Austria Future Fund: Demands for Continuation
Whether a continuation of the Future Fund Austria or the often demanded expansion from 2026 onwards is still possible remains unclear, confirmed Education Minister Polaschek (ÖVP) and Economy Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) at a press conference in Vienna.
Appeal for Continuation of Future Fund Austria
Polaschek and Kocher, together with Christof Gattringer, President of the Science Fund FWF, and Bernhard Sagmeister, Managing Director of the Funding Bank Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws), once again appealed for the safeguarding of this central source of funding for various initiatives in the field of top-level research and technology development. It was repeatedly emphasized that the FZÖ, in addition to the three-year FTI packages, is the most important instrument for research funding in Austria and an extension could be possible through an amendment to the FTE National Foundation Act.
When asked why this had not yet been implemented, Polaschek said that there had been no concrete need for action and it had been clear that a new government would discuss budget planning. An interruption of the funding would be problematic, added Kocher, "but there is still time in the coming months to set the course for 2026". He was optimistic that the necessity would be shared by all. "We need planning security," said Gattringer, who also called for an increase in the fund.
The priorities for 2025 are based on three pillars: 60 million euros are to be invested in strengthening international competitiveness and key technologies such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences, and novel materials development. 55 million are intended for the cooperation between economy and science and participation in European flagship initiatives, 25 million are to flow into the development of talents and the next generation of professionals. By setting a lower limit of five million euros for applications to the funding providers, the leverage effect is to be increased.
FORWIT and IV also for Continuation of Future Fund Austria
The basis for the allocation of funds are, on the one hand, the research policy priorities of the federal government and, on the other hand, the recommendations of the Council for Research, Science, Innovation and Technology Development (FORWIT). This body also advocated a few months ago, as did the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV), for continuation until 2030 and an annual endowment of 200 million euros. Representatives of eleven Austrian research institutions and funding agencies recently unanimously advocated for further development of the funding pot "with sufficient endowment".
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.