Tuesday, 11 November 2025 | 15:20 - 15:40
F(o)unding Journey
- Funding
- Cooperation
- Research & Development
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.
The Austrian Science Fund FWF just approved € 52 million in funding for basic research projects. Moreover, € 140 million annually will be distributed by the Future Fund of the Republic of Austria between 2022 and 2025 to tackle issues of the future such as pandemic preparedness, AI and radical innovation.
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.