Annual Report 2006

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2 foreword

3 editorial

5 perspectives “Austria needs Young Talent” 6 “The World is an Oyster for the Best Young Researchers” 9

The Austrian Council’s Strategy of Excellence:

Recommendation for Reaching the Top 12

15 the austrian council recommends Recommendations 2006 16

19 creating knowledge Update: What has been accomplished 20 Basic Expertise: Reports and Studies 2006 27

33 events

37 the austrian council Review and Outlook 38 Mission and Goals 38 Secretariat: New Faces in a New Setting 38 Members 40 Secretariat 41

42 plans Key Areas for the Austrian Council in 2007 43 44 contact

1 foreword

The Austrian Government is committed to raising ensure that the increase in research funding speci- the level of research and development. To this end, fied in the coalition agreement can be implemen- investments in the future are to be encouraged and ted efficiently. The Austrian Council for Research growth and employment generated. In its ambi- and Technology Development will, as in the past, tious agenda for the next legislative period, the issue (strategic) recommendations in accordance Government has earmarked an additional EUR 800 with the goals set out in the paper Strategy 2010 million for this area over the next four years, more for the public funds invested in R&D. In the main, than ever before. By 2010 the research quota will these comprise the funds from the National Foun- be increased to 3 percent. Austria is already well dation for Research, Technology and Develop- above the European Union average in this respect. ment, Action Programme III and the ordinary The Government has also defined an important budgets of the responsible ministries. In doing so, role for the Austrian Council for Research and the Austrian Council for Research and Technology Technology Development. In a joint dialogue with Development fulfils one of its key tasks, namely to those ministries responsible for research, the mem- ensure the efficient use of the budget funds entrus- bers of the Austrian Council perform a vital task. ted to the responsible ministries. They draw up strategy recommendations desi- We wish the Austrian Council for Research and gned to ensure the sustainable development of Technology Development much success as it Austrian research activities. The availability of carries out its important advisory activities and highly qualified researchers is of crucial signi- undertakes to make an active contribution to the ficance in this respect, as this is the only way to discussion.

Mag. Wilhelm Molterer Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance

Dr. Johannes Hahn Dr. Martin Bartenstein Minister of Minister of Science and Economic Affairs Research and Labour

Werner Faymann Christa Kranzl Minister of Under-Secretary of Transport, Innovation State at the Ministry for and Technology Transport, Innovation and Technology

2 editorial

Continuing a Successful Path nology Austria – ISTA, an important step towards Austrian research and its promotion have in making Austria an intellectual and cultural centre recent years certainly proven to be a “success in Central Europe in the wake of EU enlargement. story”. Investments in research and development, The positioning of ISTA as a top international in- and the number of people employed in research stitute which leverages the potential of multi-dis- have both now reached historic levels. In 2005 ciplinary scientific collaboration, is in keeping Austria for the first time achieved a higher re- with the Austrian Council’s long-term vision for search quota (2.35 percent) than the OECD ave- Austria as a centre of R&D formulated in its Stra- rage. In 2006 this quota rose to 2.43 percent or tegy 2010 (for details see page 12 of this Annual Knut Consemüller EUR 6.24 billion, the equivalent of an 84 percent Report). However, 2006 was above all an election Chairman of the increase in spending on research and develop- year with all the related uncertainties – especial- Austrian Council ment since 1998. In the words of Dirk Pilat, head ly with regard to budgeting. Even before the gene- of the Science and Technology department at the ral election in October, the Austrian Council had OECD, Austria is thus in the process of trans- conducted detailed talks with all political parties, forming itself from being a pure user of technol- during the course of which it became clear that ogy to a development-focussed, technology-inten- there was a broad consensus regarding the strat- sive economy. In its Science, Technology and In- egy adopted to reposition Austria as a centre of dustry Outlook 2006, the OECD also stated that innovation. Immediately after the election, the Austrian innovation policy had made a valuable Austrian Council presented the science spokes- contribution to this development – “among other persons of the various parties with its recommen- things, by increasing tax incentives for research dations for anchoring research and technology and development and through public-private part- in a Government Programme for the coming legis- nership programmes for research competence lative period. In this paper, the Austrian Council centres”. It is an indication of Austria’s quality as recommends that Strategy 2010 form the basis for a research location that approximately 30 percent the Government’s research and technology poli- of spending in the corporate sector originates cy work. Furthermore, the Austrian Council also abroad, i.e. is financed by companies headquar- noted that the EUR 550 million required in addi- tered outside Austria. Austria is therefore moving tion to the research billion to meet the target to the top of the OECD league tables. It is the Aus- research quota of three percent of GDP “abso- trian Council’s task to actively assist this process. lutely must be made available between 2007 and From the very outset it has been our ambition to 2009”. As in recent years research promotion position Austria among the top 25 percent of activities have been increasingly financed using OECD states. To this end, Austrian strengths and money awarded at short notice (known as Action areas with potential for the future were analysed funds) and less from ring-fenced budgets, the and the results of the study used to formulate coalition negotiations which lasted three months strategies which, where necessary, were then resulted in budget delays for 2007. The Action adapted to changed conditions. Reviewing what funds could not be released until a new federal we have accomplished over the last few years, budget had been adopted. there can be only one conclusion: we must continue down the path we have followed so success- The Austrian Council was therefore all the more fully in the past. pleased with the results of the coalition negotiations in relation to research, innovation and tech- 2006: A Year of Change nology. Given the commitment made in the Go- 2006 was an exciting year for science and re- vernment programme to raise the R&D quota to search in Austria. On 21 March Parliament voted three percent of GDP and push ahead with struc- to set up a world class Austrian research insti- tural change, the Austrian Council is confident tute to be named Institute of Science and Tech- that the strategy adopted in 2000 will be conti- >

3 editorial

nued. However, it is disappointing that research 2007: Greater Efficiency, Excellence and agendas will remain divided between more than Awareness two ministries. The Austrian Council had called The Strategy 2010 published in 2005 served as an for streamlining in this area in keeping with its important and appropriate guide for our work long-standing demand for greater efficiency and last year. Major steps were taken, for example, in effectiveness in research funding. the area of grant reform, the Austrian Council’s strategy of excellence was developed further and More Money and Improved Structures the second campaign of the Awareness programme Günther Bonn In a country like Austria which is small in size but “innovativesoesterreich” was successfully com- Deputy Chairman of the nevertheless highly integrated into the global eco- pleted. The Austrian Council has once again set Austrian Council nomy, research, development and innovation play itself an extensive programme for the next few a crucial role in safeguarding national competi- months, which includes a review of all funding tiveness. The country’s economic success and measures and the development of suggestions to the job security of the population depend on it. restructure this fragmented, and in some cases The simple truth is that research needs money – complex, system. In addition, the Austrian Coun- even if financial resources alone do not suffice. cil will focus on a strategy of excellence, a speci- The general climate and a ready supply of well- al research strategy for Information and Commu- educated personnel also play an important role. nications Technologies, the launch of “innovati- This is confirmed by the fact that research and de- ves-oesterreich III” and the question of human velopment safeguard value-creation at companies. resources in Austria. Finally, we would like to One thing is clear: There is not a single example thank all those who supported our work last of non-investment in research and development year. We hope you find this Annual Report both creating additional jobs, as Erwin Kubista from informative and thought-provoking and invite you Joanneum Research so accurately put it. to continue with us on the road to success.

Photo (from left to right): Hans Schönegger Knut Consemüller Albert Hochleitner Gabriele Zuna-Kratky Reinhard Petschacher Jürgen Stockmar Dervilla Donnelly Günther Bonn

4 perspectives

The Austrian Council believes it is a key political task to offer young researchers in Austria a perspective for the future. Highly qualified workers are the “raw material” for the innovations of the future.

5 perspectives

“Austria needs Young Talent”!

Never before has so much money been spent on firming the importance of research and innova- research and development (R&D) or have there tion and especially its role in safeguarding and been as many researchers as there are today. In creating employment. 2006 investments in R&D totalled EUR 6.24 billion, the equivalent of 2.43 percent of GDP. All Aiginger: Our objective was to produce a White political parties have committed themselves to Paper containing a consistent strategy for the DI Dr. raising the level of research in Austria, and re- Austrian economy based on the experiences of Knut Consemüller search and development feature prominently the most successful European countries. Our Chairman of the in the Government’s programme. analyses showed that higher economic growth Austrian Council is the most important instrument for generating There is general optimism that Austria will be employment. Unemployment can only be re- able to achieve the target formulated in Barce- duced by rapid economic growth and the pur- lona of spending 3 percent of GDP on R&D in suit of a long-term strategy. However, as the 2010. However, according to the Chairman of medium-term growth rate of 2.1 percent fore- the Austrian Council, Knut Consemüller, past cast for Austria over the next five years will success and international praise must not be certainly be insufficient to reduce unemploy- allowed to lead to complacency. Instead the ment, we have drawn up a total of eleven strat- chosen strategy must be consistently applied, as egy lines designed to increase growth and the head of the Austrian Institute of Economic employment. Research (WIFO), Karl Aiginger, notes. Both experts agreed that an innovative future is More growth is a popular buzzword – but simply not possible without a sufficient number how should it be achieved? of highly qualified people. Consemüller: We are seeking innovation and quality-based growth with the aim of achieving What was the importance for Austria of the a high level of employment. WIFO identified formulation of the Barcelona target by the areas which the Austrian Council had already ad- EU? dressed and recommended for implementation in its Strategy 2010. In particular, I am referring Consemüller: The Lisbon-Barcelona target of a to research funding for small and medium-sized research quota of 3 percent of GDP is firmly enterprises, fostering co-operation between supported by the Austrian Council (which science and industry at competence centres and repeatedly calls upon policymakers to live up to building our strengths into excellence. their commitment) and has triggered a momentum which actually makes it possible to achieve Aiginger: These are all key points, both in the the goal. Austrian Council’s Strategy 2010 and in our We must now continue to consistently apply the White Paper. Technological advances are un- chosen strategy. As the Chairman of the Aus- doubtedly key drivers of economic growth and trian Council I am extremely pleased that we thus of material prosperity. If Austria wishes to have the support of the WIFO, which only a continue the success of recent years, research, few months ago published a White Paper con- innovation and technology must play a major

1 Austrian Institute for Economic Research (publisher); WIFO White Paper: “Increased employment through growth on the basis of innovation and qualification,” comprising a summary volume and 22 part-studies. Vienna 2006.

6 perspectives

role in an economic policy geared to generating You address an important issue, that of the growth and employment. people who work in research. Are there This is why in our White Paper we called for a enough researchers in Austria? turn toward “high-tech and high-risk projects” and the expansion of Austrian strengths – such Aiginger: Greater attention will have to be as environmental technology – into excellence. focussed on human resources in Austria, not only in the area of excellence, but at all levels. Consemüller: I would like to interrupt at this Just one example: The number of graduates who point to say that the Austrian Council has focus- have completed secondary or tertiary education Prof. Mag. Dr. sed intensively on excellence in recent years. in our country is well below the level needed to Karl Aiginger With its strategy for excellence, the Council achieve a position among the international tech- Head of the aims to open up new horizons for Austrian nological leaders. However, human resources Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) science and research. The challenge is to create are central to innovation processes. ideal conditions for outstanding research and development in order to raise the level of quali- Consemüller: The availability of an adequate ty throughout the entire Austrian innovation supply of highly qualified human resources is of system and thus increase Austria’s internatio- course the basis and prerequisite for the viabili- nal visibility. If we are able to offer researchers ty of an R&D strategy. The aim must be – and this a perspective, we will be able to attract the very was explicitly stated in Strategy 2010 – to raise best scientists who will produce top results. the quality of education and further education >

The Path to Achieving the 3 Percent Target Trend scenario for R&D spending in Austria up to 2010 (forecast)

10.000 3,5 The R&D quota in

9.000 3% 2006 amounted to 2,9% 3,0 2,7% 2.43 percent of GDP 8.000 2,6% 2,43% (Statistik Austria 2,35% 7.000 2,27% 2,5 2,2% Global Estimate). 2,12% 2,04% 6.000 1,91% In 2010 the figure 2,0 should be 3 percent. 5.000 1,5 Additional public 4.000 funding will make a 3.000 1,0 major contribution

R&D Expenditure: (in EUR millions) 2.000 to financing the R&D as a percentage ofR&D as a percentage GDP (in percent) 0,5 increasing level of 1.000 R&D expenditure. 0 0,0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total R&D expenditure: (in EUR millions) R&D expenditure: R&D as a percentage of GDP (in %) R&D expenditure: Funding sector corporate + funding sector foreign companies (target 2010: 2/3 share) Source: Statistik Austria, Strategy 2010, Research and Technology Report 2005, Update: Austrian Council

7 perspectives

at all stages of the system. Although in an inter- need to upgrade their skills and adapt them- national comparison, Austria performs well in selves to new tasks. the secondary educational segment, there are clear weaknesses in tertiary education. The Aus- Consemüller: In this context there is another trian Council will therefore need to focus much important point which needs to be mentioned, more strongly on improving human resources namely awareness of research and innovation. than in the past. Excellent research is one thing, but above and beyond this, research activities and results must How supportive is the educational system in be communicated to the public in a form that this respect? enables each individual to recognise the specific benefits it can be expected to produce for Aiginger: There has already been a strong move their own life, work and health etc. This is why towards the higher end of the qualifications the continuation of the dialogue programme scale at the expense of the lower end. Now, “innovatives-oesterreich” is so important. Take where Austria’s ability to compete at the top of for example, the Children’s Universities: Public the league tables is at stake, a thorough reform relations work in the form of communicating of educational policy is required. Our vocation- science to a very young audience serves to oriented educational system was very well encourage young scientists at a very early age. suited for the catching up process, but it has dis- Today’s children and adolescents are tomorrow’s tinct disadvantages when it comes to taking the researchers – not in 2010, but a few years later. lead. There will need to be real changes, espe- And Austria needs these talented young people. cially in the university sector, however without laying too much emphasis on the communica- Aiginger: I completely agree with you. We will tion of specialised knowledge. Technological not succeed in putting Austria at the top of the change is proceeding at such a fast pace that league tables if we do not take an active interest even highly qualified specialists continuously in our young people and awaken their interest.

8 perspectives

“The World is an Oyster for the Best Young Researchers"

Generating enthusiasm for science and research European level testifies to the many positive results among young people is a key aim of several pro- Austria has already achieved in the promotion of grammes both at the European and national level. young scientists. Take the Starting Grant mentioned Helga Nowotny from the European Research by Prof. Nowotny, which is comparable to the Council and Günther Bonn from the Austrian Austrian START prize or the Advanced Investigator Council for Research and Technology Develop- Grant which is similar to the Wittgenstein Prize. ment agree that gifted young people today have The problem that could arise for Austria in the fu- more opportunities, but also face more challenges ture is that our young scientists may make inade- than ever before. quate use of EU research funding, as we already have the equivalent structures at the national level. Ms. Nowotny, as the Vice President of the Euro- pean Research Council you have an in-depth Have the career paths of young scientists changed knowledge of the European and also the Aus- significantly? trian research landscapes. What differences do you see in terms of how talented young scien- Bonn: There is an increasing trend toward specia- tists are encouraged at the Austrian and the lisation. On the one hand, this means that PhD European levels. topics are becoming increasingly specific, forcing researchers to make the basic decision regarding Nowotny: When the Scientific Council of the ERC the area of work which is of interest to them at an decided in its first year to focus squarely on pro- ever earlier date. On the other hand, this increases moting young talent, we were of course aware the pressure to show greater initiative and self- that there are similar programmes at a national management because due to the increasing degree level. However, a crucial difference is that in the of differentiation and specialisation the individual case of an ERC grant the total pool of young research communities are shrinking in size while the researchers is much greater than at the national overall system is becoming increasingly complex. level. For the first time in the history of EU research funding, a genuine pan-European competi- Nowotny: Overall, the pressure on young scien- tion is taking place based solely on the criteria of tists has greatly increased. This shows itself in three scientific excellence. Individual applicants might respects: First of all, the pressure is growing to get have better chances at the national level, but in the ahead with independent scientific work as early as final analysis, the winners will be aware that they possible. In international competition, those who have prevailed against the very best international get in first generally do better. Secondly, the pres- contenders. A second difference, which will be sure toward internationalisation with the correspon- important in the long term, is that the European ding mobility requirements have also risen, which research institutions, especially the universities, are incidentally places additional burdens on women beginning to compete at a European level. An ERC who wish to start a family in the early stages of their Starting Grant is awarded to an individual team, but career. Thirdly, pressure is increasing to publish the principal investigator must choose a host insti- only in the “best” scientific journals. This sometimes tution which will offer a suitable creative scienti- leads to distortions if too much emphasis is placed fic environment and good working conditions. on quantitative impact factors and similar benchmarks when evaluating scientific work. Mr. Bonn, what is the situation in Austria? In Austria greater efforts have been made to do Bonn: The fact that much of what has been estab- more to promote young scientists, not least of lished in our country now has an equivalent at the all, as a result of recommendations made by the >

9 perspectives

Austrian Council for Research and Technology from the provinces, visited the Children’s Univer- Development. How do you see Austria’s posi- sity in Vienna, attending more than 330 events. Pro- tion within the European Union in this respect grammes such as IMST – Innovations in Mathe- now? matics, Science and Technology Teaching and others like it are extremely important and have Nowotny: On the whole, the Austrian position has therefore received strong support in Austrian greatly improved in comparison with other coun- Council recommendations. tries in the EU. The reforms at the universities are Univ.-Prof. Dr. pointing in the right direction, although greater Nowotny: I would go even further. Much of the Helga Nowotny financial resources will be needed for their im- groundwork is already laid at a pre-school age and Vice President plementation. The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) then at primary school. The point is to awaken European Research Council has done excellent work, but could use more children’s interest in the world of the future, in money. Nevertheless, I believe there is still much which the production of new knowledge and tech- more room for improvement, especially where nologies will play a key role and to encourage their supervision of PhD students is concerned. natural curiosity. At the same time, those initiatives The establishment of graduate colleges or initia- which do fortunately exist, must be examined with tive colleges, for example at the University of Vien- regard to their sustainability and if necessary na, is still only a drop in the ocean. adjusted to meet new requirements. In this connection, informal learning of the kind which Bonn: The Austrian Council set out its ideas for people require at work, but also in order to take improving human resources in Strategy 2010 and control of other areas of their lives, will become in many of its recommendations. However, we increasingly important. still have a long way to go, especially with regard to the promotion of women and mobility. Human Is Austria fully tapping the potential of its scien- resources will therefore remain a central concern tists? Where do you see specific strengths? of the Austrian Council in future. It should also be pointed out that the Fachhoch- Nowotny: The national scientific community must schulen have broadened the range of offers in the itself become more international. We must get tertiary education sector while at the same time used to the idea that the “brain drain” is no longer university degree courses have also been restruc- the only issue; the “brain gain” must be just as tured (key word bachelor). The next aspect is to actively encouraged as should the “circulation of improve doctoral training. The planned doctoral the brains”. In science excellence attracts excel- schools can only be the first step. lence, irrespective of whether it comes from Aus- tria or elsewhere. In this respect, Austria still has Experiences in Austria have shown that it is some work ahead if it is to achieve a greater degree necessary to begin promoting young scientists of international openness. and developing children’s interest in science and technology while they are still at school. How do Bonn: Austria began promoting excellence appro- you view this trend? ximately ten years ago in an effort to increase its attractiveness as a research location and make bet- Bonn: The Austrian Council warmly welcomed ter use of our country’s human resources. Remem- these initiatives, because in point of fact it is never ber the annual award for excellence, START, and too early to start awakening young people’s inter- Wittgenstein or the new competence centre est in science. The huge success of the Children’s COMET, the core of which is a high quality re- Universities shows how children can be “led” in the search programme defined jointly by partners from positive sense of the word. In 2006 approxi- science and industry. Not to forget the Academy of mately 3,500 children, one third of whom were Sciences, the Ludwig Boltzmann Research Associa-

10 perspectives

tion and, in future, the high-tech research Institute reaching change. The fields of activity for success- for Science and Technology – ISTA. ful scientific careers have become much more diverse and now also require additional skills such In an international comparison is Austria an as management capabilities. Conditions in Austria attractive country in which to be a researcher? have definitely improved – but progress has also been made elsewhere, think about the excellence Bonn: Besides the measures to promote excel- initiatives of our German neighbours, for example. lence referred to earlier – the decision in March It is therefore far too early to be satisfied with what 2006 by the Austrian Parliament to establish the has been achieved so far. Overall, I believe our Univ.-Prof. Dr. high-tech research institute ISTA will play a role scientists are working in exciting times. The world Günther Bonn here. The timing for setting up this university of is an oyster for the best young researchers and Vizevorsitzender excellence is ideal, as EU enlargement has put they will go wherever they are offered the most Austria in a position where it can become an intel- attractive working conditions. lectual and cultural centre in Central Europe. The ERC wants to initiate a new trend to increase the number and range of research institutes in Nowotny: It must also be borne in mind that the Europe which carry out cutting-edge research role of the scientist is currently undergoing a far- under optimal conditions.

11 perspectives

The Austrian Council’s Strategy of Excellence: Recommendation for Reaching the Top

The Austrian Council has on several occasions, with a high standard of quality and a wide diver- most clearly in Strategy 2010, called for the de- sity of research approaches. velopment of a strategy to promote excellence. Why excellence? Austria is well on the way to The Austrian Council therefore aims to raise the achieving the target laid down by the European standard of quality throughout the entire Austrian Union in the Barcelona process of spending three innovation system and at the same time to posi- percent of GDP on research and development by tion Austrian research among the international 2010. However, the Austrian Council believes front-runners in an increasing number of research that this quantitative goal alone is insufficient. We themes, research projects and research teams. As also need content-related goals, one of which is we strive to achieve this objective, the following excellence. There is no scientific progress with- questions arise. out excellence – and this means being amongst the best in the world. However, excellence can ] What type of framework is most suitable for only be achieved where there is a broad base achieving excellence?

12 perspectives

] What prevents excellence in institutions and organised an open space conference on excel- the national funding system and what supports lence. The most important results of this con- it? ference were picked up by the Austrian Council ] How can general conditions in Austria be shaped and will form an element of the planned strategy so as to ensure they promote excellence in the for excellence (for further information see the long term, whilst remaining open for new parti- chapter Events: Open Space, page 34). cipants? The Council has also commissioned studies which ] What incentives can be offered to encourage re- examine the definition of excellence at universi- search institutions to make excellence their goal ties, in industry and in the co-operative sector. and to work toward and foster excellence in their The results of these studies were presented to the strategies? In the view of the Austrian Council a Council in December 2006 which analysed them strategy of excellence must be open to all dis- in early 2007. ciplines and must include all institutions which The recommendations made by the Austrian are engaged in research and development activi- Council have generated increased impetus in this ties – universities, industry and the co-operative area and motivated other research and innova- sector. The idea is not to develop a “closed shop tion policy players to formulate elements of a of centres of excellence”, but an open system in strategy of excellence for their own areas of which the overall level of quality is raised and the responsibility. The Austrian Council welcomes path to excellence is open to all researchers. these initiatives as it regards the strategy of excellence as an ongoing process to which all those Several players in innovation policy have respon- involved should make a long-term commitment. ded to the Austrian Council’s call for the develop- The Austrian Council believes its task is to analyse ment of a strategy of excellence. Specific con- the contributions in their entirety in order to cepts and proposed measures for various target combine them with other elements and pro- groups have already been drawn up. posals of its own to form a coherent strategy of ] In 2006 Parliament approved the establishment excellence. of the Institute of Science and Technology Austria – ISTA, an institute which will carry out cutting- edge research and post-graduate training. ] The “Exzellenzinitiative Wissenschaft” was developed by the Austrian Science Fund and the Ministry for Education, Science and Culture. The Austrian Council especially welcomes the initiative’s proposal for “clusters of excellence” tar- geting basic research in Austria. ] The new competence centres programme COMET, which promotes long-term collaborative research partnerships between science and industry, was established and the first calls have already been launched.

The Austrian Council has thus firmly placed excellence on the research and innovation policy agenda.

The Council has also taken steps of its own to develop a strategy of excellence. In May 2006 it

13 perspectives

Output of Scientific Articles per Million Inhabitants Average 2000–2003 1.200

1.000

800

600

400

200

0 Sweden Switzerland Israel Finland Denmark Netherlands United Kingdom Australia Canada New Zealand Norway USA Singapore Iceland Belgium Austria Germany France Taiwan OECD Slovenia Japan Ireland Italy Spain Source: National Science Board (NSB), Science and Engineering Indicators 2006, Appendix Table 5–43, Arlington, VA., 2006. processed by: WIFO; graphic representation: Austrian Council

2,2 Austria

Growth in the 1,9 number of Austrian publications in EU 15 1,6 an international comparison

(1988–2003) 1988=1 1,3 USA

0,7 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002

Source: NSB (2006), Appendix Table 5–4, processed by: WIFO

14 recommendations

The Austrian Council for Research and Technology Development is the strategic advisory body to the Austrian Government on key questions of research and technology policy. Its recommendations are based on international benchmarks taking into account specific Austrian needs. On the basis of studies, evaluations and expert reports it issues recommendations concerning the use of funding and the adaptation of structures with a view to facilitating even higher quality.

15 recommendations

Recommendations 2006

The Austrian Council for Research and Technology up recommendations for the medium and long- Development is the strategic advisory body to term strategic orientation of Austrian RTI policy the Austrian Government on all issues of research, and makes statements concerning investment technology and innovation policy (RTI). It draws decisions where public funds are used.

In 2006 the Austrian Council made re- the Austrian innovation system. Experts from poli- commendations regarding the following tics, the civil service, the relevant funding agencies themes: and from science and industry participate in the 20 January 2006 process in working groups and similar dialogue ] Recommendation regarding research, technolo- forums. The original texts of the Austrian Council gy development and innovation within the scope recommendations are published on the Council’s of the Structural Funds programmes 2007–2013 website www.rat-fte.at. ] Recommendation regarding the national programme for security research The Austrian Council recommends 30 March 2006 ] Strategy 2010 is the Austrian Council’s position ] Recommendation regarding the Austrian Acade- paper concerning the development of the fields of my of Sciences action in Austrian research and technology policy. 29 September 2006 It should serve as the basis for the Government’s ] Recommendation of the Austrian Council for research and technology policy in the new legis- Research and Technology Development to anchor lative period. research and technology in a government programme for the legislative period commencing in Strategy 2010 autumn 2006 Strategy 2010 is directed toward one central objective: strengthening the competitiveness and 14 December 2006 dynamism of the Austrian economy in order to ] Recommendation concerning the prioritisation of the allocation of funds from the National Foundati- enable sustainable economic growth and an ex- on for 2007; addendum concerning the Academy pansive employment trend. For that purpose, of Sciences measures for ten fields of action have been recommended: Universities, business enter- ] Recommendation regarding the securing of the necessary funds for Q1 2007 prises, the co-operative sector (collaboration between science and industry), the strategy of ] Recommendation regarding the platform RTI Austria excellence, international orientation, the regional dimension, human resources, the state Recommendation regarding “research as a driving force, the funding portfolio and the and technology” for the Government allocation of resources. Programme for the legislative period The basic principles of Strategy 2010 are: starting in 2006 – 29 September 2006 ] to promote quality on a broad level and In accordance with its statutory mandate the Aus- excellence at the top trian Council for Research and Technology De- ] to strengthen networking and co-operation velopment submitted a recommendation to anchor between science and industry research and technology in the coming legislative ] to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of period. The recommendation is based on Strategy the funding system. 2010 and other Council publications. Strategy 2010 can be downloaded from the Aus- The Austrian Council draws up its recommenda- trian Council’s website http://www.rat-fte.at tions in close consultation with the key players in

16 recommendations

] The Barcelona target of a 3 percent R&D quota must be adapted for research, technology develop- can and must be achieved and should be funded ment and Innovation (RTI). by industry and the public sector. The EU Structural Funds have always been an im- ] Particular attention in the forthcoming research portant basis for Austria’s regions. policy period should be given to human resources, However, in the past they were mainly geared to i.e. the people who work in science and research. traditional investment promotion activities. But ] The effectiveness of research and technology the framework is set to change in the Structural policy measures must be verified. Funds programming period 2007–2013. ] The key areas initiated in addition to the gene- By strengthening the focus on research, technology ral programmes will be consistently advanced. development and measures geared toward inno- The entire portfolio must be analysed and opti- vation, the Structural Funds can now become an mised. The Austrian Council is considering de- important instrument for strengthening regional fining additional key areas in the fields of energy innovation systems in Austria. and materials. Against this background, the Austrian Council em- ] A system of incentives should be created to open phasises the importance of a stronger RTI focus in up sources of private risk capital for investments the current Structural Funds programming period. in research by making them tax deductible or In its Strategy 2010 the Austrian Council addres- giving them other preferential treatment. sed the issue of integrating the EU Structural Funds ] The ministerial structures in the area of research programmes into national research and innovati- must be made more efficient. on policy and of effectively networking the regio- At the political level, the Austrian Council recom- nal development programmes co-financed by the mends combining the portfolios at two ministries EU with national funding activities. Building on (balancing of interests between science and tech- this, the Austrian Council has issued the following nology). recommendations for the planned key area “Inno- ] Competition within the university system must vation and Science-Based Economy” for the period generally be strengthened, budget funding for 2007–2013. basic research must be guaranteed. The Austrian Council recommends ] The funds of the National Foundation for 1. Programmes in the period 2007–2013 should Research, Technology and Development must be be geared more towards measures focusing on used in accordance with the statutory mandate. RTI. This will involve transferring the funds used for 2. “Soft” measures should be vigorously incorpor- general programmes (FFG/FWF) to the ordinary ated into the programming. The purpose of “soft” budgets of the ministries.1 promotion measures is to make up for missing competences, for example, by providing consult- Recommendation regarding research, ing services or assistance in the start-up phase or technology development and innovation during the search for partners. This also involves in the Structural Programmes 2007–2013 providing companies which have so far failed to – 20 January 2006 qualify for RTI project funding with those compe- The European Union is committed to its goal of tences that would make them eligible for funding. generating growth and employment through 3. Improving the exchange of information, co-or- knowledge and innovation. In order to realise this dination and consultation between administrative plan, European Structural Funds will also be instru- bodies and funding agencies at the centre and in mentalised in the funding period 2007–2013. The the provinces as well as between the provinces on tasks and guidelines of the Structural Funds, which the basis of previous activities and discussions in the past were used for regional development, concerning research, technology and innovation. >

1 This will free up the budget funds at the National Foundation for long-term high-risk projects.

17 recommendations

Recommendation regarding the Austrian medium term the Academy institutes should be Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) – 30 March 2006 funded by the ministries and medium-term plan- In a letter dated 26 May 2004 Minister Gehrer re- ning certainty must be guaranteed on the basis of quested the Austrian Council to comment on the agreed performance targets. Furthermore, the reform process at the Academy of Sciences. The responsible ministry must continue to ensure that Austrian Council has issued recommendations on the steps agreed as part of the reform process are a number of occasions and has also declared its wil- successfully implemented. lingness to assist and support the reform process. On 30 March 2006 the Presiding Committee and Recommendation regarding the Plat- the Chairman of the Reform Commission pre- form RTI Austria – 14 December 2006 sented the 37th Meeting of the Austrian Council The co-ordination of research, technology and with a proposal for an organisational reform of the innovation policy between the provinces and the Academy. This proposal was accepted by the federal government is essential for the efficient and plenary session of the Academy on 24 March 2006 effective functioning of the Austrian innovation and forwarded to the Presiding Committee to be system. The recommendation aims to secure an in- dealt with further. stitutionalised form of regular interaction between The Austrian Council welcomes the proposal representatives of the federal government and the made by the Reform Commission and regards the agencies in the provinces. The new initiative will proposed concept as an important first step with- supplement and upgrade existing bilateral and in the scope of the Academy’s reform process. multi-lateral patterns of co-operation. The systema- The Austrian Council expects this reform process tic and open exchange of information made pos- to be accelerated. sible in this manner and the related accumulation of knowledge and experience should improve the The Austrian Council recommends basis for decision-making by all those involved ] the establishment of a working group which with a view to structuring the national funding will support the reform process by drawing up system more efficiently. Co-ordinating the use of concepts and steps toward reform. The Ministry funds between the federal government and the for Education, Science and Culture (BMBWK) must provinces will make it easier to focus on key areas be involved in this process. and help avoid overlapping and duplication. A ] incorporating the recommendations contained greater leverage effect can be achieved by addres- in the Annual Report of the National Audit Office sing critical masses when implementing funding – Federal Government: Administrative Year 2003 measures. At the international level the develop- in the future reform process. ment of clear joint RTI concepts will strengthen ] implementing a financial controlling system to Austria’s competitiveness, also in respect to its ensure the transparent use of funds. This control- position in the European Research Area. ling should be carried out by external auditors and should support the Presidium of the Academy, The Austrian Council recommends the Research Board, the ministry and other rele- ] the establishment of the Platform RTI Austria as vant bodies with the implementation of reform a permanent communication platform which meets and a medium-term planning process. regularly to support co-operation between the pro- ] The BMBWK should make funding available as vinces and the federal government in the area of needed and based on the progress of the reform technology policy. This platform should comprise process. representatives of the RTI funding agencies from In a recommendation to the National Foundation each of the provinces as well as one representa- for Research, Technology and Development dated tive from each of the relevant federal agencies who 14 December 2006, the Austrian Council reaf- are to be nominated for an indefinite period by the firmed this recommendation, adding that in the responsible political decision-makers.

18 creating knowledge

The Austrian Council’s work is based on the principle of facilitating innovation and talking about it. In 2006 intensive work continued in the strategic fields; dialogue measures were promoted as part of the “innovatives- oesterreich.at” campaign.

19 creating knowledge

Update: What has been accomplished

Co-operation between Federal Govern- The Platform RTI Austria ment and the Provinces: Work continues The Platform RTI Austria is designed as a joint on Co-ordination event which meets twice a year. Its core element Regional efforts to stimulate research, tech- is the continuous interaction between the perma- nology development and the innovative strength nent representatives of the funding system from of a country are as important as ever and will be each province and the representatives from each further enhanced by integration in the Euro- of the federal agencies (AWS, FFG, FWF). pean Research Area. The Austrian provinces play a key role here, as shown by rising budgets and the development of research institutes and research funding programmes on the part of the provinces. Joint Statistics show that in 2005 the provinces spent Strategy Processes a total of EUR 330 million on R&D, contributing Co-operation Projects 0.13 percentage points to the 2.35 research quota. As recently as 1990 their contribution to research funding in Austria had amounted to a mere EUR 109 million. However, this increased Platform level of research and innovation policy activity RTI Austria on the part of the provinces has created a greater need for consultation and co-ordination. Despite Levels of Co-operation a plethora of initiatives in this direction, this need is still only being incompletely and inade- quately met. The Benefits for all Concerned The systematic and open exchange of informa- The Background tion made possible by this form of interaction Efforts by the Austrian Council to give a co-ordi- should improve the basis for decision-making nating and overall impetus to the co-operation with a view to structuring the national funding process with recommendations and working system more efficiently. Co-ordinating the use of groups, proved more protracted than anticipated. funds between the federal government and the However, in 2006 a major step forward was taken. provinces will make it easier to maximise the At a series of meetings of highly committed natio- impact of focussing on key areas at the national nal and provincial representatives initiated by the and regional level and help avoid overlapping and Austrian Council, the conditions and key compo- duplication. nents for an effective platform for co-operation By endeavouring trying to achieve critical masses were drawn up. The result was the concept for when implementing funding measures, the funds the RTI Platform Austria, established out of a de- used can generate a stronger leverage effect. sire for an institutionalised form of regular interaction between representatives of the federal government and the provincial agencies and which should serve as a basis for active co-operation and strategy co-ordination. Above all, the key aim was to establish a core group for research and technology development from among the provinces and the federal agencies.

20 creating knowledge

Humanities, Social and Cultural Scien- in deciding to what extent this heritage can and ces: Cultural Heritage and Increased should be addressed as a basis for research. Over- Security all the challenge is to identify elements of “scien- In September 2003 the Austrian Council recom- tific and cultural heritage” and to formulate and mended that medium-term, overlapping key pro- implement objectives and priorities for the further grammes for the humanities, social and cultural development of this theme. sciences should be established, the choice of In November 2005 the security research pro- which should be geared to existing strengths and gramme KIRAS recommended by the Austrian their relevance for Austria’s social and economic Council was launched with a first call for expres- development. Building on this, the Austrian Coun- sions of interest. KIRAS supports national research cil recommended the establishment of the multi- projects which aim to increase the security of year programme “Cultures of Knowledge in Austria and its population. Change” in 2005. The Humanities, Social and Cul- The programme will give strong emphasis to the tural Sciences Working Group ascertained an humanities, social and cultural sciences – on the urgent need for action with regard to the collec- one hand, because research in these areas is tion, documentation and processing of Austria’s explicitly called for as an integral part of tech- scientific and cultural heritage. 2006 was there- nologically-oriented research projects, and on the fore dominated by the preparation and execution other, because aspects with a general relevance of a feasibility study of Austria’s scientific and cul- for the humanities, social and cultural sciences tural heritage, jointly commissioned by the Aus- will be included in the project evaluation. This trian Council and the Ministry for Education, should ensure the presence of the social dimen- Science and Culture (BMBWK). The study was sion in each (technologically-oriented) security published on the Austrian Council’s website in research project. Humanities, social and cultural December 2006 (see Studies, page 27). science research should also feature prominent- The results of the study should provide assistance ly in the parallel measures. >

21 creating knowledge

Grants: Fewer but Bigger Programmes and energy research and in an international In 2005 the Austrian Council recommended a comparison are also extremely successful. In thorough restructuring of the grant programmes. co-operation with the ministries for education, When initiating a start-up conference and estab- transport and the environment the Austrian lishing a working group to present reform pro- Council therefore developed the FORNE strat- posals for 2006, the Ministry for Education, egy which was then recommended for imple- Science and Culture (BMBWK) made reference mentation. to the Council’s recommendation and made a The Ministry for Transport, Innovation and number of proposals. The most important Technology (BMVIT) which is responsible for points were: energy research has commenced work on de- ] Tax exemption for grants, in particular inco- veloping a comprehensive and long-term energy ming grants, should be specifically included in research strategy under the heading Energy the forthcoming amendment of the directive 2050. The Austrian Council explicitly welcomes on wage income tax. The amendment has al- this project, advocating the provision of the ready completed the review process and will necessary budget for this important emerging probably come into force in 2007. thematic area of research and the incorporation ] A one-stop shop procedure for all applicants of this project into the FORNE strategy. should be implemented. Energy is a cross-sectional material, as is energy ] The number of programmes should be re- research and development. In the view of the duced, the smallest abolished and programmes Austrian Council inter-ministerial co-operation bundled in order to create a critical mass. is especially important for shaping a coherent ] The majority of programme overlaps should policy. Of course, this primarily concerns the be eliminated. ministries responsible for RTI agendas, but the ] Measures to promote women should be ex- interface to energy policy is itself also im- panded and refocused. portant. Last year the Austrian Council actively ] Administrative costs can be reduced. supported this exchange in its capacity as a ] More flexible age limits for grant recipients moderator. should be introduced. ] The evaluation of grant programmes and of Nano: The Strategy for Researching their goals should be continued. the Smallest Particles under the Micro- ] Researcher’s institutional affiliation with re- scope search centres should be regulated in accordan- In February 2002 the Austrian Council pre- ce with the European Charter for Researchers. sented the Austrian NANO Initiative and issued ] Financial responsibility for grants should be a recommendation for its implementation. Prior concentrated at three institutions. Those insti- to this, the Council had developed the concept tutions which develop and offer grant program- in co-operation with nano-researchers from mes have already started to implement some science and industry, the ministries, funding aspects of the Austrian Council’s recommenda- agencies and representatives of the provinces. tion. Work on the reform will continue in 2007. The Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) acting as the lead mini- Establishing Research as an Emerging stry then developed the programme; the first Thematic Area calls were launched in autumn 2003. One of the As long ago as 2001 the Austrian Council iden- distinctive features of the NANO Initiative is its tified “the environment and energy” as an Aus- structure: It is not only a BMVIT funding pro- trian strength and important emerging thematic gramme, it also constitutes a “strategic umbrel- area. Numerous Austrian companies and re- la” covering all the NANO-specific measures of search institutes are engaged in environmental the federal government and the provinces – a

22 creating knowledge

collaborative programme not only for the parti- Council and its secretariat met with the IMAG- cipating researchers, but also for the pro- IKT and outside experts for a joint closed strat- gramme managers and the funding agencies. egy conference.1 In 2006 the NANO Initiative was subjected to an One of the key conclusions of the conference interim assessment carried out on behalf of the was that a large-scale over-arching strategy BMVIT, the main purpose of which was to covering the entire system of RTD, education evaluate the programme concept and its imple- and technology transfer in ICT is not suitable for mentation. systematically promoting this area. On the con- The evaluators offered clear proposals for pos- trary, a far more constructive approach – espe- sible improvements and further programme cially given the shortage of human resources at development. The main points included improv- the ministries – is to develop strategies in ing the efficiency of the management and oper- those areas where a specific need for action ational structures of joint projects, positioning has been identified and existing measures are them in the innovation system, and mobilising inadequate. industry to a greater extent. At the same time, Following its reconstitution in autumn 2005 the the evaluation confirmed the findings underly- Austrian Council once again turned its attention ing the NANO initiative and the need for spe- to ICT, focusing in particular on the situation of cially tailored support measures. In the main, research and development in information and the evaluators found that the programme is well communications technologies (ICT-R&D) in suited to achieve the desired results. They also Austria. The situation of ICT-R&D in Austria has emphasised the importance of a long-term changed considerably in recent years. The uni- political commitment for genuinely tapping the versities have been reorganised, new ICT-spe- application potential of nano-technology. cific funding programmes have been established in response to an Austrian Council recom- Information and Communications mendation and ICT now also plays an important Technologies: Study surveys Potential role in the thematically-open funding pro- As early as 2001 when it published its Strategy grammes such as the competence centres or “2.5 % + plus” the Austrian Council called for an the FFG General Programmes. The key questions inter-ministerial strategy for information and from the Austrian Council’s perspective are: communications (ICT) technologies in Austria. What are the strategic challenges and oppor- This strategy was to cover the areas of educa- tunities for ICT-R&D in Austria and what addition and further education, research and tech- tional ICT-specific RTI policy measures are nology development and technology transfer. required in order to strengthen ICT-R&D in In co-operation with the secretariat of the Austria. Together with the BMVIT the Austrian Austrian Council, the ministries BMVIT, BMWA Council commissioned the company Eutema and BMBWK established a working group Technology Management to carry out a special (IMAG-IKT) which was also responsible for the study (see page 29 for further details). The stu- mutual exchange of information and for co- dy is supervised by an advisory board com- ordinating activities. Two studies were commis- prising representatives of the Austrian Council, sioned, one on governance in ICT, the other the BMVIT, the BMBWK and the BMWA. The analysing the situation of ICT in Austria on the results of the study will form the basis for the basis of existing data. Following completion of development of a strategy to strengthen and these studies, the members of the Austrian advance ICT-R&D in Austria. >

1 Both studies can be downloaded from the Austrian Council’s website http://www.rat-fte.at/view.mc?docid=93.

23 creating knowledge

Research and Society: Promoting Dia- tising and communication, the emphasis in the logue with innovativesoesterreich.at second campaign (2004-2006) moved toward In 2006 the second campaign organised as part active involvement through participatory, tar- of the public awareness initiative innovatives- get-group-oriented projects. The stated goal is to oesterreich.at was successfully completed. inno- present research and technology in a more vatives-oesterreich.at is an awareness raising pro- accessible form and thus increase public accept- ject, which on the one hand addresses a wider ance and awareness of the benefits of science audience, while at the same time aiming to raise and research. the quality of public relations work carried out EUR 12 million were made available for the con- by research and development institutions. tinuation of innovatives-oesterreich, with the The initiative is sponsored by the Ministry for contracts being awarded on the basis of a public Education, Science and Culture (BMBWK), the tendering procedure. More than 50 individual Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technol- programmes in all provinces, an extensive web ogy (BMVIT), the Ministry for Economic Affairs portal, advertisements and articles in daily and Labour (BMWA) together with the Austrian newspapers and magazines as well as a mobile Council for Research and Technology Develop- question team invited the population to ask ment and is supported by the social partners and questions on all aspects of innovation and experts from the scientific community. While research. Ambitious projects to communicate the first campaign (2001–2003) with its slogan research were implemented in order to raise the “Auf die Birne kommt es an” focused on adver- visibility of scientific achievements, stimulate

As part of the Sci Art Junior project organised by PR&D, groups of nursery school pupils are given an opportunity to look behind the scenes at research institutes and experience research and artistic activities for themselves.

24 creating knowledge

dialogue between the research community and low budget and the introduction of a new logo. the public and motivate companies and indivi- Asked about the campaign, one in four young duals to increase their research and develop- people and one in five SMEs said they were ment activities. familiar with the campaign. However, it was Highlights included the first Long Night of the Long Night of Research which achieved the Research in Vienna, Linz and Innsbruck with highest name recognition. In spring 2006 one in approximately 50,000 visitors, the Children’s three young people had heard of it. Visitors and Universities in Vienna and Steyr, which thrilled organisers are equally enthusiastic. 60 percent more than 3,000 children, and the conference of visitors said they would come again and more and exhibition Age of Simulation. Other events than 80 percent of organisers could envisage were Learning and Researching in the 21st cen- taking part again. tury held at the Ars Electronica Centre in Linz Of course, there is still room for improvement, or “wahr/ falsch.inc”, an exhibition about com- especially in organisational terms: for example, municating science, which was held in Vienna. there needs to be a clearer allocation of com- The programmes for companies which targe- petences and a clearer separation of content- ted the Federation of Austrian Industry, the related and managerial work. The challenge Chambers of Commerce or the Chamber of La- now is to implement these improvements in a bour – for example “innovatives-unternehmen” third campaign. or “Arbeitsplätze durch Innovation” – also had a strong impact. One of the most important Outlook: Continuation is planned target groups, young people, was reached with Against this background the Austrian Council in programmes such as “Lehre und Forschung” for its Strategy 2010 recommended continuing the pupils at vocational schools or programmes initiative innovatives-oesterreich.at until 2010. such as “Jugend innovativ”. A photography com- Between 2007 and 2010 two percent of Action petition titled “Innovative Motive“ awarded Programme Funds should be ring fenced for prizes to photographers who communicated awareness measures. Preparations are already research in unusual images. underway. However, the Long Night of Re- It was a varied and very exciting programme search will certainly be one of the main events. that ended with a big closing event on 4 Decem- As one of the most successful elements of the ber 2006 timed to coincide with publication of second campaign it is also to be an important the at.venture special innovatives-oesterreich.at. fixture in the subsequent campaign. The invi- The event offered project partners, initiators, tation to tender should therefore be started the research community and science journalists speedily. an excellent opportunity to review the programme and share their experiences. International Meeting of the National Councils in Prague: More Support for Evaluation: Strong Brand Recognition SMEs The success of the programme is also evident in On 25 and 26 May the Plenary Meeting of the the parallel evaluation which the Austrian Coun- National Councils for Science and Technology cil and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency policy of the EU member states was held in (FFG) commissioned from KMU Forschung Aus- Prague in the Czech Republic. The theme of the tria, Technopolis Austria und TNS Infratest conference was co-operation between govern- (Hamburg) in October 2005 when the campaign ment, industry and science in fostering inno- was launched. vation and technology absorption. In his open- The evaluation showed that innovatives-oester- ing address Nobuo Tanaka, the Director of the reich enjoyed a remarkably high level of OECD Directorate for Science, Technology and recognition in spring 2006 given the relatively Industry, mentioned the most important innova- >

25 creating knowledge

tion policy trends in recent years: Reforms at ] Human resources and education are the key universities and public research institutes, factors. Many countries consider an excellent higher investments in corporate research, de- education geared to the needs and expectations velopment and innovation and increased em- of industry to be the most important aspect of phasis on networking and co-operation. He future development. Governments have a duty also emphasised the increasing importance of to create conditions which are conducive to evaluating the objectives and mechanisms used promoting cutting-edge research at the national to steer the entire research and development level. Outstanding research work can produce system. A special mechanism for co-ordinating the excellent results expected by the best and co-operation between the individual ministries most innovative companies. is vital for the efficient management of innova- ] There is only one way to foster innovation at tion policy. Several member states presented SMEs and closer co-operation with the R&D sec- their strategies for fostering innovation. The re- tor. This is to implement measures designed to presentative of the Austrian Council presented eliminate SMEs with a low level of innovation the extremely successful Competence Centres and increase their capacity to absorb the results programme, which has been functioning for of research and development. Easy access to inno- close to ten years. vation consultancy services and a solid infra- The conference closed with the following reso- structure for the dissemination of knowledge lutions: are key factors for supporting SMEs. The Euro- ] General recommendation: Support for new pean Commission has prepared a new Frame- environmental developments is essential to fos- work Programme for Competitiveness and Inno- ter new idea competitions which could attract vation, which could enable SMEs to gain easier the best participants and their processes. access to financial resources.

The “Stand des Wissens” by PlanSinn is a market stand which brings knowledge and innovation to the general public.

26 creating knowledge

Basic Expertise: Reports and Studies 2006

Cultural Heritage as an Object of Scien- Barcelona Study: tific Interest Austria in the Fast Lane The working group for the humanities, social In almost no other country does the progress and cultural sciences identified an urgent need made toward achieving a 3% R&D quota in 2010 for action with regard to the collection, docu- receive as much political attention as in Austria. mentation and processing of Austria’s scientific According to the authors of the study “Austria in and cultural heritage. 2006 was therefore domi- the Context of the Lisbon and Barcelona Proces- nated by work to prepare and carry out a feasi- ses” the momentum triggered by the process has bility study1 on “Austria’s Scientific and Cultural enabled Austria to position itself very favourably Heritage” jointly commissioned by the Austrian in the international technology landscape. It is Council and the Ministry for Education, Science especially pleasing that the pace of R&D growth and Culture (BMBWK). The comprehensive in Austria is faster than average, making it safe to feasibility study was published on the Austrian assume that the country’s position will improve Council’s website in December 2006. The re- even further over the next few years. However, sults of the study should provide assistance in the authors also believe there is a strong danger deciding to what extent this heritage can and that in 2010 the success or failure of Austria’s RTI should be addressed as a basis for research. policy will be measured by whether or not 3 % The study succeeds in making a joint analysis of of GDP is being spent on research. However, it a wide spectrum of activities, which in the past would be extremely unwise to tout one indica- have usually been viewed separately, in order to tor as the single criterion for the quality and suc- put forward an integrated concept. cess of RTI policy. In fact, what is much more >

Index of GERD Expenditure (1995=100)

160 Finland Austria

140 Portugal Development of Spain Total R&D Expendi- 120 Germany ture as a Percentage Belgium of GDP, 1995–2005 TOTAL Italy 100 France Netherlands Ireland 80 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Quelle: Schibany u. a. 2006

1 Robert Temel / Christian Dögl / Ela Kagel; Scientific and Cultural Heritage in Austria. Study commissioned by the Austrian Council and BMBWK, published by uma information technology gmbh, Vienna, May 2006. 2 Jörg Schibany / Gerhard Streicher / Helmut Gassler; Austria in the Context of the Lisbon and Barcelona Process. Study commissioned by the Austrian Council for Research and Technology Development, published by Joanneum Research – Institute for Technology and Regional Policy. Vienna, October 2006.

27 creating knowledge

important is the fact that the 3 % target has been indicators (e.g. patents or European trademarks) used as a suitable instrument for significantly im- show that Austria has already left behind its role proving the system. With regard to Austria’s posi- as a “catching-up country” and now belongs to tion in the international technology landscape, the group of leading countries within Europe. the authors of the study noted an extremely posi- Several “soft” indicators such as the innovation tive trend, with Austria performing especially activities of SMEs also highlight positive aspects well against several of the key indicators. Thus in- of the Austrian innovation system. The “Austrian vestments in research and development have not paradox”, a much discussed phenomenon even only reached a higher than average level (current- in the 1980s involving above average growth ly 2.43 % of GDP), they are also growing at a with below average research and technology faster rate than in Europe as a whole. Further- input, is probably now a thing of the past, at least more, results for a number of “hard” output in this extreme form.

28 creating knowledge

FAS Study: orative research. The brochure is scheduled for Networks of Knowledge Production publication in early summer 2007. Within the framework of the study “Networks of Knowledge Production in Co-operative Re- Study “Basic Principles of an ICT search” commissioned by the Austrian Council Research Strategy for Austria” from FAS.research in October 2006 a model is Contractor: being developed with which the quality of col- Eutema Technology Management GmbH laborative relationships in the various areas of Duration: December 2006 – March 2007 research and development can be evaluated. This project aims to create, collect and present The study takes as its starting point the con- the basic principles for a national strategy for cept of the prototypical cycle of excellence de- research and development in the field of infor- veloped by FAS.research. Using selected social mation and communications technologies (for networks as examples, the study shows which the background to this study see page 23). structures need to be in place in both basic and The situation of Austrian ICT research and de- co-operative research (i.e. applied basic research) velopment has changed significantly since the in order to provide optimal conditions for bring- establishment of the Austrian Council in 2000 – ing forth innovation. for example, as a result of the university reform, new ICT funding programmes financed by Action The networks of the scientific disciplines in ba- funds for R&D and the development of the Euro- sic research and co-operative research are there- pean Research Area. The time has now come to fore being compared with one another in terms reassess the situation. In December 2006 the of parameters such as key disciplines and links Austrian Council and BMVIT therefore jointly or clusters of scientific disciplines. As the diver- commissioned Eutema Technology Management sity of scientific disciplines is a key factor for the GmbH to carry out an exploratory study. In emergence of innovation, the study sets out to addition, the ministries BMBWK and BMWA are identify fields of study in basic or co-operative also represented on the joint advisory board. research which frequently combine disciplines from a variety of research areas and which can This study will create a basis for the develop- therefore be referred to as broker sciences. ment of an Austrian ICT research strategy. It is These broker sciences combine diverse scienti- therefore important to analyse and describe the fic elements (also in a variety of new forms) specific situation of the research field Informa- especially frequently and it is precisely these tion and Communications Technologies in (new) combinations which account for innova- industry and science in comparison with other tion. The goal is to identify those scientific themes. Other areas of special interest are chal- disciplines which due to their position “on the lenges relating to the framework conditions such periphery” of the networks can be described as as funding schemes, regulations, co-operation broker sciences and as highly innovative. etc. both nationally and internationally. Similarly, these aspects will also be examined in connec- The results of the study will be summarised in a tion with industrial, university and non-univer- brochure together with those of a study on male sity ICT-R&D. Moreover, the study should also and female knowledge networks in co-operative provide a sound overview of the strengths of research which has been commissioned by the Austrian ICT research. In addition to quantifi- FFG within the scope of w-fFORTE. This bro- able variables such as success in national and chure should provide practical guidance for re- international research programmes, interviews search and technology policy decision-makers with ICT experts and industry representatives and will include proposals for fostering research will also assist in the identification of specialist networks which increase innovation in collab- key research areas. A SWOT analysis of ICT-RD >

29 creating knowledge

in Austria will identify strategic objectives and and industry are all increasingly demanding options for research and technology policy. plausible evidence of the impact of political The results of the study will be available in measures and programmes. Furthermore, an ap- spring 2007. praisal of possible effects is also increasingly required before measures are implemented. In Study to measure the Impact of Invest- research, technology and innovation policy, ments in Research questions pertaining to the impact of RTI poli- In recent years the question of the efficiency cy measures on R&D investments, scientific and and effectiveness of government funding schemes technological progress, innovative capacity and for research and development has gained con- competitiveness, economic growth and employ- siderable importance. The public, policy-makers ment are of particular interest.

30 creating knowledge

Furthermore, social challenges such as sustaina- rently used to evaluate Austrian research and bility, security or cohesion now also play an in- technology programmes. creasingly important role as RTI policy target di- The key points of the study were: mensions. Prompted by the intensity of the de- ] Systemisation and appraisal of the achieve- bate on the impacts and effects of RTI policy, ef- ment potential (strengths/weaknesses) of me- forts have been made in evaluation research to thods of impact assessment and analysis against improve the methods and techniques of impact the background of the Action programmes analysis used to evaluate research and techno- ] Survey of the status quo and experiences in logy programmes. A study was therefore com- Austria in connection with impact analysis missioned to explore these issues in detail and ] Pointing out the possibilities and limits of me- the final report is now available. thodologies and ] The identification of initial starting points for The report describes a wide range of impact-ana- the refinement of impact analysis for Austrian lysis methods and techniques of the kind cur- RTI policy. >

Co-operative Corporate sector (+14 %) EUR 151.9 million V Sector EUR 106 million (+29%) V (+45 %) EUR 347.7 million In-house corporate

EUR 783.5 million V sector EUR 123 million V (-4%) EUR 3,208.7 million (+21 %)

Public Foreign sector financing incl. EU Financing and

(+22 %) EUR 269 million V (+1%) Performance of EUR 62.6 million University R&D in Austria 2004 sector EUR 55.1 million (31%) V EUR 1,262 million (compared to 2002)

of which EUR 46 million from EU EUR 1,402 million V (+9 %) (+22 %) (+11 %)

The statistics differentiate between four performance sec- the in-house corporate segment (which essentially compri- tors (the university sector, the state sector, the private non- ses research activities carried out by companies in the profit sector and the corporate sector - figures in the bo- manufacturing and service sectors with the intention of ge- xes) and four financing sectors (public sector, corporate nerating income or other economic advantages) and in the sector, private non-profit sector and foreign financing - the co-operative sector (institutions in the services sector, figures by the arrows) It should be noted that the univer- which carry out research and experimental development for sity sector is not a financing sector, while in accordance companies; in most cases with no intention of generating with the domestic concept “foreign financing” cannot be an income). For the sake of clarity and due to its small share implementation sector. For the purposes of this analysis, of the total, the private non-profit sector was not included the “corporate sector” was broken down still further: into in the chart.

Source: RTD Report 2006, page 16, data: Statistik Austria; Graphics: tip Darstellung, Data update: Austrian Council

31 creating knowledge

Models for Successful Development of of basic research. With the help of scenario-based R&D Expenditure calculations and models the working group will Is the funding and financing structure for re- set out to provide answers to the above questions. search, technology and innovation in Austria suit- The latest data and forecasts (Statistik Austria, able for triggering greater incentives for private WIFO) will also be incorporated into the models. sector investment in R&D? Will it be possible to Projections for the respective financing sectors achieve the political objective of a research compiled on the basis of the political target quota of 3 % of GDP in 2010 with the Austrian figures are now available. The Austrian Council’s funding portfolio? aim is now to develop assumptions concerning the impacts of specific budget allocations and These questions prompted the Austrian Council examine them with the help of the models. to establish an internal working group in 2006. The underlying themes include the leverage ef- The working group will continue its work in fect of direct R&D funding and the effectiveness 2007.

32 events

Communication and the exchange of information are the prerequisites for a knowledge-based society. All the more so, when the goal is to achieve excellence in science and research.

33 events

Lecture: Why Organisations produce Rogers Hollingsworth and his team succeeded Excellence in identifying the crucial organisational factors On 30 March 2006, at the invitation of the Aus- and documenting their findings with a series of trian Council for Research and Technology De- empirical examples. velopment, the science historian and sociologist J. Rogers Hollingsworth from the University of Surprisingly the organisations with the largest Wisconsin gave a lecture analysing where and number of breakthroughs in bio-medicine were under what conditions outstanding research not Harvard, Stanford or the British University takes place. The lecture at Club Research was of Cambridge, but the small Rockefeller Univer- followed by a discussion on the prerequisites for sity in New York, founded in 1901. That was cutting-edge research. The professor from unexpected. No fewer than 27 of the 290 break- Wisconsin was joined in the debate by the throughs in bio-medical basic research orig- geneticist and Wittgenstein Prize winner Reneé inated there. According to Hollingsworth, the Schroeder from the University of Vienna and most important factor behind this enormous Knut Consemüller, the chairman of the Austrian productivity over an entire century is the orga- Council for Research and Technology Develop- nisation’s tremendous flexibility. Science is ment. about constantly discovering the new and un- familiar, and the pace of change today is incre- Top researchers, policymakers and research dibly fast. However, most organisations have a funding bodies are all asking where and under tendency toward a type of fundamental inertia. what conditions excellence is produced. Rockefeller, however, is different. In the mid Rogers Hollingsworth and his research team 1990s the university had approximately 70 lab- have been studying research for more than 20 oratories. 20 to 25 of them worked in areas years and have conducted dozens of interviews which 15 years earlier nobody assumed would with top researchers and science managers. ever be of any importance in biomedical basic research. Rockefeller as an institution changes In multi-year comparative studies Rogers Hol- direction relatively quickly, continuously in- lingsworth explored whether spectacular break- vests in new areas and always recruits person- throughs and scientific revolutions in the field nel internationally. of bio-medicine in the 20th century were even- ly distributed across institutes in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Ger- Open Space Conference on Excellence1 many or whether such radical innovations were The Austrian Council has decided to begin the repeatedly attributable to only a small number development of a strategy of excellence with a of institutes. participative process. The method chosen for this purpose was an open space conference. Surprisingly, the data they collected clearly Open space is a form of conference for large showed a concentration at only a small number groups where participants meet to discuss a of institutes. This then raised the question of topic in which they have a shared interest with whether these highly innovative institutes pos- no set agenda. Those attending the meeting sessed particular organisational attributes which structure the conference agenda themselves were typically absent or not particularly pro- through their proposals for discussion topics. nounced at many other research institutes. These working groups are autonomous and pre- Using a comparative organisational analysis J. sent their findings to the plenum.

1 For details of the background see the chapter perspectives „Strategy of Excellence“.

34 events

Besides ensuring the participation of all those already been approved such as the establish- present, this type of meeting can also help ment of the Institute of Science and Technology achieve a broad commitment and mutual un- Austria – ISTA or the competence centres pro- derstanding. grammes of the BMVIT and BMWA were not at the centre of debate. The strategic approach The Austrian Council’s Open Space Conference adopted by the Austrian Council in 2010 to pro- on Excellence took place on 24 February 2006 mote both “quality on a broad level” and “excel- at Techgate in Vienna. Some 250 people were in- lence at the top” was affirmed. Participants put vited – top researchers from the scientific sector, forward proposals to raise the overall standard non-university research and industry as well as of quality in research and also to provide targeted representatives from the ministries, funding support for excellence. agencies and other organisations (e.g. the Aus- The working groups discussed the following trian Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of key issues: Austrian Industry, the Science Council etc.). Ap- ] Promotion of young scientists proximately 100 people attended the conference ] Universities with all invited groups sending representatives. ] Industry ] FWF clusters of excellence ] Inter- and transdisciplinarity Content and Results ] Planning certainty At several conference sessions a wide variety of ] Quality assurance in research funding topics was discussed which covered the breadth ] Gender and excellence of the topic “excellence”. Measures which had ] Intellectual property >

35 events

Work on the open space sessions and the topics Michaela Topolnik from the secretariat of the of debate there has been continued on the basis Austrian Council presided over the morning of the documentation sent to all participants. session, while Klaus Zinöcker from the Vienna The Austrian Council and its secretariat have Science and Technology Fund (WWTF) and di- analysed the proposals and exchanged views rector of the Platform Research & Technology on them at ongoing meetings with participants Policy Evaluation chaired the afternoon session. in the open space process, including represen- The many delegates at the event engaged in tatives of the ministries, funding agencies and keen debate. In Q1 2007 the Platform Research other experts. The Austrian Council is current- and Technology Evaluation published a special ly developing elements of its strategy for excel- newsletter with a detailed account of the event. lence on this basis. The Austrian Council and the Platform FTEval are now considering organising a regular event Discussion: Selecting Excellence on evaluation. On 15 December 2006 the Austrian Council and the Platform Research and Technology Policy Evaluation (FTEval) held a day dedicated to excellence. The proposal for this joint event had already been suggested in the Austrian Council’s recommendation on evaluation and monitoring dated 12 April 2005.

The conference was opened by Dervilla Donel- ly, the member of the Austrian Council from Ireland. Beate Konze-Thomas from the German Research Foundation (DFG) presented the “Excellence Initiative of the German Federal Government and the German States”. Christoph Kratky from the Austrian Science Fund presented the first concepts for an FWF excellence initiative for Austria. Michael Binder (FFG) ex- plained the proposals for excellence to be implemented within the framework of the new competence centres programme COMET.

The delegates listened with interest to a guest from Switzerland, Marcel Herbst (4mation), who presented his sometimes provocative ideas and positions on the issue of “Selecting Excellence or Creating It”. Alfred Radaer from the Austrian Institute for SME Research discussed the pros, but especially the cons, of instruments such as PART (Programme Assessment Rating Tool) which is used in the USA.

The transparencies used during the lectures are available as pdf files from the Austrian Council’s website http://www.rat-fte.at/view.mc?docid=158.

36 the austrian council

It is the task of the Austrian Council to define paths for Austrian RTI policy. The Austrian Council’s expertise is derived from its members’ many years of experience in science, business and industry.

37 the austrian council

Review and Outlook Mission and Goals

Review The mission and the basis for the Austrian Coun- As the advisory body to the Austrian Government, cil’s work remains Strategy 2010, the vision and the Austrian Council was particularly affected by areas of action which encompass the entire the transition between the legislative periods in spectrum of the Austrian innovation system. 2006 as its political interlocutors set external priorities firstly during the election campaign and The further development of the strategic guide- Ludovit Garzik then during the negotiations to form the coalition lines for a medium and long-term perspective Geschäftsführer government. During this period, the Austrian Coun- will form a key element of the Council’s work der Geschäftsstelle cil, as always, represented continuity in Austria’s in 2007. research strategy. In this context, the Council’s recommendation “the day after the election” is of The other objectives for 2007 can be inferred pivotal importance as input for the formulation of from the input for the Government Programme the new Government Programme. The almost com- (recommendation September 2006) which dealt plete incorporation of the Austrian Council’s in detail with human resources, structures and recommendations in the Government Programme content. Together with the budgetary frame- for the current legislative period creates an excel- work, these activities form a set of working ob- lent basis for the future. jectives which will be operationalised in the form of sub-objectives at the forthcoming Aus- Outlook trian Council closed conference. The Govern- ... Strategy development in 2007. The swearing ment Programme for the legislative period 2007 in of the new Government in early January 2007 to 2010 published in January 2007 expresses a marked the beginning of the new advisory clear commitment to the efficient implementa- period. The ministers, under-secretaries of state, tion of the research strategy in Austria. In dialo- and also the staff at the cabinet offices are gene- gue with the responsible members of the govern- rating fresh ideas, thus providing greater op- ment, the Austrian Council will pass recommen- portunities to forge ahead with the development dations for the realisation of these plans. of the Austrian innovation system and position it among the European and international front-runners in terms of both content and structure.

Secretariat: New Faces in a New Setting

2006 was not only characterised by changed politi- ferred to the Ministry for Science, Education and cal conditions, staff at the secretariat also experi- Culture (BMBWK) to take up a position as head of enced changes in their working environment. a department. The restructuring of the secretariat team which had begun in spring 2005 following the resignation Mag. Bettina Ruttensteiner-Poller April 2006 of Michael Binder, for many years the head of the Since the Austrian Council became a legal entity secretariat, was continued in 2006. Simone Mesner in September 2004 the volume of administrative followed Mr. Binder to the Austrian Research work has increased significantly. The work load Promotion Agency (FFG). Following the end of his of Margarete Rohrhofer, who capably manages secondment to the Austrian Council Wolfgang the accounts, has now been eased following the Neurath returned to the Ministry for Economic appointment of Bettina Ruttensteiner. Ms. Rutten- Affairs and Labour (BMWA) and was then trans- steiner’s experience in the area of media and

38 the austrian council

public relations work, which in the past was car- tariat Mr. Korez had been responsible for inter- ried out by one of the experts, will also provide national strategy at the FWF. His experience will additional positive benefits. flow into the recommendations concerning the As a result, the flow of information from the Aus- science sector and in the form of sound proposals trian Council to the general public has been con- for researchers in Austria will have an extremely siderably upgraded, a fact that is impressively positive impact over the next few years. reflected in the constructive media reporting of the Council’s activities. The Office As the five-year rental agreement for the offices in Mag. Constanze Stockhammer Nov. 2006 Vienna’s Techgate centre was due to expire in Constanze Stockhammer is the Austrian Council’s May 2006, the Austrian Council sought suitable new expert for economic activities. Her areas of premises both in proximity to TechGate and in responsibility include the key topics of co-opera- the first district of Vienna, directly comparing the tion between the federal government and the pro- costs and traffic connections. The option of vinces and innovatives-oesterreich. Due to many moving into the new House of Research was re- years of experience as an economic researcher jected in summer 2005 in favour of the Austrian Ms. Stockhammer possesses a sound knowledge Science Fund (FWF). of the national and international technology pro- Ultimately, the optimal adaptability of the building grammes and of the relationships and modes of and its location tipped the balance in favour of operation of the Austrian innovation system. Pestalozzigasse. Special care was taken to ensure that the modi- Dr. Silvo Korez Nov. 2006 fication of the offices and the relocation were Silvo Korez is responsible for the science sector. carried out in an economically efficient manner. He possesses a detailed knowledge of the manage- The new Austrian Council offices in Pestalozzi- ment of the basic research programmes run by the gasse 4, 1010 Vienna, were occupied on 1 August FWF. Prior to joining the Austrian Council secre- 2006 and inaugurated on 7 September. High-ranking guests from the political, scientific and business communities attended the opening party at the Austrian Council’s new offices.

39 the austrian council

Constitution

The Austrian Council for Research and Techno- logy Development became a legal entity under public law on 1 September 2004 following an DI Dr. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Univ.-Prof. Dr. DI Dr. h.c. amendment of the Research and Technology Knut Consemüller Günther Bonn Dervilla Donnelly Albert Hochleitner Funding Act. It consists of eight members with Chairman of the Austrian Deputy Chairman of the Austrian Dervilla Donnelly was born in The former CEO of Siemens AG voting rights of whom four are appointed by the Council Council – Günther Bonn studied Dublin, and studied chemistry Austria studied physics at the Minister of Education, Science and Culture and Knut Consemüller was born chemistry at the University of at the University of Ireland. In Vienna University of Technolo- four by the Minister of Transport, Innovation and in Dortmund, Germany, and Innsbruck. Following several the mid-1980s she was gy. In 1965 he joined Wiener Technology. Four members of the Government studied ferrous metallurgy research fellowships in the USA, appointed professor of photo- Schwachstromwerke where he serve on the Council in an advisory capacity. and economics. In 1991 he including one at Yale University, chemistry. Donnelly was a soon took over the software The members of the Council with voting rights are was appointed to the manage- he was appointed to a full profes- member and vice president of development department. In appointed for a five year term of office and may ment board of the Böhler- sorship at the University of Linz. the executive council of the 1992 he was appointed to the be reappointed for one further period. Uddeholm group, with Since 1995 he has held the chair European Science Foundation management board of the group responsibility for R&D. From for Analytical Chemistry and and the European Science and became its chairman in 1976 to 1984 he was a Radiochemistry at the University and Technology Association 1994. Albert Hochleitner has member of the German tech- of Innsbruck. Until 2003 Bonn (ESTA). She is also the chair- served as an expert on the nology advisory board. was a member of the FWF where person of the Dublin Institute industry-related aspects of he worked as a department head. for Advanced Studies. research and technology policy He is currently a member of the for several years now. University Council at the Medical Advisory Members in 2006: University of Innsbruck. Hubert Gorbach, Vice Chancellor and Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology Elisabeth Gehrer, Minister of Education, Science and Culture Dr. Martin Bartenstein, Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour Mag. Karl-Heinz Grasser, Minister of Finance

DI Mag. Prof. DI Dr. Reinhard Petschacher Hans Schönegger Jürgen Stockmar Gabriele Zuna-Kratky After studying communications Hans Schönegger studied After obtaining his degree in In the late 1980s Gabriele Zuna- engineering at the Vienna Uni- business administration and mechanical engineering Jürgen Kratky worked at the media versity of Technology Reinhard business education at the Stockmar (who was born in Ger- department of the Ministry for Petschacher worked on optical University of Innsbruck. In many) worked for Audi and then Education and Art. In October systems for Daimler-Benz in 1995 he joined the Carinthian Steyr-Daimler-Puch, where he 1997 she was appointed Ulm. In 1980 he moved to the Economic Promotion Fund was appointed to the management director of the Österreichische Advisory Members Siemens centre for micro-elec- (KWF) as head of the funding board with responsibility for re- Phonothek. On 1 January 2000 as of 2007: tronic development in Villach department, and was appoin- search and development in 1985. she became the first female and subsequently took over the ted to the management board After serving on the manage- director of a technical museum, Mag. Wilhelm Molterer, management of telecommuni- in 1998. Hans Schönegger ment board of Audi AG, he re- the Technisches Museum in Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance cations components develop- has been managing director turned to Steyr-Daimler-Puch as Vienna. Werner Faymann, ment at the plants in Villach of Kärntner Betriebsansied- a member of the board in 1990. She is also a member of the Minister of Transport, Innovation and and Munich. Reinhard Petscha- lungs- und BeteiligungsgmbH In 1998 he assumed responsi- Council of the University of Technology cher is head of development since 1998 and since 2002 bility for global development and Applied Arts, a trustee of the Dr. Johannes Hahn, at the Automotive, Industrial has been responsible for the technology activities at Magna. Deutsches Museum Munich Minister of Science and Research and Multimarket division of Lakeside Park project. He also teaches at the Vienna and of the Berlin Museum of Dr. Martin Bartenstein, Infineon Technologies AG. University of Technology. Technology. Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour

40 the austrian council

Secretariat

The secretariat supports the Austrian Council both in terms of organisation and content, in particular with regard to preparing and organising the meetings of the Austrian Council and working groups, and in respect of communication both within the Council and at an external level. Day-to-day operations of the Austrian Council are financed by the Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology. Members of staff in alphabetical order:

DI Dr. Mag. Mag. Dr. Ludovit Garzik, MBA Alexander Holik Silvo Korez Head of the secretariat, re- Back-office and databases Basic and pre-competitive sponsible for the management research, humanities, social and co-ordination of the and cultural sciences, bio- secretariat’s activities and technology, international external representation research co-operation

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Margarete Rohrhofer Mag. Organisation and Bettina Ruttensteiner- office management Poller Public relations work and back-office [email protected] [email protected]

In 2006 two extremely capable members of staff, Mag. Simone Mesner and Mag. Mag. DI Mag. Wolfgang Neurath, left the secretariat. Constanze Brigitte Tiefenthaler Michaela Topolnik, M.A. We wish them both much success in their new Stockhammer Pre-competitive and industry- Security research, indirect re- positions. The Innovatives Österreich specific research, co-operation search funding, evaluation and programme, start-up and between science and industry, new instruments of technology growth financing, promotion nano-technologies, infor- counselling, RTI in the Euro- In February 2007 DI Brigitte Tiefenthaler of SMEs and innovation, mation and communications pean Structural Funds pro- left the secretariat to move to Technopolis co-operation between federal technologies, research for grammes, EU research and Austria. We wish her much success as she takes government and the provinces sustainable development, innovation policy, especially up new responsibilities. As of April 2007 promotion of women and EU Framework Programmes Dr. Johannes Gadner will take over her gender mainstreaming for RTD, ERA-NET, monitoring duties. [email protected] [email protected]

41 plans

Portfolio Analysis: The Austrian Council will focus upon the entire system of funding measures for research, technology and innovation and will put forward proposals to increase the effectiveness and efficiency Excellence: of this portfolio. The Austrian Council will presents its strategy for excellence and supervise its implementation.

Information and Communica- tions Technologies: The Austrian Council will focus on the question of Risk Capital: a special research strat- The Austrian Council will egy for ICT. examine in detail the issue of venture capital in the context of the Austrian innovation system.

Reform of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW): The Austrian Council has been invited to support the reform process at the Academy of Sciences. Together with the ÖAW the Austrian Council will draw up and discuss proposals for change and progress.

42 the focus in 2007

Monitoring and Evaluation play a key role in the further development of national innovation systems. The Platform Research and Technology Evaluation bundles experience and standards relating to evaluation and monitoring. A co-ordinated and comprehensive system should be established in co-operation with the ministries.

“Innovatives Österreich III” Long Night of Research: The dialogue programme to inform a Human Resour- wider audience about the importance of ces: The Austrian science and research is to be extended until Council will devote 2010. The Long Night of Research, in which greater attention to the large numbers of research institutes open their important area of hu- doors to young and old will remain a key man resources. fixture in this latest campaign.

Platform Research / Technology / Innovation (RTI) Austria: Following the con- Impact Analysis: ception of the Platform RTI Austria, The Austrian Council will focus the Austrian Council will step up on methods to measure the impact of activities to promote co-operation research and innovation policy instru- between the federal government ments. The Council attaches great import- and provinces in research, tech- ance to the further development of such nology and innovation methods and their integration into the policy. evaluation cycle of programmes, measures and institutions.

43 contact

Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology A-1030 Vienna, Radetzkystraße 2 Tel.: +43/1/711 62-0 www.bmvit.gv.at

Ministry for Science and Research A-1014 Vienna, Minoritenplatz 5 Tel.: +43/1/531 20-0 www.bmwf.gv.at

Ministry for Finance A-1015 Vienna, Himmelpfortgasse 4–8 Tel.: +43/1/514 33-0 www.bmf.gv.at

Ministry for Economic Affairs and Labour A-1011 Vienna, Stubenring 1 Tel.: +43/1/711 00-0 www.bmwa.gv.at

Secretariat of the Austrian Council for Research and Technology Development Geschäftsstelle A-1010 Vienna Pestalozzigasse 4/D1 Tel.: +43/1/713 14 14-0 Fax: +43/1/713 14 14-99 [email protected] www.rat-fte.at

Rücken Rücken Cover+Ruecken_engl06_ok 18.08.20079:32UhrSeite2 www.rat-fte.at

Rücken Rücken annual report annual report 2006