Facts regarding the “Innovative Upper Austria 2010plus” strategic economic and research programme   On the basis of guidelines established by the Upper Austrian Consultative Committee for Research and Technology and with the assistance of numerous experts, 14 strategies and 37 measures were defined in five thematic areas (Research and Development, Education and Careers, Networks, the Upper Austrian Economic and Technology Location and EU Networking).   Duration: mid- 2010 – mid-2013 Programme volume: EUR 450 million including EUR 150 million from the Upper Austrian government.

The programme highlights Mechatronics: consolidation of the national position, achievement of international recognition Business locations and location development  Upper Austrian research funding  Increase in the number of study-related residences in other countries   The expansion of clusters to form professional cooperation platforms  Energy management, energy efficiency and renewable energies  Direct funding of innovative, cooperation projects  Promotion of the creative economy  Securing of the presence of highly qualified personnel in Upper Austria by means of attractive conditions  EU+ funding lobbying unit and innovation benchmarking with leading countries

As was the case with the “Innovative Upper Austria 2010” programme, the strategies and measures included in the “Innovative Upper Austria 2010plus” strategic economic and research programme are divided into five thematic areas.  

Success through research and development

Research & Development - 10 measures

The centrepiece of this thematic area is formed by the definition and strengthening of research focal points, and the identification of new fields of research. As far as the latter is concerned, the emphasis is on the areas of energy efficiency, energy management and renewable energies. Another important point is comprised by the further consolidation and support of cooperation between business and research bodies. In this connection, Upper Austria is looking in particular to the K Centres/K projects and CD laboratories.

Qualifications secure employment and prosperity

Professions & Careers - 10 measures

The focal points of the second thematic area are comprised by professional qualifications in line with the needs of the Upper Austrian business community and special furtherance of the highly gifted, whereby in this regard reference should be made to the Upper Austrian Employment and Qualification Pact mentioned in the fourth thematic area.     Of additional importance is the retention and attraction of international specialists to ensure “brain gain” instead of “brain drain”.

Clusters and networks strengthen the Upper Austrian economy

Networks – 2 measures

The Upper Austrian clusters and networks in the fields of economic strength and future potential consisting of Automotive, Plastics, Furniture and Wood Construction, Health and Mechatronics and the key topics of Design & Media, Human Resources, Logistics and Ressource and Energy Efficiency, are to be maintained in order to enhance regional competitiveness and allow networking with other national and international clusters.

Active location development, business locations and location marketing, qualification of the workforce and increased innovative capacity among companies, the support of innovation, improvements in location conditions, systematic further enhancement of the services range for investors, the further development of the Hagenberg Software Park, the sharpening of Upper Austria’s profile as a location for technology-oriented companies, the attraction of international specialists.

Important issues include the consolidation of exchange relationships, the establishment of longer-term projects and cooperation with other EU member states in specific branches, especially in relation to the future markets in the East, as well as the achievement of synergy effects through teamwork. In this thematic area Upper Austria intends to learn from the best through comparisons with selected top European regions and thus achieve further progress.