Research and Development
Numerous research institutes and approximately 20 technology centers are the proof for multi-focused research activities in Upper Austria.
Upper Austria has a large tradition in specific areas of science and research. During the second half of the last century, Upper Austria has become well known throughout the world for its metallurgical developments (LD steelmaking process). This heritage has been continued with innovations such as the COREX process. In addition, our Region is the home of major modern advances in railway, firefighting, plastics, textile machinery and automobile engine technologies, etc. In the last years important steps have been taken in the mechatronic, symbolic computation, the telematics sector and the sector of renewable energy resources. Besides the Johannes Kepler University the non-university research with the Upper Austrian Research the competence centers and the polytechnics are important factors for the positive innovation climate in Upper Austria. The research portal of the Research Net Upper Austria offers a virtual access to the network of the Upper Austrian research institutions. The main objectives of the research and development activities are equally procedure- and product-related. An international recognised token project in this context is the Research Insititute for Symbolic Computation and the adjacent Hagenberg Softwarepark. In order to fulfill the economical requirements during the phase of education, numerous new courses at the Upper Austrian polytechnics have been created. At four locations nearly 30 courses are offered.
The successful Upper Austrian participation in the European research framework programmes in the sectors of material research and process technology, information and communication technology as well as energy reflects the Upper Austrian emphasis and key competences. The strong commitment of the industry - especially all the small and medium-sized enterprises - has to be stressed. The international access for domestic science and economy in the fields of research, technology and innovation is guaranteed by the CATT Innovation Management GmbH, on the one hand as an advisory and consultant body for participation in international programmes and on the other hand for programme- and project-management in regional and national initiatives. Further on, the Upper Austrian technology network manager with approximately 20 technology centers and numerous research and education institutions is a visible proof for widespread transfer of technology for the small and medium-sized enterprises.