Preface by Heinz Faßmann
Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research
Federal Minister Heinz Faßmann
Austria’s strengths lie in science and research. Just as Switzerland is known around the world especially for its banks, watches and chocolate, Austria must also be known for its science and research sector. A strong basic and applied research sector is necessary to be able to develop pioneering technologies as well as solutions for the future and the manifold global challenges we are facing today. Therefore, it is our goal to strengthen these areas. We are investing more than 3% of GDP in science, technology and innovation.
This is the second highest number in the EU, far above the average, and the sixth-highest worldwide according to the OECD. In Europe, Austria is a strong innovator according to the European Innovation Scoreboard with the ambition to becoming a global innovation leader. One essential element to achieving this goal is to increase the impact of our investment in science and research.
This ambition includes a clear perspective to further strengthen our international relations, mobility and cooperation in education, science and research. In this regard, we are very proud that Austria is host to numerous international institutions and organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, or also the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The Austrian Federal Government is committed to continue building bridges, strengthening those already built and to advocate for international dialogue and multilateralism.
Our transatlantic relations, especially with the United States, have been a core part of our international strategies in education, science and research for many years. We established the Office of Science and Technology Austria (OSTA) at the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC two decades ago. Its aim is to build bridges for research and innovation between Austria and North America.
The OSTA, as well as many projects, initiatives and institutions introduced in this magazine are driven by the common goal of gaining mutual benefits from strong bilateral ties and intensified cooperation and mobility. In Austria, our main resource to tackle future challenges are well-educated, creative, performance-oriented and cosmopolitan citizens. It is my ministry’s responsibility to create the necessary framework for kindergartens, schools and higher education and research institutions, as well as for lifelong learning.
Let me thank the representatives of the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC for dedicating this edition of the New Austrian Information to education, science and research. Austria already has rich and vibrant connections to the United States. We are always dedicated to strengthen them even further. The following articles will show this in an impressive way. Enjoy reading about the Austrian education, science and research landscape!
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heinz Faßmann is the
Austrian Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research