2024-11-27 06:30:00
The next federal government faces major fiscal challenges. Significant austerity measures are expected from Austria in the next few years. FORWIT warns against saving money on investments in research and innovation because they ensure added value and prosperity in the future.
Investments in research and innovation are investments in Austria’s future
It is urgently important to FORWIT that political decision-makers differentiate between spending and investments when considering the expected budget cuts. “Funding research and innovation is a demonstrable investment in the future of our global competitiveness and thus in our prosperity of tomorrow. “We must not jeopardize the enormous impact of research funding on national and European value creation,” appeals Thomas Henzinger, Chairman of FORWIT. Most recently, IHS director Holger Bonin explicitly excluded research from necessary savings measures.
The FORWIT presented in September what measures could be effective Recommendation for RTI and science policy in the new legislative period presented. In the area of research funding, the Council particularly considers: Extension and further development of the Future Austria Fund (FZÖ), which expires in 2025 as essential. “With the funds from the FZÖ it is possible to address emerging developments and thus increase the agility of the national research system,” explains Henzinger. FORWIT recommends an annual funding of Ꞓ 200 million for the FZÖ.
Likewise, the FORWIT calls based on his recommendations calls on the next federal government to actively participate in the design of a strong, effective EU framework program for research and innovation (FP10). This is essential for Europe’s competitiveness in the world. FORWIT recommends an endowment of Ꞓ 200 billion for FP10.
From the Council’s perspective, the next federal government should set itself the programmatic goal of achieving a research quota of 4% by the end of the legislative period. This is not only a guarantee for Austria’s future viability, says Henzinger. “It is also an excellent investment because, as we know, every euro invested in research and innovation returns many times over in revenue.”
Negotiate the next RTI pact quickly, develop a roadmap for the RTI strategy after 2030
In order to strengthen the effectiveness of RTI measures, the instruments for research funding should not be increased uniformly, but should be further developed in a targeted manner. There is therefore a need for rapid action to draw up the RTI Pact 2027-29 and, during this legislative period, to develop the relevant goals and groundbreaking steps for the next RTI strategy after 2030. “It is the legal mandate of FORWIT to support the federal government in the design of the To advise RTI pacts and support them in developing a new RTI strategy. My council colleagues and I are ready to tackle these groundbreaking tasks with the next federal government as soon as possible,” concluded Henzinger.
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