F(o)unding Journey

Austria is a high performer in R&D spending both by global and European standards. Its investment levels place it among the top OECD countries. As of 2024, Austria’s R&D expenditure represents around 3.34% of GDP, placing it 3rd in Europe, just behind Belgium and Sweden, and among the top seven globally.

Austria’s leadership position in R&D is not static—it’s rising. After achieving a historic R&D intensity of 3.35% in 2024, projections for 2025 show upward momentum toward 3.4%, edging closer to the 4% goal by 2030. This growth is underpinned by a balanced mix of public, private, and international investment—marking Austria as a dynamic, innovation-focused economy in Europe and beyond.

In 2024, the Austrian Research Funding Agency (FFG) funded a total of 7,892 research and infrastructure projects with €1.23 billion. Around two-thirds of the funds went to companies (40% to large companies and 27% to SMEs). 

In 2024, the Carinthian Funding Agency (KWF) allocated €30.2 million in funding to Carinthian companies**, €9.36 million** of which went to the technology fund (Research, Technology, Innovation projects).

The 14% research premium applies to costs incurred for research and experimental development. Funding is available for both the company’s in-house research and contract research - tax-free and without any cap.