Strengthening science-business collaboration: EaP delegation visits Austria
The European Commission organised a five-day study visit to Austria from 7 to 11 September 2026. The visit brought together 18 representatives from the Republic of Armenia, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to explore national policies, frameworks and practical approaches to strengthening science-business links (SBLs) and knowledge valorisation in Austria. The delegation included representatives from public authorities, universities and research organisations, Horizon Europe support structures, innovation and business-support organisations, companies and civil society.
The study visit aimed to foster SBLs in the EaP Partner countries and increase private companies' participation in Horizon Europe. More broadly, it provided an opportunity to examine how research results can be brought closer to the market and how public policy, funding and support structures can create stronger links between the research and business sectors.
The delegation examined Austria’s policy and implementation frameworks for promoting science-business collaboration, with a focus on upscaling knowledge valorisation capacities and activities in the context of the European Research Area (ERA) structural policies for 2025–2027.
The programme combined policy-level exchanges with practical examples from Austrian funding agencies, universities, research organisations and companies, allowing participants to follow the science-business collaboration pathway from policy design and public support through to the commercialisation of research results and participation in collaborative research and innovation (R&I) projects.
Participants engaged in discussions with the three Austrian Federal Ministries responsible for research and innovation: the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism (BMWET), and the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF). Additionally, the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) presented its approach to science diplomacy and international research and innovation cooperation.
The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) presented its funding instruments and support mechanisms for science-business collaboration, including support services for Horizon Europe applicants and the work of the Austrian National Contact Point (NCP) network. These exchanges provided practical insights into how companies and research organisations can be supported in identifying opportunities, building partnerships and developing competitive European R&I projects.
The Austrian Council for Sciences, Technology and Innovation (FORWIT) presented its structure and activities, including its role in monitoring Austria’s R&I system. Participants were also introduced to FORWIT’s monitoring dashboard, including indicators related to science-business collaboration.
Austrian companies, including FREQUENTIS AG, TTTECH COMPUTERTECHNIK AG, Infineon, AVL List GmbH and AT&S, shared practical insights into their participation in Horizon Europe and collaboration with research organisations. They presented their experience of applying for and implementing Horizon Europe projects and discussed how European R&I cooperation contributes to their research, technology development and innovation activities.
Participants also explored best practices in science-business collaboration at leading Austrian research and higher education institutions, such as Technische Universität and the University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK). They examined how these institutions organise research support and industry engagement, support participation in Horizon Europe, develop technology transfer and spin-out pathways, and translate research results into practical applications and market opportunities.
At TU Wien, participants combined discussions on research management and industry partnerships with visits to research and innovation facilities, including the Pilot Factory, the Center for AI and Machine Learning, the Innovation Incubation Center and the Technikum.
At the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), participants examined how basic research is connected with knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and commercialisation. The visit included the “Science in the making” exhibition at the VISTA Science Experience Center, illustrating approaches to science communication and public engagement, followed by an exchange at XISTA Innovation on technology transfer and support for science-based spin-offs and ventures.
At the AI:AT Factory, participants explored approaches to trustworthy AI, including legal, regulatory, ethical and compliance aspects. The programme also featured presentations by Infineon, AVL List GmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute, as well as pitches by the start-ups QBDC, Zenta and Flexam.
The delegation also took part in the FFG Forum, where participants met Austrian innovation stakeholders and exchanged views on competitiveness, investment readiness and innovation ecosystems. The programme also included a targeted discussion with INVEST in AUSTRIA of the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) on Austria as a research and business location and the role of investment-promotion services in supporting innovative companies.
The study visit highlighted Austria’s integrated approach to supporting science-business collaboration, combining policy frameworks, research and innovation funding, dedicated support services, university and research-industry engagement, knowledge valorisation and direct participation of businesses in collaborative R&I projects. The Representation of the European Commission to Austria also presented its current strategies and ongoing communication activities on the next EU Multiannual financial framework 2028-2034 and the European Semester reports.
Participants also learned more about Austrian support for the Ukrainian research and innovation ecosystem. The programme provided space to discuss initiatives supporting the resilience of Ukrainian research and innovation and its closer integration into European cooperation frameworks. The International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine also presented by the European Commission.
Throughout the five-day programme, peer learning remained central, with participants identifying approaches that could be relevant for strengthening science-business links in the EaP Partner countries. The programme also created opportunities for participants to network with Austrian counterparts, establish new contacts and explore potential partnerships, including with a view to future joint Horizon Europe applications. These exchanges provided participants with both practical examples and new connections that can support further work on knowledge valorisation, private-sector engagement and science-business collaboration in their respective countries.
Silvia Bojinova, Team Leader for Interinstitutional and Multilateral Relations, Unit 0.3 “International Cooperation – Europe and Americas”, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission, coordinated the study visit. The visit was organised with the support of the Global Service Facility, with ZSI and Civitta contributing to its preparation and on-site delivery. The on-site GSF team included Gorazd Weiss and Inese Gavarane (ZSI), Ivanna Didur and Iryna Sheremeta (Civitta), with additional organisational support provided by Nazar Pavlyuk (Civitta). Diariyana Diallo (WMH Project) supported travel and accommodation arrangements.