Future of Funds Future Austria Still Open

Numerous institutions have recently advocated for the continuation or expansion of this central source of funding for various initiatives in top-level research and technology development beyond 2025. The Future Fund Austria has established itself as a "significant financing tool", according to a quote from Minister of Economy Martin Kocher (ÖVP).

Ministries Emphasise Importance of Future Fund Austria

In a joint statement by the three ministries responsible for research and science agendas - these are, in addition to Kocher's department, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Climate Protection - it is emphasised that an extension "by means of an amendment to the FTE National Foundation Act" would be possible. In this sense, a "quick decision" in favour of this, for Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) "next to the three-year FTI pacts most important instrument for promoting research", would provide an important impetus. Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) also sees the fund as "an important support for the innovation location Austria".

The FZÖ has established itself "since its foundation as a significant financing instrument for important strategic future fields and technologies", according to the departments, which clarify that after the payouts of 140 million euros each from 2022, next year will be "the last opportunity for setting priorities and promoting through the fund". With the funds, they contribute to "strengthening innovation and competitiveness, preserving jobs and securing economic prosperity".

Just recently, representatives of eleven Austrian research institutions and funding agencies strongly advocated for the development of the funding pot for cooperative and innovative projects "with sufficient endowment". Last summer, the Austrian Research Association (ÖFG) already advocated in a position paper for "the continuation and increase" of the FZÖ "to at least 200 million euros annually".

Future Fund Austria: Three Pillars for Priorities

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 council 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.

For the priorities for the coming year, three pillars are now being served: As part of projects to strengthen the "competitiveness of the science, research and business location Austria", 60 million will flow into quantum technology, artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences and novel materials development. 55 million are intended for the "participation in European flagship initiatives and the cooperation between business and science", 25 million are to flow into the development of talents and the next generation of skilled workers.

(APA/red)

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