Austria is strong in research. It ranks among Europe’s top countries for public R&D spending and produces outstanding scientific results. However, when it comes to turning these results into successful companies, new jobs, and measurable economic impact, there’s still a gap to close.
This is part of what’s often called the European Paradox: Europe leads in research but lags behind the US and China in commercialization. The difference is clear:
- In 2023, US venture capital investment was four to five times higher than in the EU.
- More than 60% of global unicorns are based in the US, compared to just 8% in the EU.
- In Austria, around 90 academic start-ups are founded each year — and no Austrian university ranks in the DACH top 10 for spin-off creation.
Signs of progress
The FTI Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious goal: double the number of successful spin-offs. Universities are integrating commercialization into their performance agreements, and initiatives like TU Wien’s Noctua Science Ventures are already improving access to funding.
Key priorities
Our report highlights two areas that deserve special attention:
- Cooperation at ecosystem level – Building regional and thematic hubs, pooling resources, and involving industry and investors early on.
- Action at university level – Proactive scouting for entrepreneurial talent, providing experienced commercial support, and ensuring easier access to risk capital.
Every euro invested in spin-offs generates around seven euros in GDP growth. Beyond the numbers, successful spin-offs bring innovation to market, attract talent, and strengthen Austria’s position as a place where research and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.
Why now
Austria began systematically promoting knowledge and technology transfer later than some of its peers. This means we can move faster now by learning from the best and adapting proven models to our context.
📄 The full report offers detailed data, examples, and recommendations:
