centre have recent- is in Vienna in 20 minutes and Bratislava in three-quarters of an hour and, with a travel time of 2.5 hours, Budapest is hardly a world away. And the range of services, which includes the countless shops and supermarkets, the post office and the fitness center, is also a real asset. Wolfgang Scheibenpflug explains: “And of course we offer the client a complete portfolio of services in the form of office and storage space and production areas. In line with the motto: ‘Tell us what you’d like and we can build and operate it’.” For him, “Airport City” is an “absolute flagship project”. “And I mean for the whole of Austria,” he adds. You can now keep your body in shape at A wide range of doctors’ surgeries can be found www.airport-city.at “Fit Fabrik Plus” in “Office Park 3”. under one roof at the “Health Center Vienna Airport”.

44 2019 Your ofﬁ ce AT THE AIRPORT 22,000 sqm of ofﬁ ce space, approx. 4,000 sqm of co-working, event, showroom & gastronomy space. Completion in spring 2020. Starting from 180 sqm. Rent now! +43 1 7007-7007 www.airport-city.at

Winner

Strongest brand BUSINESS CAMPUS AUSTRIA Life is a Festival of Theatre Austria offers a variety of top-class cultural activities. One of the main attractions is the classical music festivals, from Bregenz to Salzburg and all the way to Lower Austria. • TEXT: Helmut Wolf

ife is a fest (ival). This has been com- tival scene, which attracts thousands of a cultural diversity that’s been able to de- Lmon knowledge in Austria for many people from all over the world every year. velop and unfold unhindered over centu- a year. Austria is a country where one More than 200 music and dance festivals ries. knows how to make merry and make mu- take place every year between Vorarlberg sic. Above all, it’s a veritable crucible of and Vienna. And thus it goes without say- CROWD PULLER: “JEDERMANN” classic and modern influences, where cul- ing that the music lover’s annual calendar It’s safe to say that the most well-known tures and peoples of the widest variety of is more than filled. The multifarious spec- music festival in Austria is the “Salz- nationalities converge to enjoy the beauty trum ranges from world-renowned music burger Festspiele”. This festival has been of art and music. As a special genre, Aus- festivals to small, regional festivals. It’s taking place in the city where Mozart was tria has developed a vibrant music fes- fair to say, the country is “blessed” with born since 1920. Every July and August, the historical city is transformed into a colourful rhapsody of classical musical sound. The Salzburger Festspiele is one of the most important classical music and performing art festivals in the world. The performances of “Jedermann” on the Salzburg Cathedral Square (Domplatz) are a signature feature of this Festspiel as are the many performances of Mozart Musik im „Wolkenturm“: Die Open- and Strauss as well as the illustrious play, Air-Bühne des „Grafenegg Festival“ opera and concert program. In the sum- Thein Niederösterreich Bregenzer Festspiele ist inmitten is renowned des for the beauty of the natural backdrop Schlossparksprovided by the eingebettet. Bodensee Lake and its spectacular stage sets. mer of every year, around 200 events take place during the six weeks of the Fest-

46 2019 Music in the „Cloud Tower“. The „Grafenegg Festival“ open-air stage in Lower Austria is nestled in the middle of the historical castle grounds.

spiel, which attract more than 250,000 guests. An equally well-known Austrian festival is the “Bregenzer Festspiele”. What’s particularly impressive about this festival is the world’s largest floating stage: A mix of sophisticated musicals, spectacular opera performances and remarkable stage sets in the open air make Vorarlberg’s summer fes- More competence. tival a magnet for countless opera fans year after year. The “Grafenegg Festival” has evolved into a particularly More discretion. bright star in the Austrian festival constellation. This concert festival takes place annually on the grounds of the medieval Grafenegg Castle from the end of August to the Your success. middle of September and is characterised by the wonderful backdrop provided by the 300 year old castle grounds. Anton Bondi de Antoni The Wolkenturm (cloud tower) open air stage, the Concert Hall Auditorium as well as the historical riding school all serve as venues for the performances. Under the artistic direction of the celebrated pianist, Rudolf Buchbinder, this event has evolved into a must among indigenous music OUR SERVICES RANGE COMPRISES ALL festivals since 2007. SERVICES CONNECTED TO REAL ESTATE:

© Klaus Vyhnalek, Bregenzer Festspiele/Achim Mende  Land acquisition, determination of needs and process organization as well as planning IMPORTANT CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVALS IN AUSTRIA:  Construction and turnkey delivery Bregenzer Festspiele: www.bregenzerfestspiele.at of properties Salzburger Festspiele: www.salzburgerfestspiele.at  Project management and controlling Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik: www.altemusik.at  Haydn Festspiele Eisenstadt: www.haydnfestival.at Due diligence on properties or portfolios on behalf of investors Grafenegg Festival: www.grafenegg.at Seefestspiele Mörbisch: www.seefestspiele-moerbisch.at  Structuring, coordination and negotiation of acquisition and sale of real estate

2019 47 WWW.BONDICONSULT.COM 150 Years of the season again showing approximately 85 live performances throughout the months of April, May, June and September on a 50 Vienna State Opera sqm video wall on the Herbert-von-Kara- jan-Platz with free admission. On February In 2019, the Vienna State Opera will be celebrating the 28th, 2019, the Vienna Opera Ball will be held for the 63rd time, transforming the its 150th anniversary. The highlight of the coming building into a magnificent ballroom for season is the premiere of Richard Strauss‘ „Frau one night and thereby rendering it Austria’s most important meeting place for artists, ohne Schatten“ on May 25th, the official opening politicians and entrepreneurs from all over day of the State Opera. • TEXT: Vanessa Haidvogl the world.

THE MUSICAL CITY OF VIENNA he year 2019 marks the 150th anni- the building in a completely different light, A cultural metropolis like Vienna has a Tversary of the opening of the opera and “The Elite Dance - 150 Years of Ballet number of prestigious music institutions: house on Vienna’s Ringstrasse. On the 25th at the Vienna State Opera” in the Theatre The Volksoper is Vienna’s second largest of May, 1869, the Vienna State Opera was Museum (as of 16th May, 2019). The State opera house and offers a variety of stage inaugurated with Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”. Opera building was constructed as one art, from opera to operetta to musicals and The Vienna State Opera will be celebrat- of the first magnificent buildings on the from ballet to contemporary dance. Vienna’s ing the anniversary on May the 25th, 2019, newly created ring road. It was designed by classical concert life is dominated by two with a ceremonial act followed by an even- the Viennese architects August Sicard von major establishments: The Musikverein and ing premiere of the “Frau ohne Schatten” Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll. the Konzerthaus. Musicians from all over opera by Richard Strauss. On the 26th of the world know the Musikverein from the May, there’ll be anniversary festivities at FREE ADMISSION TO THE OPERA New Year’s Concert, which the Vienna Phil- the Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz. There will The Vienna State Opera schedule for harmonic celebrates each year with works also be ensemble singers, guests, the Vien- the 2018/2019 season offers a worldwide from the Strauss dynasty and its contempo- na State Ballet, the State Opera Orchestra unique range of 50 opera works, 16 bal- raries, and which is watched by a TV audi- and many other artists playing on the pub- lets and five children’s programs. The six ence of millions all around the globe. lic areas around the opera itself. opera premieres playing at the “Haus am The Vienna Konzerthaus was opened in Two exhibitions have also been dedi- Ring” include not only the newly staged 1913 and is the Vienna Symphony Orches- cated to the 150th anniversary: The “150 repertory classics “Frau ohne Schatten” by tra’s main venue. The inner-city Ronacher Years of the Opera House on the Ring” Richard Strauss and “Otello” by Giuseppe and Raimund Theaters opened in 1893 show will take place in the building itself, Verdi, but also Hector Berlioz’s “Les Troy- in the sixth district have also established using original documents, loaned items ens” and Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di themselves as renowned musical stages. and snapshots in artistic positions, recit- Lammermoor”. The “Opera live am Platz” als of personal fates and milestones to set will also be running during the 2018/19 © Wien Tourismus/Stemper

48 2019 World Heritage Schönbrunn Palace newly built menagerie in the Schönbrun- Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO ner Palace Park and has since become the oldest existing zoo in the world. In 2018, in 1996, around 2.7 million people visit the zoo was awarded the title of Best Zoo Schönbrunn Palace every year. The park and in Europe for the fifth time and prevailing over 126 competing zoos in 29 European all its other facilities attract about six million countries. people a year. • TEXT: Brigitte Gindl The Schönbrunn Palace Park is open all year round. Special attractions include the Kronprinzengarten, the Orangeriegar- chönbrunn Palace is considered the abroad can view 45 of the 80 rooms. ten, the Maze and Zoo, the Palm House Smost visited attraction in Austria. The 19th century living quarters of Em- and the desert house all accessible for a Having been an imperial possession for peror Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth small fee. However, the palace park can centuries, the former residential palace can be visited in the west wing of the pal- be visited free of charge. with its 1.5 km2 of landscaped gardens is ace, as well as the apartments of Maria largely presented in its original historical Theresa and her husband, Emperor Franz TOP EVENTS state. From 1569 to 1918, the estate was in the east wing. Seasonal highlights for tourists include owned by the Habsburgs. During Empress The palace park, with its imposing the nostalgic Christmas Market and the Maria Theresa’s era from 1745, the palace garden buildings and fountains from the Vienna Philharmonic’s Summer Night complex experienced its most glittering 1770’s, invites visitors to take a stroll. The Concert, which will take place on 20 June, epoch as the centre of court and political Neptune fountain, the obelisk fountain, with free admission. Another highlight life. To this day, the original room furnish- the Roman ruin, the Schön Brunn itself will be returning to its original location ings from this period have been largely (Beautiful Fountain), after which the pal- one could say: The internationally suc- preserved. With the end of the monarchy, ace named, not to mention the Gloriette, cessful production of “ELISABETH” will the Schönbrunn Palace became property which offers views of the entire area, dom- be shown on the 5th and 6th of July as a of the Republic of Austria. inate the enchanting gardens. top-class concert experience in the fore- court of Schönbrunn Palace itself. A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES BEST ZOO IN EUROPE © Schloss Schoenbrunn/Koller Visitors to the baroque palace are re- Another major crowd puller on the prop- warded with authentic insights into the erty is the Schönbrunn Zoo, which is well world of bygone days, with authentically renowned far beyond the country’s bor- www.schoenbrunn.at designed representative rooms and living ders. In 1752, Emperor Franz I. Stephan of www.sommernachtskonzert.at rooms. Interested persons from home and Lorraine first introduced his guests to the

2019 49 The boutique hotel “Mooons”, The historical Hotel Kummer with its imposing rooftop bar, is being transformed into the will open in mid-2019. stylish boutique hotel “Motto”.

New Beds the world’s first 24-storey wooden high- rise building. With a height of 84 metres it will contain restaurants, shops, busi- for the City nesses and apartments as well as a hotel. The U2 underground line connects the Seestadt with the centre of Vienna in just New hotels are being built at the Central 25 minutes. Station, in the city centre and in Vienna’s urban The Lenikus Group of Companies is planning two hotels on Bauernmarkt in development areas. Existing establishments the heart of Vienna. The baroque listed are investing in refurbishment, extension or a building at Bauernmarkt 1 should be transformed into a five-star grand hotel new styling. • TEXT: Vanessa Haidvogl with 150 rooms and suites on five stories by autumn 2019. And a further hotel with umerous providers of accommoda- by the Italian star architect Renzo Piano around 100 rooms and spaces for events Ntion have opened their doors close to and is being realised by the Austrian real should be built at Bauernmarkt 21 by Vienna’s Central Station in the past few estate company Signa Holding together mid-2021. years and further openings have been with the Hyatt Group. A skybar on the announced. The boutique hotel “Mooons” 16th floor, 60 metres above street level, OLD INTO NEW (170 rooms) on Wiedner Gürtel will be will offer views across Vienna. The Hotel Kummer on Mariahilfer Straße, seeking to win over visitors with its smart There are also interesting hotel projects Vienna’s main shopping street, is being and affordable luxury, restaurant, garden/ in other urban development districts. converted into a boutique lifestyle hotel. roof terrace and fitness studio from mid- In Seestadt Aspern in the northeast of It should be opened in 2020 as the “Hotel 2019. The construction of “Andaz Vienna the city the “HoHo Hotel” in HoHo Wien Motto” with 90 rooms, an organic bakery Am Belvedere” (303 rooms) should start should open in the middle of the year. The and retail space. in April. The luxury hotel was designed tower on the green edge of Vienna will be Vienna’s former commercial court at Riemergasse 7 in the city’s first district should be full of life again in a few years. In a process that fully protects the historical substance, which dates from 1906, the building is being modernised and adapted for a new use. Work is already in full swing. Two years ago, the Swiss investment group Brisen took over the property with a usable area of around 17,000 m2. The architectural concept and the design concept for the interiors and future fur- nishings were finalised under the leadership of UBM Development. The project, known as “Vienna Court”, envisages the The “Andaz” Hotels from the Hyatt creation of a five-star hotel, complement- Group draw constant inspiration ed by premium rooftop apartments. from the local surroundings.

50 2019 DESIGN DAYS GRAFENEGG 3. - 5. MAY 2019 ©GRAFENEGG

DESIGN IN A FRAME

From 3rd to 5th of May 2019, Grafenegg will once again turn into a fascinating, walkable design experience world.

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DDG_2019_DMV_Immo_210x280_eng.indd 1 14.02.19 14:48 The local guest is becoming more and more important Vienna’s hotels continue to report record numbers of overnight stays. New hotels will also open in 2019. But how many more new beds does the city need? And how important is a good story to a hotel? An interview with Roman Kopacek, Managing Director of Michaeler & Partner. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

“Storytelling is operator. On the one hand because this is How important is a good story? an important aspect a way of increasing the number of guests Storytelling is an important aspect of ar- during quiet periods such as the middle of chitecture and design that could be made of architecture the day and, on the other hand, because use of more often because the factors of and design.” today’s hotel guest demands the presence authenticity and honesty are playing an of local people – which is considered to be ever more important role. Guests are look- the ultimate proof of quality. ing for distinctive, unique experiences – in- The concept: One shouldn’t be cut off cluding in the hotel itself. The magic word from the outside world and neither should is individuality. The choice of patterns, fab- one be outdated, monotone or too touristy. rics, colours, materials and haptic qualities A contemporary interior, together with is decisive. The key is to create a genuine What are the hotel categories of the future? good, regional food and drink at a price feel-good atmosphere. The hotelier must As of December 2018 Vienna had more that appears reasonable to the customer be able to identify with the chosen design than 428 hotels with around 68,300 beds and the associated good service, creates while the defined target guest should enjoy – and these figures are projected to rise to an attractive atmosphere. And, in addition being in the spaces in question and be able 442 and 74,100 respectively by the end of to this, many successful hotel restaurants to hear the story that they are telling. 2020. At the same time, the final total of and bars with illuminated glass façades overnight stays for 2018 was expected to draw attention to themselves by being Your conclusion? be 16.5 million, which means that Vienna highly visible from outside. “Being different” will become more and is well on the way to reaching the level more important. Much of the success of of 18 million overnight stays by 2020. What is the role of design in hotel develop- platforms such as Airbnb can be put down There is still a huge “appetite” for Vienna ment? to their otherness. By “being different”, ho- amongst investors and operators, whose Architecture and interior design are play- tels can distinguish themselves from their favourite products continue to be contem- ing an ever more significant role in the competitors. Putting it bluntly: Why should porary two or three-star hotels, serviced conception of new and refurbished hotels. the guest book into Hotel A rather than apartments, boutique hotels and even It is often clear that these two factors Hotel B when they are next door to each five-star establishments. have enormous potential and will not only other and share not only the same view but be a USP of the future operation but also also the same services and interior design? The hotel as a place to meet: How can one perceived as such by guests and poten- Here, being special and different can cre- also attract locals into a hotel? tial guests. Hence, it is obvious that these ate the decisive advantage. Local guests are definitely becoming should be incorporated into and exploited more and more important for every hotel by any communication strategy. © ÖBB/Hauswirth

52 2019 We speak tourism – our service for your success Michaeler & Partner has been working as a consultancy company and service provider in the tourism sector since 1995 and is part of FMTG (Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group).

Michaeler & Partner essentially operates in three major areas of business:

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Your partner for the strategic development of your vision: • Feasibility study with business plan • Second opinion • Project appraisal and optimisation • Destination development • Architectural competitions • Sounding out and selection of operators and support during negotiations My Arbor (South Tyrol) CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Your partner for the successful realisation of your construction project: • Project management from development to construction phases • Tourism support from design to construction phases • Procurement of FF&E/OS&E • Sustainability advice/certiﬁ cation (ÖGNI/DGNB) • Project cost calculation and detailed budget

CORPORATE CONSULTANCY Your partner for the holistic optimisation of your operation: • Strategic consultancy Falkensteiner Balance Resort • Pre-opening management Plantitscherhof (South Tyrol) Stegersbach (Burgenland) • Marketing & controlling • Commercial business management • Operational analysis and performance management The service provider works as a team commitment to the interests of the client • Corporate restructuring to develop seamless individual tourism into a relationship of complete trust with that • Evaluation of hotel real estate concepts for its clients. It then implements “client”, our project partner. The services of • Mystery check these concepts and measures their Michaeler & Partner are aligned success. To this end, the services with the long-term goal of realising provided by Michaeler & Partner objectives and visions that are cover the entire spectrum, from defi ned together with the client. In the development of visions and this work, the commercial success strategic consultancy to day-to- of the client is the top priority. day operations. Over 500 realised projects with a total investment volume ex- More than 500 projects and satisfi ed cus- ceeding 750 million euros are the expres- tomers. We talk about holistic consultancy. Vienna offi ce: A-1020 Wien sion of an eff ective working philosophy. Thanks to a comprehensive and dynamic [email protected] The client portfolio of Michaeler & Partner network covering the various dialogue Tel.: +43 1 605 40 50 includes small and large private hoteliers groups of the international tourism industry as well as international hotel chains, inves- the employees of Michaeler & Partner Vahrn offi ce: I-39040 Vahrn/Brixen tors, real estate developers, operators and enjoy access to a very broad pool of [email protected] banks. know-how. Clients are off ered a complete Tel.: +39 0472 978 140 Michaeler & Partner’s working philosophy all-round service focussed on the develop- is centred on combining long-term ef- ment and continuing success of tourism www.michaeler-partner.com

Benno Prenn, Lorenz Masser Lorenz Prenn, © Benno fectiveness, sustainability and an absolute projects of every size and scale.

2019 PROMOTION 53 oldest vehicle construction company, Small but was awarded the prize for its innovation: “Crane-able sliding-floor semi-trailers for loading onto railway pocket wagons.” The Innovative system transports general (unit) cargo, such as pallets or bulk freight such as In terms of area, Burgenland is the third smallest grain by from A to B by using a combina- federal state in Austria. It‘s also the most easterly tion of road and rail using a sliding-floor semi-trailer with the assistance of a load- and has the lowest population. However, as an ing crane and thereby reduces road traffic innovation pioneer, the border region impresses and thus CO2 emissions also. The list of nominations ranges from with clever ideas and resourceful entrepreneurs. Skyability GmbH for their “Cinematic • TEXT: Gisela Gary Laser Scanning with Drone and Vehicle” project to Zoerkler Gears GmbH & Co. KG n terms of economic growth, Burgen- power. This year, the Burgenland Inno- for their innovation: “Simulation of multi- Iland has ranked at the top of the Aus- vation Award went to Peischl Fahrzeug- directional loads during the flight opera- trian federal states for years. Without in- bau (vehicle construction), whereby the tion of a helicopter tail rotor system at the novation, this development would hardly company prevailed over a total of ten test stand”. The BVZ (Burgenland region- be possible. Burgenland supports com- winners from 27 nominations to take the al newspaper) Audience Award was pre- panies and strengthens their competitive prize for overall winner. Peischl, Austria’s sented to designed4inspiration Gmbh for

The Pinkafeld Polytechnic is a promoter of future orientated topics and developments and is leader in the field of climate protection and energy technology.

54 2019 their innovation, the flash2bsafe “Hand Indicator for Safe Cycling”. The “Winddie- sel” project was awarded the Verbund’s special “Verena” prize.

ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMITMENT Harald Zagiczek, Managing Director of Wirtschaft Burgenland, is constantly tinkering with improving the conditions for entrepreneurs: “As Wirtschaft Bur- genland GmbH we create good conditions for the working and living environment of the people: With numerous options for education and training, attractive assistance packages for companies registered in Burgenland and networking the econ- Peischl Fahrzeugbau is the overall winner of the Burgenland Prize for Innovation in 2018 and has omy with the education sector, as well as also been nominated for the National Award. with investors and innovative minds. This has enabled us to start some really great projects again this year: Thus, renowned companies like Schlumberger, Cineplexx Kinocenter, OX Steakhouse, Toys“R“Us, ment, business relocation services and XXXLutz, G.S. Stemeseder and Klime- a plethora of further economic services. BURGENLAND sch have all made the decision to settle Furthermore, with the Burgenland Prize Area in km² * 3,962 in Burgenland. “The competitiveness of for Innovation, the innovative strength Population * 292,700 the companies in Burgenland and the and entrepreneurial commitment of the Companies *** 21,069 strengthening of the business location region has been recognised. Workforce *** 114,004 are key issues for Wirtschaft Burgenland. Gross Regional Product ** 8,160 Mill. Euro The service comprises business develop- © Osterreich Werbung/Steinthaler, Dujmic, WiBuG/Huditsch * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

We are providing the economic tailwind The economic performance of Burgenland has significantly strengthened in recent years. Hans Peter Doskozil, the new Provincial Governor, reveals his first plans for new ideas. • INTERVIEW: Gisela Gary

ryone in Burgenland to live well. In addi- location projects. Subsidies of around tion to this we are investing around one 700,000 euros are invested annually in billion euros between now and 2022 in innovative developments as a means of the areas of public transport, roads, broad- supporting the success of large, small and band, research and development. The 2019 micro enterprises. provincial budget envisages an increase in the research ratio to 23.04 per cent. This What are your conclusions about actions guarantees that we are providing a power- to promote internationalisation? ful economic tailwind. We support internationalisation measures What plans do you have to encourage with a funding ratio of up to 40 per cent. growth? How are you attracting companies to This approach has stood the test, as a We are making the case for raising the net Burgenland? result of it will be continued in 2019. En- minimum wage to 1,700 euros and setting Burgenland offers excellent conditions for trepreneurs need a perfect environment a good example in the province’s own pub- companies looking for a new home: We combined with the targeted use of subsi- lic companies. Living costs have increased have one of the highest levels of public dies. The economy is Burgenland’s motor. and 40-hours-per-week of hard work must funding, are the hub between East and lead to a decent income that enables eve- West and offer individual support to re- © Land Burgenland/Weis

2019 55 Das Land Niederösterreich produ- Zentrum für Forschung und Wissenschaft: Die medi- ziert seinen gesamten Strombedarf zinische Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität in Krems selbst – aus erneuerbaren Energien. gilt als Vorzeigeprojekt des Landes Niederösterreich.

Growth Advantage over the Euro Area Lower Austrian growth is above the Austrian regions to international economic areas is the “Europaspange”; a “billion dollar project” average. Among its future-related issues are that should stimulate additional economic automation and digitalisation, education, climate output to the same degree. Nevertheless, it’s also intended that public transport be protection and sustainability as well as mobility strengthened, one such example being and social. • TEXT: Gisela Gary the Franz-Josefs Railway. More than 120 mobility commissaries and community representatives accepted invitation to the ower Austria is clearly committed to a was a key success factor and was guar- recently launched “Smart Mobile” training Lbalanced budget in 2021. Around half of anteed with the implementation building series in St. Pölten. State Councillor, Ludwig the budget goes into health and social wel- component activation, heat pumps and ef- Schleritzko and initiator thereof is delighted fare. Seventeen percent is spent on teaching, ficient heat recovery, among other things. about the lively interest therein: “Smart mo- education and sports, with twelve percent At the same time, the building was certi- bile has been tailor-developed to meet the going into residential, road and waterworks fied in accordance with standards set by challenges of the multifarious residential construction, transport, business develop- both the German & Austrian Sustainable housing structures and the associated va- ment and agriculture, and two percent on Building Councils (DGNB/ÖGNI) and also riety of mobility requirements. Many of the science, art and culture. The most urgent received the highest possible honour in communities have already declared them- challenge is the issue of working with au- this category, the Platinum Sustainability selves “Mobility Communities” by means of tomation and digitalisation. The demand Certificate. Sustainability is a top priority a Community Board resolution and thereby for well-trained professionals is high. Lower in the State of Lower Austria, and the fed- signifying their commitment to sustainable Austria has agreed on an employment pact eral state has set very high standards for mobility. The training option paves the way of €1.3bn. By raising standards and continu- the Eurozone as it also meets all of its own for the next step which will see the commu- ous education, as much work and jobs as electricity needs from renewable energy. nities functioning better through coopera- possible should be maintained with an em- tion and planning.” phasis on training and further education. In EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE © Energiebewegung Niederösterreich, Hawelka order to promote the state’s attractiveness, The issue of mobility is becoming increas- Lower Austria also places emphasis on the ingly significant in Austria’s largest federal promotion of science and research. state. There is great demand for efficient LOWER AUSTRIA The recently completed competence infrastructure in both the towns and coun- Area in km² * 19,186 centre at the Karl Landsteiner Private Uni- tryside, as well as for attractive offers, and Population * 1,670,900 versity in Krems is one of Lower Austria’s transport hubs for private vehicles, rail, Companies *** 119,816 most outstanding projects and has since bus, bicycle and pedestrians. One of the Workforce *** 720,038 been awarded the “klimaaktiv” Gold stand- projects in the Lower Austrian mobility ** ard for sustainability. Energy efficiency package which also serves to connect the Gross Regional Product 54,962 Mill. Euro * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

56 2019 Deregulation and Administrative Efficiency Lower Austria’s economic motor is working at full pace. In this interview Provincial Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner explains her ideas for strengthening the business location. • INTERVIEW: Gisela Gary

How is Lower Austria doing? abolished over 80 provincial law provi- Our investments have paid off. In order to sions, or the electronic dossier. In the first be sure that we can also shape the future six months of 2018 more than half of all we want to lower the deficit step-by-step. applications for economic support were Most importantly, this means governing processed online – a figure which rose to more efficiently and constantly question- 80 per cent in the area of tourism. ing expenditure. Mobility and good transport connections What are your ideas for making the prov- are important to both companies and ince even stronger in terms of corporate individuals – what is the current status want to avoid any competition between relocation? of the development of the Franz-Josefs- road and rail. This is why we are seeking We are determined to offer investors cer- Bahn, the railway into Vienna, and the to examine both projects together. Com- tainty about the location by addressing Europaspange, the east-west motorway prehensive regional development also and finding new answers to every new across the north of the province? highlights such issues as the provision of challenge. The issues here include digital- In the case of both projects we are now healthcare, childcare and training, etc. and isation, deregulation and administrative consulting with our federal partners. We we are working hard in these areas, par- efficiency. Take, for example, our plans want to improve connections between the ticularly in the north of Lower Austria. for the “Haus der Digitalisierung”, our north of Lower Austria and attractive eco- package of deregulatory measures, which nomic locations in the region. But we also © Hintzen

The “Virtual House of Digitalization” An even wider range of support and information services for companies has been launched. • TEXT: Vanessa Haidvogl

The “Virtual House of Digitali- opportunities presented by the digital From left: ecoplus Chief Executive Helmut Miernicki, WKNÖ zation” is an interactive platform revolution. It is about understanding tech- President Sonja Zwazl, Minister for Economic Affairs and Tech- with personalised services and nology, acquiring skills, using networks nology Petra Bohuslav and ecoplus Chief Financial Executive a system for making sugges- and, finally, implementing and marketing Jochen Danninger at the symbolic handing over of the key. tions designed to bring together ideas, explains the Provincial Minister for local companies and R&D facili- Economic Affairs and Technology Petra he “House of Digitalization” is the ties in the digital field. The “House of Digi- Bohuslav. Tcentral project of the digitalization talization” is being realised by ecoplus, the The eight “levels” are home to a wide strategy of the Province of Lower Aus- business agency of the Province of Lower variety of information and services. These tria. This is being implemented in three Austria. range from explanations of terminology to steps – from the creation of digital hubs the successfully realised digital business via the “Virtual House of Digitalization” SUPPORTING BUSINESS models of regional companies, from offers to a physical building. Now the second “Our objective is to use the ‘Virtual House of courses to a search function for available “stage of expansion” is complete and the of Digitalization’ to focus on four important digital expertise. www.virtuell-haus.at key was symbolically handed over at the issues and, above all, to help businesses end of January. from the region to take advantage of the © NLK/Pfeiffer

2019 57 the management and maintenance of our A Focus on objects means that our tenants enjoy both lower operating costs and a more personal service. When faced with the prover- Personal Service bial ‘dripping tap’ they can speak to us directly rather than having to contact a Gerhard Müller, Managing Director of call centre and our in-house technicians come personally and sort out the problem WALTER BUSINESS-PARK, on sustained speedily and simply. demand and the rising expectations of tenants. Have the needs of tenants changed in re- • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl cent years? Companies’ expectations have certainly How is the demand for space in WALTER What sectors do your tenants come risen. It is no coincidence that our latest BUSINESS-PARK? from? Do they also include pure office development phase, with its very high- The number of enquiries from interest- tenants? quality technical infrastructure, has been ed companies leads us to conclude that WALTER BUSINESS-PARK is home to a particularly successful, despite the fact many are currently thinking about relo- broad range of sectors. Our natural ten- that WALTER BUSINESS-PARK also cating due to the robust economy. The ants are retail and distribution companies offers cheaper rental space. The green- priorities for such companies are to use from sectors such as pharmaceuticals and building object convinces tenants with space more efficiently and find prem- medical technology, IT wholesaling, tech- the cooling/heating ceilings in the offices, ises that offer them more communicative nical products and packaging. In reality, LED lighting throughout the building, un- forms of offices and higher levels of user however, our location is becoming ever derfloor heating in the warehouses and comfort. The average occupancy rate in more attractive to companies that are ex- generous kitchen/dining spaces and log- WALTER BUSINESS-PARK in 2018 was clusively on the lookout for office space. gias in every office. The attractive design well over 85 per cent. This means that The decisive factors here include the op- of the high-quality façades and staircases around 12,000 square metres of office timal transport location and the perfect also appeals to everyone. A further deci- and warehouse space are still available local infrastructure. In addition to his, our sive argument is the simplicity of getting for long-term rent. philosophy of retaining responsibility for here and parking. WALTER BUSINESS- PARK scores points with its direct motorway access and free parking spaces right in front of each office.

Do you have plans for expansion? “When faced with the The refurbishment and modernisation of proverbial ‘dripping tap’ our existing buildings will start this year. This will keep us busy in Wiener Neudorf our tenants can speak to for around two years. We have plans to us directly rather than expand WALTER BUSINESS-PARK both in Wiener Neudorf and – soon – at anoth- having to contact a call er, international location. More about this centre.” will be made public when the final decision has been made.

58 2019 Leading the Way It‘s full steam ahead in Upper Austria. With numerous initiatives, Upper Austria‘s economy is committed to innovative energy technologies and its flagship projects are immensely popular with foreign investors. • TEXT: Gisela Gary

EFI – New Energy for Industry is an Ninnovation alliance which wants to reduce domestic industry’s CO2 emissions and switch to 100 percent renewable energy whilst simultaneously increasing competitiveness. The industrially strong federal states of Upper Austria and Sty- ria are particularly active in supporting this program. “Business Upper Austria”, the Upper Austrian business agency, is one of the partners in the NEFI. “Industry without fossil fuel is possible! Upper Aus- The „Klimaaktiv“ Gold Standard was awarded tria has clearly demonstrated this and has to the Forestry Education made a considerable contribution to mak- Centre in Traunkirchen ing the switch to renewable energy with for achieving the highest its innovative ideas. An example thereof is ecological requirements. the ‘Industry to Grid’ NEFI innovation field which tests new solutions for utilising renewable energy in industrial energy systems as well as its expansion into national CLIMATE-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION advantage that sets Upper Austria apart grid and general infrastructure issues”, Upper Austria places great emphasis on from other regions.” The medical sector, explains Werner Pamminger, Managing strategic programs in its economic and which has good market and future pros- Director of Business Upper Austria. NEFI research policy. The aim is to turn the fed- pects, is currently developing particularly is funded by climate and energy funds. eral state into a leading European indus- strongly. Upper Austria is home to numer- “NEFI is a dynamic consortium with 100 trial region through technology leadership. ous innovative companies and excellent re- partners from companies, research facili- With a project volume of over €2bn, the search, development, health and education ties and public institutions which, under “Innovative Upper Austria 2020” program facilities which need to unite to strengthen the coordination of the AIT Austrian In- has already launched 3,600 projects. For the location and make it as successful and stitute of Technology, will now prove that state governor, Thomas Stelzer, the prin- globally renowned as possible. “MED UP – Austrian technologies will play a pivotal ciple of “strengthening strengths” is con- Medical Upper Austria” is one of the initia- role in the European energy transition”, sidered to be a key success factor for the tives striving to augment the location. expounds Wolfgang Hribernik, Head of region’s economic policy: “Joining forces The new Forestry Education Centre in Centre for Energy at the AIT Austrian In- in the fields of economics, education and Traunkirchen, Upper Austria, has opened stitute of Technology and NEFI alliance research in the sense of intelligent spe- a real flagship project for climate-friendly coordinator. cialization creates a strategic competitive construction and renovation. The campus comprises three buildings; administrative, school and accommodation, all of which comply with the “Klimaaktiv” Gold Stand- ard for climate protection and thus the highest energy and ecological standards. It’s a flagship project that raises the bar for subsequent construction projects.

UPPER AUSTRIA Area in km² * 11,980 Population * 1,473,700 Green light for the new economic and research strategies: Wilfried Enzenhofer (Managing Director of Companies *** 99,692 Upper Austrian Research), State Governor Thomas Stelzer, Economy and Research Officer Michael Strugl, Workforce *** 755,675 Christoph Breitschopf (Managing Director of Profactor GmbH), Florian Konradl (Program Manager Cabin ** Retrofit, FACC Operations GmbH), Werner Pamminger (Managing Director of Business Upper Austria). Gross Regional Product 59,957 Mill. Euro * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

2019 59 companies and innovative small to medium sized businesses. They stand for quality and progress as well as the attractive life and work conditions for which the business location of Salzburg is renowned.” The FFG provides support for such companies with the financing and processing of their research and development projects. Kässbohrer Transport Technik GmbH, based in Eugendorf near Salzburg, is the leading European manufacturer of vehicle transporters. Copa-Data GmbH is known above all for its platform-independent and open automation software “Zenon”, which Competitive Edge is currently running on more than 135,000 systems in more than 90 countries. “Jobs through Innovation” recognises compa- through Knowledge nies that demonstrate outstanding economic development thanks to innovative Salzburg is one of the most competitive regions products or services whilst also offering in Europe – due to well-established companies their employees above-average working conditions. Per federal state, one major as well as international relocations. The federal enterprise and one small to medium en- state focuses on science and research. terprise are selected to receive awards. • TEXT: Gisela Gary CLIMATE PROTECTION AND ENERGY POLICY he federal government’s main focus both great and innovative companies as Another key topic for the future is climate Tfor 2019 will be on science and re- well as exceptionally hard-working and protection and energy policy and meas- search for which new incentives will be well-trained employees”, intones State ures pertaining thereto are to be finalised created with the help of a €4mn boost. Governor Wilfried Haslauer. Kässbohrer at the European level over the course of Social welfare, labour market, childcare, Transport Technik and Copa-Data are 2019: “It’s important to me that this plan residential housing, environment and en- the Salzburg state champions of the 2018 be closely coordinated with all the federal ergy also form part of the local govern- “Jobs through Innovation” initiative. “With states. Almost all sectors; transport, en- ment’s efforts to further strengthen and its high living standard and very good ergy, building renovation concern the core expand the location of Salzburg. environmental quality, Salzburg counts responsibilities of the federal states and “Economic success is always based on as one of Europe’s more innovative and involve significant costs and investment. successful cooperation between employ- competitive regions”, enthuses Henrietta Thus, on the one hand, a closely coordi- ers and employees. Companies need moti- Egerth, Managing Director of the Re- nated approach is required, as well as the vated and well-trained professionals who search Promotion Agency (FFG). “This targeted financial commitment of the fed- are also dedicated and take enjoyment in very good standing is based on the pres- eral government in order to achieve these the company’s success. We in Salzburg ence of companies such as Kässbohrer ambitious goals. With its master plan for are in the fortunate position of having and Copa-Data, dedicated family-run climate protection and energy, Salzburg has already sent clear signals and taken concrete steps towards achieving these goals with subsidised funding for rede- velopment within the Housing Promotion, but also with huge emphasis on public transport investments in the current budget for 2019”, said Haslauer.

SALZBURG Area in km² * 7,156 Population * 552,600 Companies *** 45,200 Workforce *** 322,099 Kässbohrer Transport Technik and Copa-Data are the Salzburg state champions ** of the 2018 „Jobs through Innovation“ initiative. Gross Regional Product 26,683 Mill. Euro * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

60 2019 Spectacular Architecture – successful company, in the middle of the Tyrolean mountains, in Lienz.

Innovative and Totally Digital The State of Tyrol supports companies as well as efficiently bridge the gap between business and technology”, enthuses Marcus start-ups with their digitalisation projects and with Hofer, Managing Director of the Tirole- competitiveness. Consultancy services which go an Business Agency. With this in mind, the digital.tirol platform, a joint venture way beyond what one would normally consider as launched at the beginning of 2018 be- support are part of the current location strategy. tween The Tyrolean Business Agency, the Federation of Austrian Industry, the • TEXT: Gisela Gary Chamber of Commerce and the Associa- tion for Business Consulting, Bookkeep- s part of the digitalisation offensive, rolean digitalisation grants. So far, 14 of the ing and IT (UBIT) organized network Athe State of Tyrol set up three new subsidised projects account for an agreed meetings in order to give Tyrolean com- grants at the beginning of 2018 in order to sum of €1.7mn in grants which has, in turn, panies an overview of current research support Tyrolean companies with their fur- attracted just under €10mn in investments”, results and technologies. The goal of the ther development and the implementation explains Patrizia Zoller-Frischauf, Council- “Tyrol 2050 Energy Autonomous” project of their digital projects. Above all, these lor for the Economy. The Tyrolean Digitali- is for the State of Tyrol to be free from include advice services concerning their sation Grant focuses on the further develop- fossil fuels, and therefore greenhouse corporate planning in the context of the ment of companies along their entire value gases, by the year 2050. By then, energy “consultation grant” as well as investments chain. “In doing so, we support Tyrolean consumption is to have been halved and in in-house digitalisation measures along companies in actually realising success and renewables increased by about 30 per- with concept and training measures in the in profiting from their investment in digi- cent. Deputy Governor Ingrid Felipe and scope of the “Tyrolean Digitalisation Grant”. talisation projects”, states Zoller-Frischauf Josef Geisler, are the competent council- “Since the beginning of the year, 29 consul- of the significance of “digital transforma- lors representing the state in the Tyrol tation grants have awarded and 49 of the tion” for companies. The Tyrolean Business 2050 team: “Only cross-competency co- submitted projects have been awarded Ty- Agency advises on all three state grants. operation will bring us closer to the climate protection goals which have been TECHNOLOGY set. Transport and residential housing TRANSFER AND are just as much a part thereof as the CORPORATE energy industry.” This represents a heat- DEVELOPMENT ing oil saving of around 300mn litres per “The technological possi- year which, in turn, corresponds to a CO2 bilities of digitalisation are saving of around 900,000 tons per year. evolving at a rapid pace, © Durst Phototechnik Digital Technology, Die Fotografen whereas it’s becoming increasingly difficult for companies to keep pace with or TYROL adapt their business models Area in km² * 12,640 and existing internal pro- Population * 751,200 cesses and structures to Companies *** 55,847 them. In order for companies State councillors, Josef Geisler und Ingrid Felipe, are firmly Workforce *** 342,934 to remain on the road to suc- behind the state‘s goal of freeing Tyrol of fossil fuels and ** greenhouse gases by 2015. cess, digitalisation needs to Gross Regional Product 32,479 Mill. Euro * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

2019 61 on a solid fiscal policy. “Thereby, we’re in Fresh Winds in a position to create room for investment in all key areas; in employment, in education and research, in infrastructure and Vorarlberg residential housing and in digitalisation”, explains State Governor, Markus Wallner. Vorarlberg claims to be a strong produc- Vorarlberg‘s economy is characterised by a high tion location, exports are at record levels, level of stability. Family businesses in particular, trade and services are recording over- which continuously increase their services in average growth and the tourism sector’s success story from summer is continuing the business and craft sectors, represent the into winter just as strongly. backbone of the federal state. • TEXT: Gisela Gary IN THE HEART OF EUROPE With its activities, the Wirtschafts- orarlberg’s economy is growing, it’s trade and craft sectors are providing for Standort Vorarlberg GmbH (Vorarlberg Vstable and Vorarlberg can be proud growth. Manufacturers of metal products Business Agency-WISTO) strengthens of its export power which, at 60 percent, and the construction industry are also the innovation and economic power of the makes Vorarlberg Austria’s top exporter. significant growth drivers in this regard. federal state. The focal point of its efforts Above all, it’s the state’s resident indus- In order to maintain this high level of eco- is advice on location development as well tries that are causing the fresh winds. nomic performance, the state intends to as business relocation. The four-country Production is stable at a very high level, continue making every effort to create and region of Bodensee is one of the most eco- and it’s the family-run businesses in par- implement ideal framework conditions. In nomically dynamic regions in Europe. For ticular which are responsible for it and the doing so, Vorarlberg continues to focus many companies, the position in the centre of Europe is crucial; 80 percent of the federal state is comprised of state borders. Thus, the road to the most important markets as well as cross-state research and cooperation projects is never long. Most of the companies resident in Vorarlberg have settled in the metropolitan region of Rheintal-Walgau. Leading companies here include Haberkorn, Sika, Rhomberg, Hilti, Rauch, Blum, Liebherr, Wolford and Mondelēz to name but a few. The research facilities in Vorarlberg have an important role to play as knowledge providers and also as cooperation partners for private Outstanding congress location: sector R&D. In doing so, intensive cooper- The Bregenz Festspielhaus received ation between the research facilities and the AIPC Apex Award in London. the regional economy are a success factor for innovation. A veritable slew of grant

62 2019 Cable car know-how from Vorarlberg is a major export success – cabins from Vorarlberg have been exported to Dubai, Bolivia or China.

and funding options for operational and Bregenz is one of the three best congress cooperative innovation and R&D projects centres in the world, and recently received VORARLBERG is available at every level, be it regional, the “AIPC Award 2018” in London, which Area in km² * 2,602 national or EU. Vorarlberg’s ideal posi- is awarded by the International Asso- Population * 391,700 tion is also greatly appreciated by inter- ciation of Convention Centres every two Companies *** 24,771 national congress providers, who equally years. Workforce *** 181,483 appreciate an opportunity to visit Bregenz Gross Regional Product ** 17,270 Mill. Euro itself. The Festspiel and Kongresshaus in © Österreich Werbung/Popp-Hackner, Bruno Klomfar/Bregenz, Doppelmayr * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

There is huge sectoral diversity In this interview Joachim Heinzl, CEO of Wirtschafts- Standort Vorarlberg GmbH (WISTO), describes Austria’s westernmost province as an “economic multi-talent”. • INTERVIEW: Helmut Wolf

the diversity of its companies and its en- automotive suppliers to crane and rope- trepreneurial spirit. The province brings way manufacturers, from packaging and together large, globally active companies logistics specialists to food producers and with a wealth of highly specialised SMEs from energy and environmental systems and young, creative enterprises. Key suc- to construction technology. cess factors also include Vorarlberg’s Vorarlberg’s economic landscape is well highly committed and extremely loyal integrated. What can international com- workforce and efficient networks. panies expect when they settle here? Companies coming to Vorarlberg find The production sector in particular is a flexible economic region that is very viewed in Vorarlberg as an economic mo- open to newcomers and reacts quickly to tor. What are its focuses? changes in global markets. In addition to Globalisation is having an enormous in- Vorarlberg is Austria’s most industri- its strong economy the region offers the fluence on many regions of Europe. Yet alised province: Industry is responsible combination of a good infrastructure, ef- Vorarlberg is still competing strongly. for around 30 per cent of regional value ficient administrative structures and a What are the success factors? creation and Vorarlberg is notable for unique landscape and quality of life. Vorarlberg’s economy is most notable for the diversity of its technology-driven and its enormous innovative energy and for future-oriented sectors: These range from © WISTO/Walser

2019 63 Top Location with Growth Potential Styria has developed from an industrial state into an international technology location. Research and development is highly popular with companies and is strongly supported by the state. However, the green federal state also keeps ahead of the competition in terms of climate and environmental protection. • TEXT: Gisela Gary

in Styria (ICMPPE und Digital Mobility) Gleisdorf Town won the Austrian Society for and were thereby able to seamlessly con- Environment and Technology (ÖGUT) prize in tinue their research work. In total, Styria is the „Sustainable Community“ category for their involved in 25 of the 44 competence cen- „Development and Implementation of the tres located throughout Austria, 19 of which Methodology of Special Energy Planning“ project. have their headquarters in Styria itself. Among others, these include the Virtual Vehicle Research Centre in Graz which is part of the €48mn heavy COMET research program: “K2 Digital Mobility”.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY Notwithstanding, Styria is also playing an exemplary and future orientated role in the issue of climate and environment protection. The town of Gleisdorf has set its sights on being CO2 neutral by 2050. In 2018, Gleisdorf won the Austrian Society for Environment and Technology (ÖGUT) prize in the “Sustainable Community” category for their “Development and Imple- mentation of the Methodology of Special tyria asserts itself as the location in jects with a funding volume of €41.7mn. Energy Planning” project. Five years ago, SAustria for research and development. The Styrian Business Development Agen- Gleisdorf Town initiated a development Growth through innovation is the slogan cy (SFG) supported 2,326 projects with a process during which it became clear that for the Styrian Economic Strategy 2025 volume of €40.2mn. As a result, total cor- there was a need for coordination not only whereby companies are actively sup- porate investments in the Styrian busi- between the urban development concept ported. Mobility, eco and health tech are ness location amounted to €284.7mn. and zoning plan, but also with the spatial keys issues for Styrian companies. How- This commitment is also reflected in energy plan. The aim was to develop and ever, the demand for qualified staff is high the number of newly founded companies integrate a sovereign, integrated spatial and is one of the main challenges of the in the region: Around 40 percent of the energy plan. In doing so, the involvement coming years. Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, start-up companies in 2017 were located in of both the relevant stakeholders and the Councillor for Economic Affairs, empha- the central Graz area. In 2017, Styria was community proved decisive. The results sises three priorities which stand at the again able to record the highest R&D quote therefrom have already been incorporat- centre of the regional of all the federal states. ed into urban development concepts, zon- economy: Strengthen- Thereby, the COMET ing plans and further projects (i.e.: District ing the economy in the Program could continue heating, sanitation, stimulus incentives, region; measures to as- to be used as position- public transport, cycle traffic, cross-com- sist companies in taking tool not least thanks munity cooperation etc.). ing advantage of the to the solid cooperation © Land Steiermark, Bergsteiger opportunities offered between the research by digitalisation; and facilities and companies. STYRIA the further expansion Funding from three al- Area in km² * 16,401 of research, develop- ready existing COMET Population * 1,240,300 ment and innovation. Economic and European State Councillor Centres (K2) was ex- Barbara Eibinger-Miedl is President Companies *** 88,653 In 2017 the Styrian tended in 2017. Two of of the „Automotive Intergroup“ of the Workforce *** 549,118 Ministry for Economics the three research cen- Regional EU Committee. Digitalisation is ** processed 2,414 pro- the key word of the future. tres are headquartered Gross Regional Product 44,283 Mill. Euro * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

64 2019 Where business happens: Villach supports entrepreneurs, currently by founding pop-up stores.

Bilčovs, Mallnitz, Schiefling, Seeboden Growth plus and the host community of Weißenstein, as highest newcomer, were awarded four Tourism “e” awards in the second highest category. ECONOMIC INCENTIVES Austria‘s most southerly federal state is best known The “my pop-up store” competition held by the Carinthian Economic Develop- for its tourism. Thus, its economic growth and also ment Fund (KWF) in the City of Villach the well-renowned companies that spur Carinthia and the State of Carinthia assists with the implementation of creative business on and strengthen its economic growth are often ideas. In the course of these competitions, overlooked. • TEXT: Gisela Gary a business premises is provided in which a “pop-up store” will be funded for half a year thereby supporting local and region- longside tourism, Carinthia’s all-year as a company. “The start-up projects are al development and creating new eco- Amainstay, the state also scores highly based on the training options offered at nomic incentives. The first pop-up-store, in the fields of technology, services, export the Alpen-Adriatic University in Klagen- “Babybox”, opened its doors in December. and research. The Carinthian Economic furt and also at the Carinthia Polytechnic The Mayor of Villach, Günther Albel, is Development Fund (Wirtschaftsförder- and fit perfectly into the State of Carin- delighted about the funding of innova- ungsfond - KWF) supports compa- thia’s economic and technology location tive companies: “In the competition for nies with their future viability ranging strategy”, explains Robert Gfrerer, Man- winning customers favour, our city cen- from SME’s to large and also with busi- aging Director of “build!”. More than half tre currently scores highly, particularly ness creation and start-ups. “build!” the of the companies founded are in the ICT with its individuality”. The pop-up store Carinthian Company Foundation Centre sector, followed by environment & energy, tenants change every few months. Gaby (Gründerzentrum Kärntens) has assisted materials & industry and the life sciences. Schaunig, acting governor and consultant with 137 projects since 2002, 90 percent An equally large number of innova- for economic development for the State of of which are still active and successful tions in the field of energy concepts also Carinthia is convinced of the multi-use happen to come from Carinthia. A grand initiative: “Carinthia is a state of creative total of 14 Carinthian communities re- minds and inspiring ideas. Our major con- cently received European e5 awards with cern, the supporting of small and medium five of which going to Eisenkappel and sized companies in realising their visions, four to Arnoldstein-Weißenstein. “The is now also being implemented in Villach.”

innumerable flagship projects show the © Land Kärnten, Angermann innovative strength of the Carinthian e5 communities to sustainably reduce their CARINTHIA energy consumption and rely on regional Area in km² * 9,538 renewable energy sources. Thereby, the Population * 560,900 contribution made to protecting the cli- Companies *** 41,413 mate and to energy transition is priceless”, Workforce *** 231,533 says Sara Schar, Councillor for the Envi- Mallnitz is just one of the e5 communities ** with an exemplary energy concept. ronment & Energy. Diex, Ludmannsdorf/ Gross Regional Product 19,262 Mill. Euro * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

2019 65 The Lakeside Science & Technology Park in the South of the Wörthersee – a dynamic campus for business, research and education.

Carinthia: On track to becoming Europe’s Silicon Valley Located in the heart of Europe, sourrounded by Italy and Slovenia – Carinthia not only convinces visitors with its wonderful landscape, crystal-clear lakes and image as a paradise for skiing fans, but also enjoys a reputation for technological excellence.

Leading international companies such as production of 300 millimetre thin wafers with An Eldorado for researchers Infi neon are working here alongside re- a research and development complex, is Carinthia’s profound commercial know- search-intensive SMEs to chart the course being built on a 60,000 square metre site in how is enhanced by its attractive research for future developments in such fi elds as Villach. Infi neon Austria is seen as a ‘jewel in landscape. Five non-university research electronics, microelectronics, mechatronics, the crown’ of the international group. With its centres – plus the research work carried out sensors and robotics. “Made in Carinthia” products the company at Alpen-Adria University and the Carinthia is one of the global leaders in the area of University of Applied Sciences – contribute A hotspot for the power electronics. to the province’s high degree of innovation. microelectronics sector The largest of these non-univer- Microelectronics and nanoelec- sity research centres, Carinthian tronics form the backbone of Tech Research (CTR), is one of digitalisation. Over the course Austria’s leading research institu- of the past few years the major tions in the fi elds of intelligent Carinthian town of Villach has sensors and system integration. developed into a hotspot for In future, the CTR is set to be one the sector. The most important of the three locations (Villach, name here is Infi neon Technolo- Graz, Linz) of Silicon Austria Labs. gies – Austria’s leading research A network of science and company. In November, Infi neon business off ers cutting-edge marked the latest 1.6-billion-euro From left: Federal Chancellor research in the area of electron- investment in its Villach facility Sebastian Kurz, Infi neon Austria ics-based systems. During the CEO Sabine Herlitschka, Carin- with a star-studded groundbreak- thia’s Provincial Governor Peter development phase between ing ceremony. Kaiser and Infi neon CEO Rein- now and 2023 a total of 280 The world’s most advanced mi- hard Ploss at the groundbreaking million euros will be invested in crochip production facility, which ceremony in Villach. the creation of Silicon Austria will combine the fully automated Labs and the establishment of

66 PROMOTION 2019 a research alliance that will be focussed on these future technologies and seen Visualisation of the globally as a driver of digitalisation and the 1.6-billion-euro development European economy. From 2023, around of Inﬁ neon’s Villach facility. 160 researchers carrying out both fundamental and applied research in the fi eld of “sensors & power electronics” will be based at the High Tech Campus Villach, the Carinthian home of Silicon Austria Labs.

The right place for ICT companies Whereas Villach is the home of microelectronics, the provincial capital of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is a centre for information and communication technology. The 34,000-square-metre Lakeside Science & Technology Park has become the focus of an ICT campus that off ers optimal syner- gies between companies, researchers and educational institutions. It currently hosts 70 companies with around 1,300 employees, three non-university research facilities, the Education Lab and Carinthia’s start-up incubator “build!” By the time the campus is complete this population will have doubled. This innovative environment provides an optimal framework for the research projects of Expansion of the innovation campus Why do companies like Carinthia? the Robotics Institute of Joanneum Research Lakeside Science & Technology Park is also One of Carinthia’s attractions is its location and Lakeside Labs, which specialises in seen by Austria’s Infrastructure Minister on both the Baltic-Adriatic and Tauern “self-organising networked systems”. Norbert Hofer as a successful model for Corridors. Distances in the region are strategic regional development. In this spirit, short and there is an attractive research 5G digital innovation hub Phase 5 was launched in summer 2018 landscape, a welcoming culture on both Carinthia is currently designing a digital while plans for Phase 6 were unveiled at the the economic and the social levels and a innovation hub in the Lakeside Science & end of the year. Together, the two phases well-trained, loyal and productive work- Technology Park and the Carinthian represent a total investment of 30 force. Carinthia’s business-friendly policies 5G Playground. Local businesses million euros and will provide an provide companies with a stable environ- and research facilities will be extra 9,000 square metres for in- ment, a good funding structure and the able to use the Playground to novative companies that would like security and certainty that permit them to test and research the innovations to move to the park. 1,600 of these plan for the future. These location factors of tomorrow. The hub will off er square metres are currently being are enhanced by Carinthia’s unique quality Carinthian companies a wide range transformed into a new laboratory of life, embedded between mountains and of innovative digital services and advise and for the Robotics Institute and the research- crystal-clear lakes, a lifestyle with a certain accompany them as they enter the digital ers of Klagenfurt’s Alpen-Adria University in southern fl air, a family-friendly environment age. Both projects should be completed at the form of a six-metre-high indoor fl ying hall and an excellent system of schools and the beginning of 2020. for drones that is unique in Austria. higher education.

BABEG | INVEST IN CARINTHIA In future, Silicon International Investment Service Austria Labs in Villach will be home to 160 Mag. Michael Zwantschko researchers focus- Tel.: +43 (0)463 90 82 90-17 sing on the ﬁ elds of sensors and power Email: [email protected] electronics. www.investincarinthia.at Lakeside Park, Infineon/Höher, Infineon, Park, BABEG/diameter Lakeside ©

2019 PROMOTION 67 “The economic strategy of the province has focussed on innovation and research. The area around Infineon and the High Tech Campus in Villach has become a hotspot for microelectronics and sensors.”

Lakeside Science & Technology Park has Carinthia: already received a number of international awards. How important is it for Carinthia? When we established Lakeside Science & Innovative Technology Park in 2003 our vision was to create a campus for business, research and education. Today, Lakeside Park has devel- Technology Hub oped into an international award-winning place of innovation. The 3,400-square- in the South metre “Education Lab” is a platform for experimental learning in the STEM fi elds that is unique in Europe. Today, the 34,000 Hans Schönegger, Managing Director of square metres of the park are home to BABEG, on the development of Austria’s around 70 companies, 1,300 employees, three research institutions, the Education southernmost province into a place of Lab and a start-up incubator, all working innovation with the potential to become on the innovations of tomorrow. The occupancy rate of the park is 96 per a high-tech hub at the heart of Europe cent. Last year we confi rmed plans for an • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl expansion of 9,000 square metres for innovative companies and further research.

Over the course of the past few years Both locations are notable for their in- What can we expect from Carinthia in Carinthia has developed into a region novative SMEs and leading international 2019? of innovation. The numbers of new com- companies and enjoy excellent links with We are constantly seeking to keep our panies and corporate relocations have non-university research institutions such fi nger on the pulse. This is why we are reached record levels. How has Carinthia as CTR (Carinthian Tech Research – currently involved in implementation and achieved this? which is to become part of Silicon Austria coordination work for a 5G Playground The economic strategy of the province has Labs), the Lakeside Labs or Joanneum and a digital innovation hub. The digital focussed on innovation and research. The Research, etc. as well as Alpen-Adria Uni- innovation hub will be based in the Lake- area around Infi neon and the High Tech versity in Klagenfurt or Carinthia Univer- side Park as a digital competence centre. Campus in Villach has become a hotspot sity of Applied Sciences. This is an ideal The 5G Playground will be available to for microelectronics and sensors. Lakeside mix, in which innovation is supported and Carinthian companies and research insti- Science & Technology Park in Klagenfurt new technologies are able to emerge, as tutions from the beginning of 2020 as a is positioning itself internationally as an exemplifi ed by Infi neon’s investment of testing ground for new technologies. attractive innovation campus with optimal 1.6 billion euros in the expansion of its connections to research and education. Villach facility. © BABEG/Puch

8068 2019 BABEG_Anzeige_D+E_210×280+_4c_2019-01-03_RZ_210×280mm 03.01.1911:14Seite2

Photo © Lakeside Park|E.C.O. www.investincarinthia.at www.investincarinthia.at Carinthia and high quality and of high quality life for its technological for innovation its technological in in a region prized Expand, Expand, invest and work Vienna – a Top Location for Companies Corporate relocations ienna is benefitting more than ever tions was achieved. This record is the result Vfrom its special location at the Heart of of the intensive joint efforts of the ABA and create investment Europe: In around an hour, for example, you the Vienna Business Agency. and jobs. can reach Bratislava by car or train, while The latest example is the Industrial and Budapest is just two and a half hours away. Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Chi- • TEXT: Vanessa Haidvogl Hence, as an innovative and dynamic busi- na’s largest bank. Opened in 2018, the new ness location, the federal capital continues office will be the company’s headquarters to be in the focus of both Austrian and in- in the CEE Region and will oversee all its ternational companies: In 2017 another new activities in Central and Eastern Europe record of 191 international corporate reloca- and Scandinavia.

70 2019 rity situation, the well-structured public transport network and the many cultural facilities and leisure options. The survey is based on the opinions of “expats” – workers who spend a number of years abroad. It is no surprise that more and more people are attracted to such a liveable city. The population of the federal capital should reach two million by 2027. And the city is working to ensure that this excellent quality of life is also retained for future generations: Important infrastructure projects such as Vienna’s new Central Station and extensions to the U1, U2, U3 and U6 underground railway lines have already been completed and the development of the network in the shape of the new U5 and a further extension of the U2 is also on track.

AN AGREEMENT FOR THE FUTURE FOR VIENNA In order to guarantee the future of Vienna as a successful location for living, working and doing business the City of Vienna and the Vienna Economic Chamber have developed a joint working programme. The Mayor, Michael Ludwig, and Walter Ruck, President of the Economic Cham- ber, signed this “Zukunftsvereinbarung” in July 2018. The focuses of the agreement include a reduction in the bureaucratic burden on companies, the training of skilled work- NEW JOBS 9,098 new companies the city was re- ers and an internationalisation offensive. The most common feedback from compa- sponsible for 22.7 per cent of the total For example, the use of e-government ap- nies settling in Vienna is that they particu- for the whole of Austria. This represents plications is to be expanded and another larly prize the excellent infrastructure, the around 25 newly established companies of the many objectives of the agreement stability and the resulting planning cer- every day. is to speed up the approvals process for tainty. The record numbers also show that, industrial projects. rather than merely being buzzwords, ‘in- THE CITY WITH THE HIGHEST © Wien Tourismus/Stemper ternational, modern and cosmopolitan’ are QUALITY OF LIVING WORLDWIDE concrete location factors that guarantee Nowhere in the world is life as good as it is investment, value creation and jobs in the in Vienna. In 2018 the international con- VIENNA city. The 191 corporate relocations in 2017 sulting company Mercer named Austria’s Area in km² * 414 triggered total investment of 537.1 million federal capital as the city – from the 231 Population * 1,889,100 euros (a rise of 86.5 per cent over the pre- that it surveyed – with the highest quality Companies *** 127,957 vious year) and created 1,087 new jobs. of living worldwide for the ninth year in a Workforce *** 1,182,024 In 2017 Vienna also remained at the row. The most decisive factors behind this ** fore in terms of business creation. With renewed top position were the good secu- Gross Regional Product 90,111 Mill. Euro * 2018 ** 2017 *** 2016 Source: Statistik Austria

2019 71 Predominantly built from timber: the new office and residential building at Anschützgasse 1 in Vienna’s 15th district.

45 Projects for Vienna WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung is currently working on 45 projects in 16 of Vienna’s districts. Managing Directors Josef Herwei and Stephan Barasits speak about the tasks facing the city’s real estate company. • TEXT: Vanessa Haidvogl

roject development, construction pro- overall coordinator of the development laa site. A number of school building pro- Pject management and property man- of the site and its infrastructure,” says jects are also set to get underway or be agement: These are the three areas of Managing Director Stephan Barasits. The completed in the near future. And WSE responsibility of WSE Wiener Standortent- projects STAR22, OASE22 and OASE22+ concluded the two-stage commercialisa- wicklung GmbH. Established as Wiener transformed a former industrial area in tion of the Eichenstraße 1 property at the Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft in 2001, Donaustadt into a modern office and resi- beginning of 2019. when it was given responsibility for the dential complex. WSE is also providing development, implementation and man- urban design and development know-how PROPERTY MANAGEMENT agement of important real estate projects for the conversion of the former Leopoldau In its role as parent company of Wiener and urban development areas, the munici- gasworks. Messe Besitz GmbH (MBG) WSE has many pal enterprise became part of Wien Hold- A successful current example of WSE’s years of experience of looking after large ing in 2003. Today, over 50 employees are work in the area of construction pro- properties. “Vienna’s exhibition and con- working on a total of 45 projects in almost ject management is the City of Vienna’s gress centre was completed and opened in every corner of the city. school expansion programme, which has 2004. MBG ensures that the building and “Innovative energy, research, creativ- been running since 2013. “The projects its infrastructure remain at the technologi- ity and technology are all at home in Vi- of the WSE subsidiary WIP Wiener In- cal cutting edge,” says Josef Herwei. enna. And WSE creates the spaces and frastruktur Projekt GmbH include new In addition to this, WSE’s team looks surroundings in which they can thrive,” buildings and extensions in the educa- after such properties as the Breitensee explains WSE’s Managing Director Josef tional field – most of which are realised Business Park, the Jewish Museum of the Herwei. “Our many years of experience in just a few months without interrupt- City of Vienna, Haus der Musik, the An- and expertise, combined with the corpo- ing normal school operations,” explains schützgasse 1 office building and the City rate structure of Wien Holding, mean that Barasits. WSE is also responsible for the of Vienna’s Computer Centre. we can realise complex projects.” construction project management of the © Fürnkranz development and realisation of Breiten- PROJECT DEVELOPMENT see Business Park and the project at An- WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung GmbH schützgasse 1. AND CONSTRUCTION WSE, a subsidiary of Wien Holding, PROJECT MANAGEMENT The programme for 2019 includes the is the initiator and central point of WSE develops both individual buildings further development of the Neu Marx me- contact for sustainable urban and entire building complexes. “At Neu dia, technology and research complex, the development projects in Vienna. Marx, for example, which is the City of Vi- final marketing of Neu Leopoldau and the www.wse.at enna’s former abattoir, WSE acted as the completion of the rezoning of the Ober-

72 2019 © schreinerkastler.at www.aspern-seestadt.at/SPQ Seestadt in Vienna‘saspern Business Hub+QualityofLife QUARTER PARK LAKESIDE

more than accommodation for offices, retail, F&Bandservices Car-Sharing, chargingstations communal carparks for localsuppliersandeateries for professors including 14 230.000 m² 140 50.000 m² station andtheLakesidePark situated adjacenttounderground capacity for kindergarten +communalcollege 700 20.000 innovative projects, innovative projects, privatelyfinancedflats serviced academic apartments servicedacademicapartments 5 30

high-rises m² 900 ground floorunits pedestrianzone rental spacefor cars in carsin gross floorspace 350 students

A Location for Thousands of Jobs Hafen Wien continues to grow. An interview with Managing Director Fritz Lehr about the strategies behind this commercial success – and some impressive corporate numbers. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

sites owned by Hafen Wien such as “Areal Sea, the strength of Hafen Wien is its HQ7”. The six-hectare site in Simmering role as Austria’s largest trimodal logis- is home to offices, workshops, warehous- tics centre. By simultaneously connecting es, garages and parking spaces. waterborne, rail and road-based modes of transport it offers the ideal location for Do you have plans for expansion and in- the transshipment, container-based stor- vestment in 2019? age and handling of a vast range of goods. In 2019 we will continue to invest in flood Many of the products that are offered protection measures in Albern. And we will or processed in Vienna are transhipped also invest in refurbishing the car terminal. via Hafen Wien. This is clearly illustrated “Every fifth car in Austria by the figure of over 400,000 containers passes through Hafen Can you give us a few numbers that un- per year. The importance of the location is derline the scale of Hafen Wien as a lo- also demonstrated by the number of cars Wien before moving gistics transshipment centre? it handles: every fifth car in Austria pass- Following its record results of 2016 Hafen es through Hafen Wien before moving on on to the showroom Wien was again able to increase both to the showroom or end customer. or end customer.” turnover and profits in 2017. The turnover of 58.1 million euros represents an Hafen Wien also lets property. What sort increase of 2.3 per cent in comparison of property is available? with the previous year. At the same time, Hafen Wien lets properties ranging from Hafen Wien invested heavily in 2017 with small 20-square-metre offices to indus- the total figure of 18.7 million euros rep- trial units covering 80,000 square metres. resenting more than twice the 7.9 million The largest public port on the Danube in Which measures have played a decisive euros invested in 2016. Austria originally consisted of Freudenau role in the commercial success of Hafen In addition to the companies of the and Albern harbours and the oil terminal. Wien? Hafen Wien Group the port area of over Offices, industrial units and open spaces Our strategy of consistently strengthen- three million square metres is also home with a wide range of sizes are let right ing Hafen Wien has enabled us to deci- to more than 100 companies from the lo- across the area. In addition to this, ar- sively improve our competitiveness. To gistics and transport sectors as well as eas for logistics companies are available offer just a few examples, we now have other industries. And the location is also in Albern industrial zone, in the vicinity more storage space and floor space than home to a total of over 5,000 jobs. of the A23 and in Vienna’s 3rd and 22nd ever and have also restructured the areas districts. And, as already mentioned, 2017 of the car terminal and introduced digi- What is the importance of Hafen Wien also saw the successful acquisition of the tal systems to improve the handling of for Business Location Vienna? HQ7 industrial zone in Simmering. trucks. We have succeeded in convincing Located 2,000 kilometres from the Black a number of new companies to locate to Sea and 1,500 kilometres from the North © Feel Image

74 2019 BUILDING THE FUTURE

WHAT WILL THE CITIES OF THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE? WHAT DOES SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MEAN? WHAT WILL PEOPLE AND THE ECONOMY NEED IN 30, 50 OR 100 YEARS? WE FIND ANSWERS. WE SPECIALISE IN DIFFICULT TASKS. WE DON‘T PLAN FOR TODAY, WE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE AND GENERATIONS TO COME. WITH OUR PROJECTS WE CREATE SPACE FOR THE INDUSTRIES OF TOMORROW – FOR VIENNA AND FOR ITS CITIZENS. DEVELOPMENT IS OUR PASSION. WE ARE BUILDING THE FUTURE.

WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung www.wse.at The Post is building a parcel centre on a site of 75,000 square metres in Hagenbrunn that is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019.

Online Retailing Drives Logistics Investments

Investments in logistics real estate are booming volumes in Austria since 2008. The increase in this share since 2015, when the across Europe. But while investors are also very record level of five per cent was reached, interested in Austria, there is only a limited range is striking. According to EHL Immobilien the sector’s share of the total transaction of objects on the market. • TEXT: Patrick Baldia volume of four billion euros in 2018 was three per cent. During the first quarter, for ne current investment trend in Europe a growth market. “The reasons for this are example, Frasers Property Investments Ois impossible to ignore: the increas- well-known: The growing online business acquired a logistics portfolio from Alpha ing appetite of investors for logistics real and the generally very good economic Industrial. And then, in the third quarter, estate. In 2017 the record sum of 40 bil- situation are influencing European logis- Palmira sold the Tec Center Lebring to lion euros (a 60 per cent increase on 2016) tics markets,” he states. Both tenants and Europa Capital. flowed into the asset class. Last year was a investors will focus on logistics properties “Thanks to the growth in online retail- little calmer but, according to the experts in or near to urban regions. As in 2018 ing logistics investments are undoubtedly of BNP Paribas Real Estate, this should in rental levels will rise by 2.5 per cent – a very promising, but in Austria there is no way be interpreted as a sign of declin- steeper rise is only being prevented by in- such a shortage of objects on the mar- ing investor interest. After all, the 14 bil- tense development activities. ket in this sector in particular that these lion euros invested in Europe in the first barely begin to satisfy the demand,” con- six months of 2018 was the second-highest AUSTRIA: firms EHL’s Head of Investment Franz six-month-total of all time. OWNER-OCCUPATION DOMINATES Pöltl. The reality is that the majority of Andreas Ridder, Managing Director Figures from CBRE show that industrial the most recent development projects Austria and Chairman CEE at CBRE, also and logistics real estate has accounted for are destined for owner-occupation. These continues to regard European logistics as an average of two per cent of investment include a parcel centre for the Post in

76 2019 Hagenbrunn that should start full opera- major cities, Liebsch believes that around tee the delivery of e-commerce goods,” he tions at the end of 2019. The end of the half of the existing space in Germany is says. Objects of between 5,000 and 7,000 year is also earmarked for the operational owner-occupied. “In Austria, the share is square metres are particularly sought af- start of a logistics centre of the XXX- even higher,” he adds ter but these are very hard to realise due Lutz Group in Zurndorf in Burgenland. to the lack of sites. But there are also exceptions, such as the IN DEMAND: OBJECTS IN In any event, around 66 per cent of Industrial Campus Vienna East, which is CENTRAL LOCATIONS the existing logistics space in the Vien- being built as a rental object by Deutsche The fact that more modern logistics real na region falls short of the requirements Logistik Holding (DLH) in Enzersdorf an estate is not being built for rental in Aus- placed upon modern logistics real estate. der Fischa and should be completed in tria is also due to the difficulty of finding According to Liebsch, this has to cover 2021. With an area of 170,000 square me- suitable sites. Experts point to a series of the needs of very many groups of poten- tres it will be Austria’s largest industrial factors. Alongside the high price of land tial tenants, which means that the count- and logistics centre. and zoning issues these also include to- less features that it has to incorporate “In the past it was unusual in Germany pography and, in particular, the prevalence include soil bearing capacity of at least and Austria to think about constructing of sloping sites. In addition to this, large five tonnes per square metre, free heights logistics buildings for rental purposes,” projects can often be politically unpopular of around 10.5 metres, column grids de- explains Andreas Liebsch, CEO of Go As- and subject to protests by neighbours. signed to provide maximum flexibility, an set Development. Most of these were built For Liebsch, the issue of city logistics is adequate number of docking stations, the for a company’s own use – often because currently extremely important in Austria potential for further subdivision and a there was no alternative. Given that the and, primarily, in Vienna. “In Vienna there high degree of building efficiency. past few years have seen the building of is huge demand for logistics real estate in logistics space for rental in and around very central locations in order to guaran- © Zech Group GmbH

The market for logistics real estate is on the upturn Sebastian Scheufele, Managing Partner of Modesta Real Estate, sees continuing demand for logistics properties. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

Is Austria facing a backlog in the con- fering from a backlog in the construction struction of logistics properties? of logistics properties. From today’s perspective the development of the logistics market in Austria is ex- Who is interested in logistics real estate? tremely satisfying. This has been boom- What do returns look like? ing for several years now and new devel- In terms of users it is the third party logis- opments around Vienna are proceeding tics service providers who are responsible apace. Western and Southern Austria are for the dynamic market but pharmaceuti- also on the radar of developers and the cal companies and their partners and on- estate has grown strongly in the past few first projects here are also being prepared line retailers are also providing a stimulus years and this trend is reflected in falling or are already under construction. Build- from the user side. It is not only investors returns. Five years ago it was impossible ing companies that specialise in industrial from the German-speaking Region who to imagine returns in top locations of six halls have full order books and this trend are sounding out the market. More Asian per cent or below but today this is normal. is not going to change either this year or, players are also positioning themselves Current top returns are around 5.5 per probably, in the near future. Despite this, – although rather than being limited to cent or, in some cases, even lower. however, a comparison with our closest Austria this trend can be seen across Eu- neighbours shows that Austria is still suf- rope. The attractiveness of logistics real © Modesta Real Estate

2019 77 Modern Living “The objective of each of our real estate projects is to improve the quality of life in urban districts through the development of modern apartments with high living standards and high-quality open-air spaces,” emphasises the Chairman of 6B47. A further example of this is the Laxenburger Straße residential project in The housing complex by 6B47 in Laxen- Vienna’s 10th District. This is being built on a burger Straße convinces visitors with its green location on the edge of the city. former industrial and commercial site containing an offi ce tower and two warehouses as well as further buildings. Having taken the initiative to rezone the site for residential use before acquiring it in partnership with a non- profi t housing developer 6B47 is now constructing 150 privately fi nanced apartments. A neighbourhood store will also enhance the existing infrastructure. Surrounded by green allotments in one of Vienna’s highest loca- 6B47 is developing a high-rise resi- tions the peaceful site is particularly notable dential project with a usable area for its high residential quality and the proxim- of 18,000 m² on Höchstädtplatz. ity of several much-loved recreational areas. Building work is projected to get underway in the third quarter of this year. The construction of a project in Vienna’s 20th District started in the second quarter of this year. In cooperation with a project The apartments in ‘Open Up!’ are partner 6B47 acquired a site on one of the notable for their fl exible fl oor plans Intelligent Concepts district’s busiest transport intersections, and generous ceiling heights. Höchstädtplatz, which was partly occupied In Austria, 6B47 has set itself the goal of developing state-of-the-art, fi rst-class residential by listed industrial buildings. Individual exist- buildings as its contribution to enhancing the quality of life in Vienna, the federal capital. ing buildings are now being partly or wholly demolished as part of the development while Viennese apartment building as its model ing off the attractive infrastructure. “As project others are undergoing a change of use and the company is realising a project close to developers we see ourselves as obliged to 6B47 Real Estate Investors AG is one of developed numerous projects in Austria, for existing objects. Many of the projects being transformed into residential buildings in Vienna’s new Central Station that is open take account of and refl ect upon new forms the leading real estate developers in the mostly in Vienna. And the pipeline for the that we have realised in recent years have close cooperation with the historic buildings to a range of uses on a leasehold site. The of residential living, social trends and future German-speaking region. Everything start- next few years is well-fi lled. been implemented on centrally located sites authorities. New buildings will be constructed building, which is scheduled for completion changes – and to implement these today, as ed in 2009 in Vienna, where the company One of the company’s focuses is the con- containing existing buildings. Wherever pos- to complete the ensemble. A total of around by the second quarter of 2020, is notable far as this is possible and logical,” says 6B47’s was established. Ten years later, 6B47 can version of existing objects. “This is certainly sible, we have developed new concepts for 35,000 square metres of usable for its highly fl exible fl oor plans Board Chairman Peter Ulm, before adding: point to an impressive track record of devel- one of our strengths,” says Peter Ulm, Chair- these existing buildings, which we have then space is being created on the and generous ceiling heights. The “Bearing in mind the increasing importance of oping commercial and residential property in man of the Board of 6B47. “We understand carefully refurbished.” A prime example of site, shared between six buildings. fl exible circulation and construction fl exibility and mobility it is clear that the apart- Austria, Germany and, most recently, Poland. how to develop intelligent concepts as a this approach is the Althan Park residential 6B47 is developing four of these, concepts mean that the 60 apartment of the future should also be fl exible and Since its founding, 6B47 has successfully means of upgrading and fi nding new uses building in Vienna’s 9th District. The project including a residential block with ments can be adapted in the future mobile. The ‘Open Up!’ initiative is a good involved the comprehensive refurbishment micro-apartments and a large-scale in line with all potential changes example of this trend.” of an empty offi ce building from the 1990s. residential building with new living of use. Furthermore, the structural Once the headquarters of the Austrian concepts for the generally young population grid, ceiling heights and circulation also meet Post Offi ce, the complex now contains 240 of the up-and-coming district. the requirements of any future commercial privately fi nanced apartments with a range This district development project by 6B47 use. The individual fl oors can be used as of sizes and fl oor plans, each of which has is injecting some new fl air into the traditional apartments or offi ces according to need. a dedicated open-air space. The footprint neighbourhood while also off ering attractive The apartments, which contain between 30 and the reinforced concrete structure of the accommodation to students from Austria’s and 80 square metres, are also designed in building were retained while the residential largest technically oriented university of such a way that they can be combined when units were integrated into the existing built applied sciences, which is located directly required. Each apartment will have an open- 6B47 REAL ESTATE INVESTORS AG substance. “The building was ideally suitable opposite the site. air space. In addition to this, the concept for adaptation into a residential complex. It includes generous communal spaces and 1190 Vienna, Heiligenstädter Lände 29 enjoys a prime central location and is notable The Viennese apartment off ers a range of opportunities for sharing that Phone: +43-1-350 10 10-0 for its excellent transport connections and building reloaded include communal washing machines, a ren- Fax: +43-1-350 10 10-50 infrastructure,” says Ulm. By the end of 2018 “Open Up! Das neue Wiener Zinshaus” tal service for tools and electrical machinery nearly all of the freehold apartments had (The new Viennese apartment building) is a and a bike station with bicycle workshop. The E-mail: offi [email protected] been sold and handed over to their new completely new residential concept that is ground fl oor will accommodate small shops, www.6B47.com owners. being championed by 6B47. Using the classic offi ces and restaurants as a means of round- The 240 residential units in Althan Park, which was completed at the end PROMOTION 78 of 2018, have nearly all been sold. 2019 © 6B47 REAL INVESTORS ESTATE AG Modern Living “The objective of each of our real estate projects is to improve the quality of life in urban districts through the development of modern apartments with high living standards and high-quality open-air spaces,” emphasises the Chairman of 6B47. A further example of this is the Laxenburger Straße residential project in The housing complex by 6B47 in Laxen- Vienna’s 10th District. This is being built on a burger Straße convinces visitors with its green location on the edge of the city. former industrial and commercial site containing an offi ce tower and two warehouses as well as further buildings. Having taken the initiative to rezone the site for residential use before acquiring it in partnership with a non- profi t housing developer 6B47 is now constructing 150 privately fi nanced apartments. A neighbourhood store will also enhance the existing infrastructure. Surrounded by green allotments in one of Vienna’s highest locations the peaceful site is particularly notable for its high residential quality and the proxim- ity of several much-loved recreational areas. Building work is projected to get underway in the third quarter of this year. The construction of a project in Vienna’s 20th District started in the second quarter of this year. In cooperation with a project The apartments in ‘Open Up!’ are partner 6B47 acquired a site on one of the notable for their fl exible fl oor plans district’s busiest transport intersections, and generous ceiling heights. Höchstädtplatz, which was partly occupied by listed industrial buildings. Individual existing buildings are now being partly or wholly demolished as part of the development while Viennese apartment building as its model ing off the attractive infrastructure. “As project others are undergoing a change of use and the company is realising a project close to developers we see ourselves as obliged to being transformed into residential buildings in Vienna’s new Central Station that is open take account of and refl ect upon new forms close cooperation with the historic buildings to a range of uses on a leasehold site. The of residential living, social trends and future authorities. New buildings will be constructed building, which is scheduled for completion changes – and to implement these today, as to complete the ensemble. A total of around by the second quarter of 2020, is notable far as this is possible and logical,” says 6B47’s 35,000 square metres of usable for its highly fl exible fl oor plans Board Chairman Peter Ulm, before adding: space is being created on the and generous ceiling heights. The “Bearing in mind the increasing importance of site, shared between six buildings. fl exible circulation and construction fl exibility and mobility it is clear that the apart- 6B47 is developing four of these, concepts mean that the 60 apartment of the future should also be fl exible and including a residential block with ments can be adapted in the future mobile. The ‘Open Up!’ initiative is a good micro-apartments and a large-scale in line with all potential changes example of this trend.” residential building with new living of use. Furthermore, the structural concepts for the generally young population grid, ceiling heights and circulation also meet of the up-and-coming district. the requirements of any future commercial This district development project by 6B47 use. The individual fl oors can be used as is injecting some new fl air into the traditional apartments or offi ces according to need. neighbourhood while also off ering attractive The apartments, which contain between 30 accommodation to students from Austria’s and 80 square metres, are also designed in largest technically oriented university of such a way that they can be combined when applied sciences, which is located directly required. Each apartment will have an open- 6B47 REAL ESTATE INVESTORS AG opposite the site. air space. In addition to this, the concept includes generous communal spaces and 1190 Vienna, Heiligenstädter Lände 29 The Viennese apartment off ers a range of opportunities for sharing that Phone: +43-1-350 10 10-0 building reloaded include communal washing machines, a ren- Fax: +43-1-350 10 10-50 “Open Up! Das neue Wiener Zinshaus” tal service for tools and electrical machinery (The new Viennese apartment building) is a and a bike station with bicycle workshop. The E-mail: offi [email protected] completely new residential concept that is ground fl oor will accommodate small shops, www.6B47.com being championed by 6B47. Using the classic offi ces and restaurants as a means of round-

PROMOTION © 6B47 REAL INVESTORS ESTATE AG 2019 79 Real Transparent Real Estate Investments The Austrian real estate developers 6B47 off er private investors the opportunity to Success participate fi nancially in their projects through the 6B47 Real Estate Club. Sebastian Nitsch, CFO of 6B47 Real Estate Investors AG, explains the details. • INTERVIEW: Anita Orthner

community, which is exclusively off ered within an appropriate timescale. Members the opportunity to participate in the in- are placing their money in the hands of an vestments of 6B47. experienced real estate developer with an for Real appropriate track record – this means that What does a the service off ering look like? they are investing alongside experts. We off er a direct, intrinsically valuable and transparent investment in a property Do members have a voice? and an expected annual yield of between The members of our 6B47 Real Estate “We place great eight and twelve per cent. The durations Club are fellow partners in each project of the investments – 24 to 36 months – and are also involved in important deci- importance on offering are relatively short and, hence, manage- sions as a matter of course. Our investors intensive personal able. Our service off ering also includes are directly, comprehensively and trans- support to our 6B47 Real regular and comprehensive reporting that parently informed during the entire pro- documents the progress of the project. cess from design to implementation. They Estate Estate Club members.” We have taken this transparent approach can follow the progress of their invest- from the very start because it is the trust ment throughout each phase, from the in our projects and, ultimately, in our com- groundbreaking ceremony to the opening pany that is the basis of this club model. of the object. Each member of the club naturally has a dedicated contact person within the com- What sorts of projects are off ered in the What exactly is the 6B47 Real Estate pany who is ready to answer questions at club? Club? any time. The high demand for residential real es- The 6B47 Real Estate Club is a group of tate means that this is our current focus. private investors, high-net-worth individ- Apart from the attractive yields, what In the residential segment we are involved uals and family off ices as well as institu- are the other arguments for investing in in both high-profi le housing projects in tional investors with a strong aff inity for the 6B47 Real Estate Club? prime central locations and aff ordable real estate, who co-fi nance our projects. It The security. As the initiator 6B47 also in- projects on the urban periphery. Our cur- was established by 6B47 in 2009 in order vests in every project itself. In doing so we rent off er focusses on freehold apartments We are delighted to have earned the REAL ESTATE BRAND AWARD to off er these target groups the opportu- clearly show that we believe in our projects – for both owner-occupiers and investors as Austria‘s most successful brand in the Funds/Investors category nity to carry out highly transparent real and are 100 per cent convinced of their suc- in the form of investment properties as for the second time in a row. The award was handed out as part estate investments together with a process. As we co-invest in every development well as forward deals for partial or entire of a Europe-wide study of real estate brand strength conducted fessional investor. It currently has around with our own capital our fi nancing partners projects before they are completed. by the Real Estate Brand Institute. 160 members. Rather than having a legal can assume that we are very interested

status the Real Estate Club is an open in successfully completing each project © 6B47 REAL ESTATE INVESTORS AG 6B47 REAL ESTATE INVESTORS AG HEILIGENSTÄDTER LÄNDE 29 | 1190 VIENNA WWW.6B47.COM | T +43 1 350 10 10 | [email protected] 9480 2019 Real Success for Real Estate

We are delighted to have earned the REAL ESTATE BRAND AWARD as Austria‘s most successful brand in the Funds/Investors category for the second time in a row. The award was handed out as part of a Europe-wide study of real estate brand strength conducted by the Real Estate Brand Institute.

6B47 REAL ESTATE INVESTORS AG HEILIGENSTÄDTER LÄNDE 29 | 1190 VIENNA WWW.6B47.COM | T +43 1 350 10 10 | [email protected] Whether on water or on land: The Marina Tower is an ideal starting point for a host of leisure activities.

Residential property is the most popular asset class From Vienna via Graz to Innsbruck: Austria’s cities continue to grow – and this is also driving demand for new homes. It’s a good time for developers and investors. • TEXT: Vanessa Haidvogl

018 was the second strongest year on time – ex aequo with offices. Around 30 ternational comparison, a very attractive 2the Austrian real estate investment per cent of the transaction volume was supply situation. And on the other, com- market since records began. A total of invested in housing. “Above all, German mercial property yields have fallen to a around 3.95 billion euros was invested investors are interested in Austrian resi- point at which housing now offers a simi- in property. One striking aspect of this dential real estate. On the one hand this is lar rate of return”, says Georg Fichtinger, is the fact that residential property was related to the fact that an increase in the Head of Investment Properties at CBRE. the most popular asset class for the first amount of new building has created, in in- At the end of last year the top returns for residential real estate were around 3.2 per cent.

DYNAMIC VIENNA A glance around the provinces shows that the most intense building activity is found in Vienna. A fast-growing city such as Vienna needs a lot of new space for the incoming population to live and work. At the beginning of 2018 1,888,776 people lived in the Austrian capital, which represents an increase of more than 21,000 over the previous year. According to fore- casts the two-million-mark should be reached in 2027. Hence, the next few years will see the QBC makes it construction of thousands of homes and possible to sleep, workplaces, as well as public open space, work and live close in a number of urban development zones. to the centre. Remarkably, most of these zones are the sites of former centrally-located railway

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Bauernfeind expects 2019 to see the number of completions stabilise at the high level of around 11,500 units while increases in rents and sale prices will not be significantly higher than the rate of in- flation. “2019 will also see the completion of countless privately financed major projects. Homes won’t become cheaper but apartment-seekers will be able to choose amongst a wide variety of high-quality AMELIE, from BUWOG, projects”, says the expert. will be home to around 100 new residential units in the Biotope City. NEW LIFE FOR STATION SITES A number of projects in the North Sta- tion urban development zone in Vienna’s second district are already inhabited. Be- stations. The area around Vienna’s new Sandra Bauernfeind, Managing Partner tween now and 2025 the former 85-hec- Central Station, which was built on the of EHL Wohnen GmbH, has the exact fig- tare station site will become home to site of the city’s former South Station, is ures for 2018: “When compared with the around 10,000 apartments, 20,000 work- home to a new inner–city district that is previous year the number of completions places and a range of infrastructural fa- due for completion around 2020 and con- in Vienna rose to around 11,500 units.” cilities. sists of the projects Sonnwendviertel and And while the rising population means 2020 should mark the beginning of Quartier Belvedere Central (QBC) – which that this increase in building activity can- the transformation of the nearby 44-hec- contain a total of no fewer than 5,000 not fully offset the shortage of apartments tare site of the Northwest Station into apartments, 20,000 workplaces, schools, that has built up in recent years, it has another new district. The project, with a kindergartens, hotels, shops and restau- enabled rises in both rental and purchase gross floor area of between 730,000 and rants. prices to remain at a reasonable level. 780,000 square metres, includes 5,000

A Business Hotspot in the Lakeside Park Quarter Gerhard Schuster, CEO of Wien 3420 aspern development AG, offers an insight into developments in Seestadt. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

lives or works in the Lakeside Park Quar- mixed forms of living and working, rent- ter or who comes here to shop or meet able micro-offices, studios and co-working friends for an after-work drink or a game spaces, etc. This vibrancy will also make the of soccer on the roof of the SEEHUB does area the optimal hotspot for the Interna- so in a relaxed, refined urban environment: tional Building Exhibition IBA_Wien 2022. A 20,000-square-metre pedestrian zone Further similar neighbourhoods will be aspern Seestadt is experiencing a sub- with trees and granite fountains contrib- gradually developed between the route of stantial surge in growth in 2019. What is utes to the elevated quality of life in the the metro, the future shopping street and happening exactly? quarter, which offers 50,000 square metres Aspern Nord metro and suburban railway South of the lake, the curtain is rising on of lettable space to commercial tenants. station. The first plots in the Lakeside Ter- several of the projects in the Lakeside Park races Quarter will complete the eastern Quarter. In a prime location adjacent to the And aren’t you also making the leap waterfront. This year the winners of the ur- metro station and the Lakeside Park we are northwards over the lake this year? ban design competition are drawing up a creating a new business hotspot with attrac- Yes, in the shape of the Lakeside Crescent design handbook for the plot-related com- tive offices, shops, restaurants, leisure facili- Quarter, which will be developed on the petitions to which we are already looking ties and 700 privately-financed apartments northern shore of the lake and along the forward enormously. May the best projects as well as a hotel, serviced apartments, stu- route of the metro between now and, ap- win – and, with them, Seestadt! dent accommodation and collective garages. proximately, 2023. This will boast a col-

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... connecting real estate data GREEN FAÇADES Another trend in the city is green façades. These are not only good to look at but also create an agreeable microclimate – which is extremely important in a major city such as Vienna. In the new Biotope City on the Wienerberg, for example, the extensive vertical planting of the façades has continued into the diverse design of VITANEUM: Huge glass façades draw the the open spaces and the notion of “urban Benediktinermarkt deep into the living room. gardening”. The district’s seven developers are realising a total of around 950 homes. “More large objects are currently being apartments for around 12,000 people as over the course of the next few years is built than ever before in the residential well as the same number of workplaces. the three-part “TrIIIple”, which the project sector, while there is also a significant Ten hectares of public open space should partners SORAVIA and ARE Development shortage of attractive opportunities in also be created, including a park that will are realising on the Danube Canal. Anoth- traditional asset classes such as offices stretch across the entire area. There are er one that is already under construction and retail. This latter trend, coupled with also plans to convert the former railway is the Buwog Group’s Marina Tower, which the excellent performance of residential tracks into a cycle path as part of a strat- will contain around 500 apartments and real estate and the positive demographic egy for keeping the urban development whose Marina Deck will offer a direct ac- data, means that investment activities are zone free of through traffic. cess to the banks of the Danube. strongly shifting in the direction of the Johanna Prosenik, Managing Director housing segment”, explains Franz Pöltl, THE TREND TOWARDS TOWERS of RE/MAX First in Vienna Hietzing, also Head of Investment at EHL. These demo- Building sites within the city are rare and keeps an eye on Vienna’s real estate mar- graphic changes – in particular the fore- expensive. This is why state-of-the-art ket: “Demand for residential real estate re- casts for population growth – together urban development also includes the con- mains strong, especially in districts with with ongoing urbanisation are responsible struction of residential and office towers. higher purchasing power, and prices rose for a picture of long-term stable growth This trend has also arrived in Vienna. One again last year. And the slight reduction and an extremely sustainable investment example of the residential towers that will in supply in these districts means that scenario that particularly appeals to risk- appear on the Vienna housing market these prices will increase again in 2019.” averse purchasers. Vienna remains the most important market in this segment but projects in other provincial capitals are also attracting increasing interest from investors.

THE EMERGING STYRIAN MARKET Styria is Austria’s emerging real estate market. Thanks to Graz, Styria is, according to IMMOunited, the second most important residential market after Vienna with 7,348 newly registered units in 2017. An exemplary new project here is “Ost. Wohnen am Stadttor” by the VENTA Real Estate Group and 6B47 Real Estate Investors AG: Around 220 privately financed apartments will be completed on the edge of the Jakomini district by the end of 2019. In order to ensure that the people of Graz can also move around easily and smartly in the city 117 million euros will be invested in the expansion of the tram Brauquartier Puntigam network by 2023. New lines will serve the will grow further in the Reininghausgründe and the Smart City in next few years. Waagner-Biro-Straße (by 2021) as well as Brauquartier Puntigam (by 2023). This

86 2019 latter investment is urgently needed because Brauquartier Puntigam, the largest project from C&P Immobilien AG, continues to grow. The purchase of land in the direction of Herrgottwiesgasse to the east will make it possible to construct around 300 more apartments. You can still live inexpensively in Carinthia, but only if you aren’t looking for a home with a view over the lake. A In Aldrans, full-height windows special new-build project is currently be- create sun-filled living spaces. ing realised in the centre of Klagenfurt: the VITANEUM, directly next to the Ben- ediktinermarkt. The project contains a total of 28 apartments of between 50 and nation of high demand for living space and which is close to the city, ZIMA will com- 184 square metres. The generous two-sto- dwindling reserves of building land. plete two buildings with high-quality two rey penthouses on the upper floors offer Those who build in Tyrol largely do so to four-room apartments with panoramic fantastic views of the Benediktinermarkt in the region around Innsbruck, because views across the Inntal before the end of and the entire city centre. the high prices in Innsbruck itself, which 2019. The architecture is notable for its currently average 4,930 euros per square modern rural style that slips perfectly into LOW RESERVES IN THE WEST metre, are forcing not only developers but its richly natural surroundings. Project developers in the provinces of Salz- also apartment-seekers to avoid the pro-

burg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg face a combi- vincial capital. In Aldrans, for example, © Zechner&Zechner, ZOOM VP, BUWOG, VITANEUM, C&P Immobilien, ZIMA

We stand for

www.ehl.at “Am Werdertor”: The design of the upper floor combines the timeless beauty of the historic building with the world of the state-of-the-art penthouse.

Meeting the Highest Expectations Some particularly attractive gems are of SÜBA AG. In Vienna there is currently even an oversupply and prices are moving currently to be found on Vienna’s luxury sideways. “We believe that top properties, housing market. • TEXT: Linda Benkö, Vanessa Haidvogl where everything is right, will continue to sell well,” says the investor Michael Al- bert. Together with partners he acquired ffordable homes continue to be in continues to grow. Developers who are and refurbished the former headquarters Ashort supply in Vienna and other committed to the segment find them- of the Imperial Telegraph Service. The European capitals. And demand is just selves facing the twin challenges of meet- apartments at Börseplatz 1 are currently as strong at the other end of the scale. ing their clients’ special demands – which being marketed and the majority have al- The expectations of purchasers continue range from spectacular views to car park- ready been successfully sold. to rise. According to the latest “Property ing spaces in their living room – and find- All of this means that those consider- Index” from the consultants Deloitte “they ing suitable properties in the first place. ing purchasing luxury objects in Vienna are demanding even more comfort and currently have quite a choice. A total of flexibility, top services and unconvention- COMPETITIVE MARKET 39 skyview penthouses, imperial lofts al living concepts” and it is no surprise However: “The ‘luxury’ market is competi- and luxury apartments are available in that Europe’s luxury residential segment tive”, claims Heinz Fletzberger, Chairman the above-mentioned Börseplatz 1. They should all be ready by mid-2019. As well as a 500-square-metre loft, a living space of up to 2,000 square metres on a single level and with ceiling heights of up to 7.5 metres is available under the label “Impe- rial Loft Collection” (and for a price said to be around 40 million euros).

DECISIVE MICRO-LOCATION For some, luxury means peace and quiet or an exclusive interior together with concierge service. For the developer SÜBA, however, luxury is all about location. “Of course the apartments have to have the appropriate quality of fixtures and fittings and the building must also satisfy certain SÜBA is building two garden villas architectural expectations. But the deci- with 21 attractive apartments in a sive criterion is the micro-location of the top location in the 19th district. building or the apartment.” In this sense, not only the 1st and 19th districts but also

88 2019 parts of the 13th, 17th and 18th districts location right next to the Imperial Lofts at Börseplatz 1 impress are suitable in Vienna. SÜBA is current- Reichsbrücke and is due visitors with ceiling ly building two garden villas containing for completion by 2023. heights of up to 21 apartments with areas of between 39 “Danube Flats, which is seven metres. and 147 square metres in a top location in immediately adjacent to Döbling. The units have “generous balco- the Neue Donau, com- nies, terraces or gardens while the rooftop bines a completely new apartments – which are free of sloping standard of high-quality ceilings – enjoy wonderful, uninterrupted waterfront living with views.” perfect public transport connections and PENTHOUSE FEELING the highest international One will soon be able to live stylishly in residential standards,” the heart of the city in the current “Am explains Erwin Soravia, Danube Flats: Werdertor” project from the Sirius-Group, CEO of SORAVIA. The Exclusive outdoor which offers a choice between the elegant project contains a total of pool with views over both the city étages of the classical 19th century Vien- 600 apartments. With a and the Danube. nese apartment building and the newly- height of around 160 me- conceived rooftop apartments with their tres, the 49 storey tower is modern penthouse feeling. And while the not only Austria’s highest elegance of the original building is re- residential high-rise building but the third tained in the new design residents won’t highest in the whole of Europe. In addition proposition is rounded off by exclusive have to forego state-of-the-art technical to this, a second, nine-storey building is communal areas and services: These in- comfort: The 43 units enjoy both air con- being built right next door. clude a bar-lounge with outdoor pool, ditioning and smart home systems. Around two-thirds of the units are party kitchens, restaurants, an in-house planned as studios and small apartments kindergarten and children’s playrooms, a DIRECTLY ON THE DANUBE with one or two rooms (30 to 50 m2). In- fitness area, private cinemas, concierge The latest example of luxury living is telligent plans and a continuous terrace service and a neighbourhood store in the Danube Flats by the project developers concept for all the apartments guaran- ground floor zone. SORAVIA and the S+B Gruppe, which tee an attractive residential feeling and enjoys views over the Danube from its sensational views. In addition to this, the © ZOOM VP, Börseplatz 1, M’CAPS

Rents are rising in good locations Roland Pichler, Managing Director of DIE WOHNKOMPANIE (DWK), on Vienna’s residential market and new projects. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

What are the trends on the housing mar- will continue to rise moderately while we ket with regard to such factors as price are expecting rental prices in very good and apartment size? locations to increase more strongly. Vienna’s housing market has settled down at a stable and gently rising level. There What plans is DWK drawing up for 2019? are certain micro locations, however, In 2019 DIE WOHNKOMPANIE will con- where prices have risen strongly due to a tinue to grow and will complete and bring range of developments. For example, the to market investor-oriented residential extension of the U1 underground line to developments. Around 400 new apart- Oberlaa has generated a lot more inter- ments will be realised and handed over est in this part of the city. There is very to their happy users in 2019 while build- strong demand for our “Südhang Oberlaa” ing work will start on a further 400. The project. project pipeline is full and further projects One and two-room apartments contin- are being prepared or are under negotia- ue to be the most sought after as invest- tion. Our plans for the business year 2019 ments and, subsequently, for renting out. also include an examination of the idea of In the owner-occupied segment more two, extending our activities to other regions three and even four-room apartments are erous two-room apartments are also sell- in Austria. being purchased. In exclusive locations ing extremely well. In our estimation the such as our “Goethegasse 1” project gen- purchase prices of apartments in Vienna © DWK/Wilke

2019 89 explains Sabine Zwierschitz of IG Immobilien GmbH, which operates apartments in Orchi- deenPark (1190 Vienna) and Campus Lodge (1020 Vienna) as well as, most recently, the new City Apartments in the heart of the city.

FROM ONE WEEK The apartments in Orchi- deenPark and Campus “Easy”, “cosy” and Lodge can be rented from 14 “cool” – the apartments days and the downtown City in PhilsPlace meet Apartments from four weeks. these requirements. Periods of between four and six weeks are most common. The minimum rental period at SMARTments business is just one week whereas bookings of one to three months are most popular. In Phil- Living, not just sPlace, which opened in summer 2018, most guests also stay longer than seven nights. staying the night The residential format “room4rent” from ÖSW (Österreichisches Siedlung- Developers are expanding the serviced swerk) is targeted at longer rental periods apartments sector. Because “temporary private – of two months to two years. A fourth location in Vienna-Favoriten opened in living” is generating some good additional summer 2018. “Our 100 serviced apart- business. • TEXT: Linda Benkö, Vanessa Haidvogl ments in the “HOCH 33” residential tower in the MONTE LAA urban development area offer our successful concept for ork has become more mobile. For cording to Kristin Oberweger, General comfortable short-term living at afford- Wvery short business trips or single Manager of PhilsPlace, the “must-haves” able prices. Private and business travel- assignments you book a hotel. But for include “powerful WLAN, laundry facili- lers can choose between five categories of stays of more than ten days increasing ties for guests, great beds, air condition- residential unit ranging from around 29 to numbers of travellers are discovering the ing and an excellent infrastructure both 65 m2. Next to the lounge and concierge benefits of short-term lets. For a hotel is within the building and in the immediate area there is a well-equipped fitness and somewhere to sleep but rarely somewhere neighbourhood”. wellness area. Services such as apartment to live. “After a few days you want to fry The “nice-to-haves” are “a pool, fitness cleaning, laundry and the rental of home something in the pan yourself. Or spend and wellness area, garden, terrace or bal- textiles complete the offering. room4rent an evening sitting comfortably with cony, a concierge and a business corner”, is also operated here by immo 360 grad friends. And during longer gmbh, a fully-owned sub- visits you need more work- sidiary of ÖSW”, says Helga ing space,” explains Michael Mayer, Managing Director of Blind, Managing Director of immo 360 grad gmbh. SMARTments Österreich, a subsidiary of GBI-Projektent- HIGH OCCUPANCY wicklung GmbH. All providers report excellent An apartment building that occupancy rates. The result adapts itself to the demands of this is that expansion plans of its residents to be “easy”, have been announced: Next “cosy” and “cool”: Self-check- year, ÖSW will complete three in, extra services that are further locations in Vienna. simple to arrange, sophisti- And IG Immobilien also reports cated yet comfortable design that “we are constantly check- room4rent’s – this is how the operators of new location is ing whether apartments in our PhilsPlace, 6B47 Real Estate opening in the buildings in top locations are Investors AG and the Sans Campus Vienna suitable for such a use”. Souci Group, explain the ad- Biocenter in April. vantages of the concept. Ac- © Sonaar, WeXelerate/Beck

90 2019 At your Service

Raff aele Sorrentino knows what constitutes excellent customer service. The former head concierge of a fi ve-star hotel and his company RAS Maßgeschneiderter Concierge Service & Empfangsdienste GmbH provide bespoke concierge and reception services to offi ce and apartment buildings.

Whom is your concierge service aimed at? Our clients can off er their employees or At developers of offi ce and apartment build- tenants our help in organising such things as ings, facility managers, fi rms with large head- shirt-cleaning, babysitting or repairing bicycles. quarters and premium residential property The company decides which services we may companies. organise and we identify service providers who meet our quality requirements. What range of services do you oﬀ er? We off er highly individualised services. The What should one expect to have to pay for client decides what they would like. We are your services? basically the fi rst point of contact within the We invoice a monthly lump sum based on the building and, hence, responsible for the scope of the services on off er, the number of reception and for welcoming visitors. In offi ce employees required and their working hours. buildings we also often operate the switch- There is no fi xed price because our services board and off er help in all matters of are bespoke. We charge no com- orientation. If required we can also mission for organising other service off er such services as receiving post providers who, in turn, invoice the and packages, issuing visitor passes, client directly. communicating with the facility managers, checking the cleanliness and What distinguishes RAS? tidiness of the building, controlling Alongside our bespoke range of the movement of people and vehicles at the services we are notable for the quality of our entrance and arranging other specialist ser- employees. The reception is the public face of vices. We also off er many of these services a company and an exclusive residential devel- in residential buildings. Many clients want a opment, which is why the personnel are such a round-the-clock concierge service while oth- key element. It is essential to us that every con- ers defi ne precise working hours. cierge identifi es with the building in which they MASSGESCHNEIDERTER work. We want to off er our clients fi xed contact What are the advantages of a concierge persons in order to create trust. This is why our service? aim is to develop long-term relationships with Concierge Service In addition to the individual service there is the our employees. As our team is our greatest as- sense of security. And a concierge and recep- set we set great store by respectful personnel tion service is also a good tool for encourag- management, driven by our belief that: the hap- www.ras-service.at ing loyalty for employees in offi ce buildings. pier the employee, the happier the client.

2019 PROMOTION 91 Smart folding and sliding systems from AluKönigStahl make the diﬀ erence Sliding systems from AluKönigStahl with large areas of glazing provide more sunlight and create spaces that seem to go on for ever – or, putting it simply: Just see more of life!

The architectural trend towards large energy – up to passive house standards. folding and sliding doors has prevailed in Lower energy consumption means sustain- the past few years and requires technical able climate protection and also, naturally, fi nesse and constructional innovation. As cost effi ciency. From crisp winter mornings a supplier of the appropriate Schüco and to hot summer afternoons, the interior cli- Jansen systems AluKönigStahl is the ideal mate remains constant thanks to the optimal point of contact in this area. The recipe for thermal insulation of the folding and sliding success: Technical know-how, continuous door system. innovation and comprehensive service produce a high-end product Security included TEMPORARY portfolio that ranges from pano- Depending upon the choice of ramic sliding doors and lift and slide fi ttings the high material stability and folding sliding doors to parallel- of the aluminium and steel profi les stop-slide-tip (PASK) doors. adds to the level of protection against burglary up to resistance LIVING. Panorama meets design class RC2. In addition to this the Regardless of whether the conservatory sliding doors have an anti-fi nger-trap protec- should merge into the garden or the terrace tion with intelligent software: Electronically– room4rent.at should be an extension to the living room: controlled leaves slide back when they Serviced Apartments Folding and sliding systems from AluKönig- encounter an obstruction. Stahl know no limits. The Panorama design line in particular – with its full height glazing Comfort at the touch of a button © claudioanderwald.com – creates spaces that appear to have no Schüco’s e-slide technology enables sliding boundaries. And as well as being able to doors (of up to 500 kg) to be moved quietly, freely select the design, form and colour, swiftly and fully automatically. The inbuilt, the range of options for the opening also fully concealed automatic e-slide mecha- encourages individual design. nism can be operated via a keypad on the ALUKÖNIGSTAHL GmbH door leaf, a button in the room or centrally, Goldschlagstrasse 87-89 Insulation, energy eﬃ ciency and a com- by the building management system. The fortable home fi ngerprint reader prevents one from being A-1150 Vienna Folding and sliding doors from Schüco and unintentionally locked out on the balcony or mehrvomlebensehen.com Jansen are true masters in the art of saving terrace. Immediately available and without commission - 5 x in Vienna. For your customised business solution, please contact us. 92 PROMOTION 2019

Austria-EuropesHeart_R4R_19-01.indd 1 22.01.2019 14:38:56 The Concierge as Bonus room4rent – a brand of the ÖSW Group – opened its fourth location in Vienna-Favoriten in summer 2018. Helga Mayer, Managing Director of immo 360 grad gmbh, on expansion plans and service offerings. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

What distinguishes the brand “room4rent”? short-term lets of either three to four What services can tenants expect? months or, very often, of 12 or 24 months. room4rent offers economical, provision- free and comfortable temporary living Where are you planning other locations? space – fully furnished and without long room4rent now offers 500 serviced apart- waiting times. In addition to this, extra ments in four excellently-connected Vi- services such as fitness and wellness, enna locations: HOCH 33 (10th district), apartment cleaning, kitchen equipment, Leopoldtower (21st district), Messecarreé home textiles and a laundry service can Nord (2nd district) and Am Storchengrund be booked in line with individual needs. A (15th district). The location in the Campus special plus: the concierge and, hence, the Vienna Biocenter in Neu Marx in Vienna- personal service for our clients. Landstraße is being completed in spring 2019. And “Sirius” in Seeparkquartier As- Who are the tenants? And how long is the pern (22nd district, 140 apartments) and average stay? the MUSIC BOX in the Sonnwendviertel 62 per cent of our guests come from Aus- Ost (10th district, 119 apartments) are also tria, twelve per cent from Germany and also reflected in the age of our guests: 76 currently under construction and sched- the remaining 26 per cent from every cor- per cent are between 20 and 50. uled for completion in spring 2020. ner of the earth. The fact that our offering In terms of the lengths of stays in our

Immediately available and without commission - 5 x in Vienna. For your customised business solution, please contact us. 2019 93

Austria-EuropesHeart_R4R_19-01.indd 1 22.01.2019 14:38:56 Bridges and walkways connect the individual residential blocks of the project by Silver Living in Graz.

Making Room in in the 19th district. Since 2015 a total of around 370 million euros have been invested in student residences and micro the Smallest Spaces apartments in Austria. Around 86 per cent of these transactions were realised as forward deals, while 95 per cent of investors Investors have discovered the market for student come from abroad. residences and micro apartments. This means The projects in the area of student living that are scheduled for construction that the range of products is continuing to expand. over the course of the next two to three • TEXT: Vanessa Haidvogl years include around 3,350 units in such settings as one of the three TrIIIple towers his is a golden age for students. Or at are becoming more and more interesting in the 3rd district, Nordbahnstraße, which Tleast one could get this impression to investors. The sector reported record is very close to the Praterstern, DC Tower from the growing supply of student hous- results of 250 million euros in Austria in 3 in Donau City and “The Fizz” at Vienna’s ing. For example, a new apartment building 2017. This trend is also confirmed by Georg Central Station. This latter student resi- for students on Helmut-Zilk-Park to the Fichtinger, Head of Investment Properties dence will contain 195 apartments and south of Vienna’s new at CBRE Österreich: “Al- should be completed by autumn 2019. Central Station was ternative forms of living The investor Corestate Capital Holding completed right on time such as student resi- S.A. acquired the 670 micro apartments in for the start of term dences or micro apart- tower three of TrIIIple within the frame- in 2018. A total of 165 ments for young profes- work of a forward purchase back in 2017. young people can live sionals have become a in the 19-square-me- significant investment MICRO CITY IN GRAZ tre apartments of the product in Austria. This There is also urgent demand for suitable “SMARTments student” huge interest is under- living space for students in Austria’s prov- brand. These were con- lined by the fact that no inces. The recently completed Raimund ceived and built by GBI other real estate seg- Pradler hall of residence in Innsbruck is AG, a specialist devel- ment witnesses such a home to 85 students. oper of hotels and mi- high proportion of for- GBI AG is also hungry for more: A cro apartment projects. ward deals.” “SMARTments student” block with 178 Around 3,700 resi- rooms in Finkengasse in Graz should be HUGE INTEREST dential units for stu- completed by 2020. The project developer It is no surprise that this dents were completed Silver Living GmbH also plans to invest range of products con- in Vienna between in the “student living” market. A modern tinues to grow, given the 2015 and 2017 in such micro city for around 220 students in Mo- way in which alterna- projects as “Linked Liv- serhofgasse in Graz is scheduled for reali- tive forms of living such ing” in the city’s 2nd sation between now and 2022. as student residences DC Tower 3 from the S+B Group should district, “The Fizz” in the and micro apartments be used for student living. 20th district and “base19” © Sonaar, WeXelerate/Beck

94 2019 Your stay in the heart of Vienna

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• Beautiful and centrally located in the 1st and 9th district of Vienna • Boutique Residence • Spacious and fully furnished accommodation (37m² to 105m²) with one or more bedrooms • Luxurious studios, suites and apartments feature functional and elegant décor • The modern ambience is characterized by exquisite design and warm colors • Fully equipped kitchenette including Nespresso coffee machines • Complimentary WIFI • Complimentary use of the fitness room MyPlace City Centre and business corner Central Sales & Reservations Vorlaufstrasse 3 | A-1010 Vienna • Roof terrace with views over Vienna Tel.: +43 1 317 17 17 - 75 MyPlace Riverside Fax: +43 1 513 17 17 - 77 Rossauer Lände 23 | A-1090 Vienna We offer „all-day“ concierge services and our Email: [email protected] staff are available for any questions or requests. 100 Years and Beyond For investors, the Vienna apartment building is and remains a guarantor of stability and increasing value. • TEXT: Walter Senk

ccording to the “Vienna Apartment “hence, the most expensive,” says Gerhard makes it even more important for potential ABuilding Market Report” from Otto Hudej, CEO of Hudej Zinshäuser. Here, it purchasers who don’t know the market so Immobilien the price of apartment build- is almost impossible to find prices below well to have a good partner when looking ings has more than doubled in recent 2,500 euros per square metre. “Judging for an investment object. Because only ex- years. While one had to pay an average of by the rising demand we can see that the perts who are present on the market are 1,244 euros per square metre in 2008, the 16th and 17th districts, which will benefit aware of all the possibilities. price in 2018 had already reached 2,890 from the new U5 underground line from There will still be enough buildings on euros. This represents an annual increase 2025, are on the up.” The 20th and 21st the market in the next few years. Private of around eight per cent. “Between 2008 districts are also popular amongst inves- owners are increasingly taking advantage and 2014 prices still rose modestly, but tors due to the fact that they are centrally of the current price peak. According to both entry-level and maximum prices located and offer, in parts, a very good Arnold: “If, for example, a building is in- rose significantly in 2015,” explains Rich- quality of life. Hudej is convinced that “in herited by a number of owners or requires ard Buxbaum, Head of Residential and the next few years we will see develop- considerable investment, or if someone re- ‘Viennese Zinshaus’ at Otto Immobilien. ments here similar to those that we saw quires funds to fulfil a special wish, then some years ago in Leopoldstadt.” people are more likely to consider selling DISTRICT BAROMETER than previously as a result of this attrac- However, prices didn’t increase at the same THE MICRO-LOCATION IS DECISIVE tive price situation.” rate in every district, as shown by research Whereas a few years ago purchasers of For investors, increasing numbers of from Rustler Immobilien. In the past three apartment buildings only looked at the dis- whom are coming from Germany, the rate years they have risen particularly steeply trict, today they pay much more attention of return is often secondary. “Acquiring an in such previously less sought-after dis- to the micro-location. “People no longer only apartment building is much more about in- tricts as Favoriten and Simmering – due consider the district but, rather, the building vesting in blocks of stone that have been to the low “entry-level prices”. Here, yields itself,” explains Markus Arnold, Managing standing for 100 years and whose value, have fallen from 4.5 per cent – once Vi- Director of Arnold Immobilien. “Whether a experience tells us, is guaranteed to rise,” enna’s highest – to 2.8 per cent. location is good is defined by the infrastruc- says Arnold. In general, Vienna’s 1st to 9th districts ture.” The “Apartment Building Gems”, as continue to be the most sought after and, Arnold puts it, are becoming ever rarer. This © Shutterstock

96 2019 Gems from stone The rate of return is no longer the prime consideration for purchasers of apartment buildings. Markus Arnold, Managing Director of Arnold Immobilien, reports that emotions now play a much more central role. • INTERVIEW: Walter Senk

What struck you in particular about the assume that we will see a similar trend in market for apartment buildings in Vienna 2019. And this demand isn’t just coming in 2018? from Austria because German investors Interestingly, the purchase of apartment are also looking at our residential sector. buildings is increasingly influenced by emotional aspects. The special aesthetic Will enough apartment buildings come quality or prestige of the location, a par- onto the Vienna market in future? ticular view from the window or some Increasing numbers of private investors are similar feature are more significant than taking advantage of this current peak in was often thought. Top prices of 8,000 eu- prices. If, for example, a building is inherited ros per square metre and more are being by a number of owners or requires consider- paid for particularly attractive properties. able investment, or if someone requires funds to fulfil a special wish, then people are more How do you see 2019? likely to consider selling than previously as Prices have increased and we find our- a result of this attractive price situation. Our selves in a more expensive range than a assumption is that the market for apart- year ago. Yet we can still see more room for ment buildings will remain buoyant in 2019. growth because it is becoming ever more difficult to acquire the real gems. Hence, I © Horak

A diverse market Investors who are considering residential real estate should look at new-build – recommends Georg Spiegelfeld, CEO of Spiegelfeld Immobilien. But there are also other alternatives on the Austrian real estate market. • INTERVIEW: Walter Senk

Which properties should one invest in in Which developments will shape the Aus- 2019? trian market in 2019? I believe that residential real estate in The low interest rates and probable unat- Austria’s major urban centres will con- tractiveness of the share market means tinue to be attractive. But this applies that extremely large sums will continue particularly to new buildings, which aren’t to flow into real estate funds and projects. subject to rent control. One should only The result of this is that yields will fall get involved with classic apartment build- even further. In addition to this I am con- ings if one really understands the legal, vinced that the lack of investment oppor- taxation and constructional situation. tunities in Austria and Germany means People should be cautious about luxury that interest in property in Hungary and objects that don’t have a truly prime loca- Slovakia and even Rumania and Serbia tion. Those seeking a higher return should will continue to be intense. consider acquiring commercial investment property. Crowdfunding projects could also be an alternative – if these are seriously put together by professionals. © Spiegelfeld

2019 97 Demand exceeds supply on the investment market Austrian real estate is still in great demand. But many owners are unwilling to part with their objects – despite high prices. • TEXT: Patrick Baldia

According to Prüfert, one of the most important criteria for a purchasing decision is unquestionably location. Another is any potential increase in value, which is not only very important to the owner. As a result of this, objects situated in urban development areas, growing office clusters or locations where new underground stations are due to open in the near future are particularly interesting. “We are notic- ing that future trends are also playing an increasingly important role for purchasers” says Prüfert, citing such examples as new forms of mobility or the change in the retail landscape that is being triggered by the growth in online retailing.

EMOTIONAL ARGUMENTS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT “When deciding whether to buy, hold onto or sell a property, investors generally take not only rational but also emotional arguments into consideration”, explains Isa- bella Eckhart, Managing Director of Re- inberg & Partner. This is particularly true in the residential sector. From a rational perspective one purchases a property when one has enough liquidity and sells it when one needs some. Conversely, if one lthough the Austrian real estate their properties even when they can get is not in need of liquidity one holds onto Ainvestment market has now been a very good price – as is currently the the property. booming for a considerable time, there case. The expert believes that the focus In Eckhart’s opinion people hold onto are still no signs of a cooling off. The ba- of these owners is not yields – which, in- properties if they deliver good returns or sic message of experts is that not only cidentally, are continuing to fall – but the as a means of creating true value – for demand but also the pressure to invest potential of the properties in question to reasons such as retirement provision. As remain strong, despite high prices and appreciate in value. in the case of other investments the rule declining returns. One positive sign at here is: The higher the return, the higher the turn of the year was the fact that NO ALTERNATIVES TO REAL ESTATE the risk. “Apartment buildings generally preparations were underway for the sale “A key issue in this context is the fact that, offer better returns than assumed”, says of a large number of marketable objects. for many investors, there is currently no the expert. These are a combination of And further objects should come onto the alternative to real estate”, says Michael cash returns and returns arising from market in the coming weeks and months. Buchmeier, Managing Director and Head changes in value, which are often over- However, just like last year, the fact that of Real Estate Valuation at ÖRAG, refer- looked. Eckhart adds the observation that demand still hugely exceeds supply will ring to the “extremely unstable” share many current purchasers in the residen- continue to be a limiting factor. markets. This was particularly obvious tial sector are concentrating on properties “In Austria there are many institutional last December. “This is why many owners with longer-term potential – such as prop- owners such as insurance companies or believe that, at the end of the day, they are erties with a high proportion of historical private trusts who take a very long-term better holding onto their properties, even rental agreements. view,” says Reinhard Prüfert, Managing if this means accepting a lower return”, he

98 2019 Those who build with wood The LifeCycle Tower build sustainably and benefit (LCT) in Dornbirn is from its many advantages the first wood-hybrid such as shorter construction high-rise building in times and lower weight. the world.

national sensation. The LCT ONE is a pio- Building with Wood neering structure in numerous respects: For the first time, a wooden structure has been erected which borders on high-rise Protects the Climate territory. Furthermore, the world’s first wood-hybrid building is considered a flagship project in terms of sustainable con- Individual room design, lower operating costs, struction, energy efficiency and resource reduction in CO2 emissions. There is a strong conservation. “In the future, we’ll have to build the way we want to live: Healthier, case for timber construction. Austria is more sustainably, more resource-effi- considered a pioneer in this field. • TEXT: Helmut Wolf ciently and more energy-efficiently”, says Hubert Rhomberg, Managing Director of Cree GmbH. “Cree”, a name borrowed n general, wood is very suitable for resi- has been popular with people for many from the nature-related way of life of Na- Idential construction”, says Stefan Krötsch, years, especially in the construction sec- tive Americans of old, stands for: “Crea- Professor of Building Construction and De- tor. Wooden furniture provides a particu- tive Resource & Energy Efficiency.” sign at Konstanz University (HTWG). The larly pleasant, natural indoor climate. It’s After all, the construction industry, with reason being, according to Körtsch: Apart- both modern and timeless and it creates its conventional design, accounts for 30 to ment floor plans allow for very low-cost a warm ambience. The advantages of tim- 40 percent of today’s resource and energy construction due to the mostly small ceil- ber construction are no longer limited to its consumption. Waste and CO2 emissions ing and wall spans, “if they’re planned in low price and ecological aspects. Rather, are equally high. In contrast, building with a disciplined manner”. In addition, highly timber-constructed houses are energy-sav- wood plays a double role in protecting the insulated building envelopes, which play a ing and absolutely stable, even under high climate because: Wood is a renewable more important role in residential buildings loads. Wooden houses offer a comfortable, building material and, at the same time, than in other construction projects, are ro- healthy living environment and meet fire acts as a carbon sink. Thanks to its posi- bust, space-saving and cost-effective to im- safety regulations just as well as conven- tive climate effects, wood performs par- plement. Even, the building height of timber tionally constructed houses. ticularly well in terms of its environmental structures is no longer a serious limitation footprint and “life-cycle assessment”. The owing to a change in legislation and the NEVER ENDING SUPPLY ability to recycle and reutilise a building rapid developments in construction tech- The (high-rise) building of the future is product has a significant impact on the nology in recent years. made of wood. Developed and realized in results of the life-cycle assessment. Thus, Modern, healthy & environmentally Austria. With the LifeCycle Tower One wood is a circulatory product. friendly. In itself, wood combines a wide (LCT ONE) in Dornbirn, the Austrian range of positive factors. Wooden furniture Rhomberg Group has achieved an inter- © Zumtobel Lighting GmbH, Norman A. Müller

2019 99 HoHo Wien in Seestadt Aspern also enables companies such as start-ups to rent small units.

Spoilt for choice on the office real estate market Vienna’s office market is currently well supplied with new projects. Potential tenants are facing a wide choice. • TEXT: Walter Senk

lthough vacancy rates on office mar- built, which represents the largest level HIGHER RENTS Akets in cities across Europe are at for more than a decade. According to a market report from EHL, a long-term low the trend in Vienna is however, a focus on quality has led to an somewhat different. The reason for this is MONEY FOR UPGRADES increase in average rental levels of 14.35 not a lack of demand but the large number As a result of these many completions the per cent. This upward trend will continue of completions last year. Around 320,000 vacancy rate has risen to around five per this year. But premium rents will change square metres of new office space were cent. Many high-quality spaces are cur- little. “These apply to the CBD and are rently waiting for users. “For potential ten- currently stable at around 26 euros per ants this means: choice, choice, choice,” says square metre per month,” explains Rich- Mario Stöckel, Head of Office Real Estate ard Lemon, Managing Director and Part- at Colliers International. In response to this ner of DPC Danube Property Consulting. competitive pressure, rents are being re- As in other European cities companies duced when contracts are renewed while, at looking for office space tend to focus on the same time, attractive packages of rent- certain sub-markets and clusters. In ad- free periods and construction cost subsidies dition to the city centre these include Do- are being put together to tempt tenants. In naucity, Prater/Lassallestraße, Erdberg/ addition to this, landlords are also prepared St. Marx, the Wienerberg or the latest to invest heavily in upgrading rental space, location around the Central Station. This especially in the event of contract renewals is also where most new office space has or subletting. According to Stöckel: “if you been built in the past few years. are planning to move, know the market and can negotiate skilfully, you can currently CO-WORKING SPACES Wienerberger AG will be one of the companies choose between a range of new and newly While co-working spaces have been es- to move into “THE BRICK” in Vienna-Favoriten refurbished objects with efficient floor plans tablished in office buildings across Europe at the end of 2019. and attractive conditions.” for some time, flexible office use concepts

100 2019 Good Reason No. 55

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Austria-EuropesHeart_210x280.indd 2 05.02.2019 12:34:29 of Workplace Consulting CBRE Austria + CEE. According to CBRE, the favoured locations in Vienna are the 1st, 3rd, 10th and 7th districts. Each location has its own advantages: The 1st and 3rd districts offer good accessibility and a central location whereas the 10th district is principally at- Co-working spaces are being created in tractive due to the large amount of avail- new-build projects able space. In the 7th district, where local such as the Bank co-working providers have largely been Austria Campus. active to date, the creative atmosphere is particularly appreciated.

FEW COMPLETIONS are only now on the verge of a break- of those questioned believed that flexible It seems as if project developers have ex- through in Vienna. In the words of Ste- workplace concepts will represent up to a hausted themselves. A very low level of fan Wernhart, Managing Director of EHL fifth of all future corporate office space. completions is expected in 2019. These Gewerbeimmobilien GmbH, “co-working The – admittedly very low – quantity of include the “Haus am Schottentor”, “Inno spaces are being created in new-build flexible serviced office space rose by over Plaza”, “Silo Plus” and the office building projects in established office clusters, but 30 per cent in 2018. It is assumed that this at Wienerbergstraße 7–9. According to they also offer interesting opportunities development will continue. “The share of the Office Market Report from Otto Im- for existing objects away from traditional flexibly used office space in Vienna will mobilien, these will amount to a mere office locations.” These are particularly rise further. This trend can also be traced 38,000 square metres. And if one includes popular amongst startups and single- back to the fact that traditional companies the completion of owner-occupied pro- person companies. According to a survey use such offices as short-term additional jects EHL Immobilien calculates that the by Knight Frank more than two-thirds space for growth or for short-term pro- total will not exceed 70,000 square me- (69 per cent) of global companies want jects, in order to offer project teams both a tres. And that is for the whole year! to make more use of co-working spaces ‘change of scenery’ and a creative working in the next three years. And 44 per cent environment,” says Martin Pongratz, Head © Sonaar, WeXelerate/Beck

Co-working spaces are booming An interview with Andreas Polak-Evans, Managing Partner of Modesta Real Estate, about the Vienna office market and new trends. • INTERVIEW: Vanessa Haidvogl

How will the Vienna office market de- pletions and lets will be found at the Cen- velop in 2019? tral Station and in the Prater. And a fur- The Vienna office market will remain sta- ther array of new projects is scheduled for ble, even if we are expecting a relatively 2020 and 2021. small amount of office space to be completed in 2019 – around 40,000 square What trends will the future bring? metres compared with the 260,000 The largest lets on the Vienna market in- square metres completed in the strong volve co-working spaces – this is the ma- previous year. The continuingly good eco- jor current trend. These are spaces in large but also increasing numbers of large com- nomic environment means that demand office complexes in which not only work panies who are discovering the model for on the Vienna market is rising and this, but also networking is the order of the themselves. Regus and Spaces alone have combined with the very small amount of day. Long seen as a temporary trend, this already opened their 17th location in Vien- new space, means that finding large units model has now established itself as part of na, with the average co-working company in 2019 will become increasingly chal- the new working environment, including renting between 3,000 and 5,000 square lenging. The quantity of modern office on the Vienna market. This is partly due metres per location. space let in 2019 is forecast to be around to the fact that it is no longer only the self- 185,000 square metres. The largest com- employed who benefit from co-working © Modesta Real Estate

102 2019 Schachinger Logistics’ operating hall in Upper Austria is both sustainable and innovative in terms of construction ecology, lifecycle costs, energy efficiency and workplace quality.

Gaining Space with

properties and is easier to work with. Hall Systems The logistics hall built by the company Schachinger in Linz-Hörsching demon- Warehouses and operating halls are important strates the ability of such structures to meet construction biology guidelines. items for companies. And they also provide This “ecological hall” not only optimises space for new production capacity and overall lifecycle-costs but also takes full account of the comfort of those working innovation. • TEXT: Helmut Wolf in it. Built according to ecological principles the high bay warehouse is Europe’s rom urgently needed steel sheds with as many of which as possible should be largest timber storage facility. Due to the Fcranes for logistics and production answered in advance. strict requirements placed on the struc- purposes to short-term expansions de- ture in terms of temperature and humid- signed to increase storage areas or cre- WOOD OR METAL? ity, the entire building services concept ate temporary sales or exhibition space One fundamental question is: Should the was designed to maximise energy effi- – there are many reasons why a company hall be built of wood or metal? There are ciency. Geothermal energy provides both might need an operating hall. “Gaining advantages and disadvantages to both heating and cooling and, in addition to space with hall systems” is, for exam- variants: For example, wood is more prone this, a photovoltaic plant, which can de- ple, the name given to this principle by to weathering but has better insulating liver a peak of 199 kW, covers a large part Thomas Arens, Managing Director of the of the electricity demand. Upper Austrian provider of hall systems In contrast with this, halls built from HALTEC. “We think not in three but in metal enable clients to gain space rapidly six dimensions” is how Arens explains the due to their speed of assembly – and look corporate philosophy – as a way of high- new for even longer. Lightweight metal lighting the issues that generally have to halls can be anchored to the ground be addressed when deciding to build or without the need for complex founda- rent an operating hall. Namely: use, time, tions – and can also be easily rented. place, size, quality and financing. What This approach generally pays for itself will the structure be used for? For stor- for periods starting at twelve months. An age? And, if so, which goods should be advantage of leasing is that one remains stored? Will it be used for sales, produc- not only spatially but financially flexible. tion, presentation purposes ... and where, But for anyone thinking of erecting either when and for how long will it be needed? When constructing a storage facility one requires a wooden or metal hall it is important to not only a generous interior spatial concept but Should the operating hall be bought or also large entrance doors. Only then will forklift consult with the construction authorities. rented? This idea of gaining space with trucks and other machines be able to move in hall systems raises a series of questions, and out without difficulty. © BMNT/Kurt Hoerbst

2019 103 “myhive” stands for the friendly and dynamic atmosphere of a hotel together with optimal infrastructure and services.

Tenants are being offered more and more Austria’s successful business and industrial mall, an attractive hotel offering and a number of entertainment options includ- parks have grown steadily in the past few years ing Austria’s most modern cinema and a and are increasingly seeking to score points with recreational area with lots of green space right in front of the office door,” explains TEXT: Patrick Baldia their infrastructure. • Dietmar Reindl, COO of Immofinanz. In general, the importance of the infra- ompanies that require a combination transport. “In most cases, these locations structure offered by business and indus- Cof offices and more storage capacity – have developed over the years,” says the trial parks has risen markedly. A further and often even industrial space – will feel expert. In reality, such successful objects example is Technopark Raaba, which is well looked after in one of Austria’s busi- as Business Park Vienna or “myhive am situated on the southern edge of Graz. ness and industrial parks. These are gen- Wienerberg”, the Europlaza in Vienna- Here, tenants have access to a local store, erally located on major transport corridors Meidling, Campus 21 in Brunn am Ge- a restaurant, a travel agency and a fitness on the edges of or close to large cities. The birge and Walter Business Park in Wiener centre. And the operators are also using a concrete relationship between these indi- Neudorf have expanded steadily over the range of measures and shared spaces to vidual types of use depends on the loca- course of recent years. The advantage of strengthen the notion of community and tion. “In urban settings, objects will tend this for users is that tailor-made spaces bring tenants closer together. to be smaller, with 200 square metres of can be developed just for them. “Whether close to the city or in the offices and 1,000 square metres of storage country, rental prices are aligned with the space with a ceiling height of five metres,” THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE normal local levels,” says Wernhart. Given says Mario Stöckel, Head of Office Real Es- OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE that land prices are a little lower in pe- tate at Colliers International. Trends that can currently be seen on ur- ripheral locations, rents are also generally According to Stefan Wernhart, Manag- ban office markets can also be found in lower than on the urban office market. ing Director of EHL Gewerbeimmobilien Austria’s business and industrial parks. According to Stöckel, rents in business GmbH, the characteristic features of a These include the increased importance parks are currently between seven and 15 business park include a total area of at being placed on work-life balance. “‘my- euros per square metres per month. “Al- least 50,000 square metres, a single cen- hive am Wienerberg’ offers the perfect though, as a rule, levels are somewhat dif- tre management, a range of infrastructur- combination for the successful work-life ferent in every object,” he adds. al facilities and an excellent connection balance of our employees and residents: with a primary road network and public state-of-the-art office towers, a shopping © Sonaar, WeXelerate/Beck

104 2019 Office & warehouse in the south of Vienna

Variable Own 70 top Free parking rental units motorway exit companies directly in front Office & warehouse A2 / IZ NÖ-Süd as neighbours of your doorstep

AT-2355 Wiener Neudorf • Tel.: +43 2236 4020-0 • www.walter-business-park.com

Austria_Europes_heart_EN_(210x280)_118-rz.indd 1 11.01.18 15:32 ADDRESS GUIDE

PROVINCIAL BUSINESS Steirische Wirtschaftsförderung (SFG) GOVERNMENTS AGENCIES (Styrian business promotion agency) Nikolaiplatz 2 Municipal Authority Austrian Business Agency A-8020 Graz of the City of Vienna Opernring 3  +43 (0)316 7093-0 A-1010 Vienna  Town hall [email protected]  A-1082 Vienna +43 (0)1 588 58-0  www.sfg.at  [email protected]  +43 (0)1 4000-0  www.investinaustria.at Wirtschafts-Standort Vorarlberg GmbH  [email protected]  www.wien.gv.at Wirtschaftsagentur Wien (Vorarlberg business promotion agency) (Vienna Business Agency) CAMPUS V, Hintere Achmühlerstraße 1 Office of the Lower Austrian Mariahilfer Straße 20 A-6850 Dornbirn Government A-1070 Vienna  +43 (0)5572 552 52-0 Landhausplatz 1  +43 (0)1 4000-8670  [email protected] A-3100 St. Pölten  [email protected]  www.wisto.at   +43 (0)2742 9005-0 www.wirtschaftsagentur.at  [email protected] KWF | Kärntner Expat Center Vienna  www.noel.gv.at Mariahilfer Straße 20 Wirtschaftsförderungs Fonds Office of the Upper Austrian A-1070 Vienna (Carinthian economic promotion fund) Government  +43 (0)1 4000-86949 Völkermarkter Ring 21-23  [email protected] Landhausplatz 1 A-9020 Klagenfurt  www.expatcenter.at A-4021 Linz  +43 (0)463 558 000  +43 (0)732 7720-0 ecoplus. Niederösterreichs  [email protected]  [email protected] Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH  www.kwf.at  www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at Niederösterreichring 2, House A A-3100 St. Pölten BABEG Kärntner Betriebsansiedlungs-  +43 (0)2742 9000-19600 & Beteiligungsgesellschaft m.b.H.  [email protected] Völkermarkter Ring 21-23  OFFICIAL www.ecoplus.at A-9020 Klagenfurt INTEREST GROUPS Wirtschaft Burgenland GmbH - WiBuG  +43 (0)463 90 82 90 AND CHAMBERS Technologiezentrum, Marktstraße 3  [email protected] A-7000 Eisenstadt  www.babeg.at Austrian Federal Economic Chamber /  +43 (0) 5 90 10-210  [email protected] Standortagentur Tirol Wirtschaftskammer Österreich  www.wirtschaft-burgenland.at Ing.-Etzel-Straße 17 ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA A-6020 Innsbruck Wiedner Hauptstraße 63 BIC-Business & Innovation Centre A-1045 Vienna Burgenland GmbH  +43 (0)512 57 62 62   [email protected] Marktstraße 3 [email protected]   www.advantageaustria.org A-7000 Eisenstadt www.standort-tirol.at  +43 (0) 5 90 10-2220 Österr. Notariatskammer  [email protected] AREA m styria GmbH (Austrian Chamber of Notaries Public)  www.bic-burgenland.at Koloman-Wallisch-Platz 1 A-8605 Kapfenberg Landesgerichtsstraße 20 Business Upper Austria - A-1010 Vienna  OÖ. Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH +43 (0)3862 212 34-0   [email protected] +43 (0)1 402 45 09-0 Hafenstraße 47-51  [email protected] A-4020 Linz  www.areamstyria.com  www.notar.at  +43 (0)732 798 10  [email protected] Kammer der Steuerberater  www.biz-up.at und Wirtschafsprüfer OTHER PERTINENT (Chamber of Accountants) Austria Wirtschaftsservice ORGANISATIONS AND Schönbrunner Str. 222-228/Stiege 1/ 6. Stock Gesellschaft mbH A-1120 Vienna Walcherstraße 11A INSTITUTIONS A-1020 Vienna  +43 (0)1 811 73-0   [email protected] +43 (0)1 501 75-0 Verband der  [email protected]  www.ksw.or.at Technologiezentren Österreichs  www.aws.at (Association of Austrian Österr. Industriellenvereinigung StandortAgentur Salzburg GmbH technology centres) (Federation of Austrian Industry) (Salzburg business promotion agency) Hafenstraße 47-51 Schwarzenbergplatz 4 Südtiroler Platz 11 A-4020 Linz A-1031 Vienna A-5020 Salzburg   +43 (0)1 711 35-0  +43 (0)662 45 13 27-0 +43 (0)732 9015-5405  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  www.iv.at  www.salzburgagentur.at  www.vto.at

106 2019 REGIONS & VNL - Association for Network Logistics Mechatronic Cluster Tyrol CLUSTERS  www.vnl.at  www.standort-tirol.at/mechatronik UPPER AUSTRIA Wood Cluster Tyrol NATIONAL CLUSTERS  www.holzcluster-tirol.at Automotive Cluster ATTC -  Austrian Traffic Telematics Cluster www.automobil-cluster.at VORARLBERG  www.attc.at Mechatronic Cluster WEST Association  www.mechatronik-cluster.at E.C.E.X.A. -Environmental Concepts for Network Logistics Exchange Association e.V. Environmental Technology Cluster  www.vnl.at  www.ecexa.at  www.cleantech-cluster.at Vorarlberg Packaging Industry Innovative gebäude© Österreich Health Technology Cluster Association  www.innovativegebaeude.at  www.medizintechnik-cluster.at  www.vpack.at

IT Cluster vai - Vorarlberg Architecture Institute VIENNA  www.itcluster.at  www.v-a-i.at AC Centrope Furniture and Timber Construction Werkraum Bregenzerwald  it.clusterwien.at Cluster Crafts Platform  www.m-h-c.at ARGE LISAvienna -  www.werkraum.at Life Science Austria Vienna Region Plastics Cluster  www.lisavienna.at  www.kunststoff-cluster.at

Mobility Cluster Vienna Network for Human Resources   www.netzwerk-hr.at RESEARCH & www.wirtschaftsagentur.at DEVELOPMENT Upper Austrian Food Cluster LOWER AUSTRIA  www.lebensmittel-cluster.at Johannes Kepler University Green Building Cluster Association for Network Logistics, in Linz (JKU) of Lower Austria Upper Austria  www.jku.at  www.ecoplus.at  www.vnl.at ofi, Austrian Research Institute Food Cluster of Lower Austria SALZBURG for Chemistry and Technology  www.lebensmittelcluster-noe.at  www.ofi.at GIS Cluster Salzburg Logistics Cluster of Lower Austria  www.giscluster.at Tech Gate Vienna  http://www.noe.gv.at/noe/77803_logistik-cluster.html  www.techgate.at Wood Cluster Salzburg BURGENLAND  www.holzcluster.at University of Vienna  www.univie.ac.at/forschung Plastics Cluster Burgenland Salzburg Energy Network (SEN)  itg-salzburg.at  www.kunststoff-burgenland.at Austrian Research Promotion Agency  www.ffg.at CARINTHIA STYRIA Austrian Institute for SME Research Software Internet Cluster  Acstyria Autocluster www.kmuforschung.ac.at  www.sic.or.at  www.acstyria.com Austrian Science Fund micro electronic cluster Creative Industries Styria  www.fwf.ac.at  www.silicon-alps.at  www.cis.at Green Tech Cluster Styria GmbH TYROL  www.greentech.at Renewable Energies Cluster Tyrol Wood Cluster Styria  www.standort-tirol.at/EE  www.holzcluster-steiermark.at Information Technologies Human.Technology Styria Cluster Tyrol  www.humantechnology.at  www.standort-tirol.at/IT

Materials Cluster Styria Life Sciences Cluster Tyrol  www.materialscluster.at  www.standort-tirol.at/LS

TECH for TASTE Cluster Wellness Cluster Tyrol  www.techfortaste.net  www.standort-tirol.at/wellness

2019 107 EMBASSIES & CONSULATES

Albania Estonia Kosovo Portugal Prinz-Eugen-Straße 18/1/5 Wohllebengasse 9/12 Goldeggasse 2/15 Opernring 3 A-1040 Vienna A-1040 Vienna A-1040 Vienna A-1010 Vienna  +43 (0)1 328 86 56  +43 (0)1 503 77 61 11  +43 (0)1 503 11 77  +43 (0)1 586 75 36-0  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Andorra Finland Latvia Romania Kärntner Ring 2A/13 Gonzagagasse 16 Stefan-Esders-Platz 4 Prinz-Eugen-Straße 60 A-1010 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1190 Vienna A-1040 Vienna  +43 (0)1 961 090 920  +43 (0)1 535 ,3 65  +43 (0)1 403 31 12  +43 (0)1 505 32 27  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Azerbaijan France Liechtenstein Russian Federation Hügelgasse 2 Technikerstraße 2 Löwelstraße 8/7 Reisnerstraße 45-47 A-1130 Vienna A-1040 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1030 Vienna  +43 (0)1 403 13 22  +43 (0)1 502 75 0  +43 (0)1 535 92 11  +43 (0)1 712 12 29  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Belarus Georgia Lithuania Serbia Hüttelbergstraße 6 Doblhoffgasse 5/5 Löwengasse 47/4 Ölzeltgasse 3/ 7 A-1140 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1030 Vienna A-1030 Vienna  +43 (0)1 419 96 30  +43 (0)1 403 98 48  +43 (0)1 718 54 67  +43 (0)1 713 25 95  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Belgium Germany Luxembourg Slovakia Schönburgstraße 10 Gauermanngasse 2-4 Sternwartestraße 81 Armbrustergasse 24 A-1040 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1180 Vienna A-1190 Vienna  +43 (0)1 502 07-0  +43 (0)1 711 54-0  +43 (0)1 478 21 42  +43 (0)1 318 90 55-200  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Bosnia and Herzegovina Great Britain Macedonia Slovenia Tivoligasse 54 Jauresgasse 12 Kinderspitalgasse 5/2 Kolingasse 12/3 th floor A-1120 Vienna A-1030 Vienna A-1090 Vienna A-1090 Vienna  +43 (0)1 811 85 55  +43 (0)1 716 13-0  +43 (0)1 524 87 56  +43 (0)1 319 11 60  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Bulgaria Greece Malta Spain Schwindgasse 8 Argentinierstraße 14 Opernring 5/1 Argentinierstraße 34 A-1040 Vienna A-1040 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1040 Vienna  +43 (0)1 505 31 13  +43 (0)1 506 15  +43 (0)1 586 50 10  +43 (0)1 505 57 88  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Croatia Hungary Moldova Sweden Rennweg 3 Bankgasse 4-6 Löwengasse 47/10 Liechtensteinstraße 51 A-1030 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1030 Vienna A-1090 Vienna  +43 (0)1 485 95 24  +43 (0)1 537 80-300  +43 (0)1 961 10 30  +43 (0)1 217 530  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Cyprus Iceland Netherlands Switzerland Neulinggasse 37/ 4 Naglergasse 2/8 Opernring 5/7th floor Prinz-Eugen-Straße 9a A-1030 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1030 Vienna  +43 (0)1 513 06 30  +43 (0)1 533 27 71  +43 (0)1 589 39  +43 (0)1 795 05  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Czech Republic Ireland Norway Turkey Penzinger Straße 13 Rotenturmstraße 16-18/5th floor Reisnerstraße 55-57 Prinz-Eugen-Straße 40 A-1140 Vienna A-1010 Vienna A-1030 Vienna A-1040 Vienna  +43 (0)1 899 58 111  +43 (0)1 715 42 46 10  +43 (0)1 71 660  +43 (0)1 505 73 38-0  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

Denmark Italy Poland Ukraine Führichgasse 6 Rennweg 27 Hietzinger Hauptstraße 42c Naaffgasse 23 A-1010 Vienna A-1030 Vienna A-1130 Vienna A-1180 Vienna  +43 (0)1 512 79 04  +43 (0)1 712 51 21  +43 (0)1 870 15 100  +43 (0)1 479 71 72 11  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]  [email protected]

www.botschaft-wien.com

108 2019 [email protected] OR CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM REGISTER ON NOW WWW.MIPIM.COM

12.15 MARCH 2019 MARCH 12.15 market property leading the world’s 5 21 100 countries 26 CANNES, FRANCE PALAIS DES FESTIVALS, 400 investors 500 sqmexhibition area 000 real estateprofessionals

COMPANY NAME SECTOR PAGE

6B47 REAL ESTATE INVESTORS AG Property development 78-81 ABA - Invest in Austria Austrian Business Agency 20-21 ALUKÖNIGSTAHL GmbH General construction Real Estate U3, 92 Arnold Immobilien GmbH Property consulting U4 BABEG Regional development business settlement 66-69 Bondi Immobilien-Consulting GmbH Property adviser 47 BUWOG-Bauen und Wohnen GmbH Project development 83 Colliers Property consulting 101 Die Presse Verlags-Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co KG Media house 39 DMV dellalucia medien & verlags GmbH Media house 29 DWK - Die Wohnkompanie GmbH Project development U2 ecoplus Niederösterreichs Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH Regional development business settlement 33 EHL Immobilien GmbH Property consulting 6, 87 Flughafen Wien Aktiengesellschaft Project development 44, 45 Grafenegg Design Days Exhibition 51 Immo 360 grad gmbh Project development 93 Immounited Business consulting 85 Medox Restaurant- und Hotelbetriebs GmbH Residential 95 Michaeler & Partner GmbH Wien Project development in tourism 53 Modesta Property consulting 12 OTTO Immobilien GmbH Property consulting 10 RAS - Concierge Service und Empfangsdienste GmbH Concierge business service 91 Reed MIDEM Exhibition 109 S+B Gruppe AG Project development 37 Spiegelfeld Immobilien GmbH Property consulting 8 Standortagentur Tirol Regional development business settlement 41 VIE - Business Lounges & Services Flughafen Wien VIP airport lounge 27 WALTER BUSINESS-PARK GmbH Business Park 105 Wien 3420 Aspern Development AG Project development 73 wien holding Business Location Vienna 22-25 Wirtschafts-Standort Vorarlberg GmbH (WISTO) Regional development business settlement 31 WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung GmbH Project development 75

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110 2019 THE LENT S SHOUTNG LOUD

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BETTER DESGN Frameless view, maximum transparency for optimal light, openable 90° elbow. ORE OORT Flat threshold for barrier-free access. ORE NNOATON Operating and locking technology easy to care for and maintain. mehrvomlebensehen.com Image-UK_int_1-1_2017.indd 1 01.09.17 14:38