Upper Austria - partner in the heart of Europe

Upper Austria - The Region

Over the past years, Upper Austria has evolved to become a dynamic industrial area and highly successful region within Europe. Tradition and customsform important cornerstones of the state. The fall of the Iron Curtain propelled Upper Austria from a a peripheral position to the heart of Europe. Upper Austria can look back on a history of 14,000 years. In 1918, the “principality above the Enns river” became the state of “Upper Austria”.

Upper Austria - International Relations

A modern and innovative state, whose economy has a foothold in the worldmarket, whose universities and research institutes are part of a global network and whose culture knows no borders, Upper Austria is personally interested in a successful foreign policy. To attend to the interests of the state of Upper Austria in both Europe and the world, a well-performing network of partner regions and co-operation in European umbrella organisations is a must.

Upper Austria - Economy

Upper Austria is the leading state in Austria in terms of industry, exports and technology. Around one quarter of industrial production and exportsin Austria stem from this region. Thus Upper Austria is considered to beone of the most modern and competitive industrial regions with in Europe.

Upper Austria - Science

Research and innovation are the key to a successful future. This is something emphasised by the European Commission in its Strategy “Europe 2020” to increase competitiveness and prosperity. Therefore, the research location of Upper Austria has set the goal of a research quota of four percent by 2015. To attain this goal, the former focus of research work will be intensified and new future fields of research will be exploited.

Upper Austria - Tourism

Charming, intense, pleasant, self-assured and unspoilt – these are the attributes visitors associate with Upper Austria. The main themes of marketing activities directed at tourists reflect the preferred activities of holidaymakers:being active (hiking, cycling, riding, swimming/bathing, sailing, playing golf, winter sports), relaxation (health/wellness), epicureanism, culinary pleasures, culture and nature are in the foreground of these interests.

Upper Austria - Culture

Culture shapes the identity of Upper Austria. Culture, in all its variety, is experienced at all levels and in every region of the state. Caught between the conflicting priorities of tradition and innovation, it continues to develop further while preserving the cultural heritage of Upper Austria.

Upper Austria - Energy

Austria is an energy-intensive state that is also highly energy efficient.The security of energy supplies, economic efficiency, environmental soundness and the gentle use of resources as well as the social compatibility of the energy supply and use ofenergy are at the forefront. Renewable sources of energy have a high political status. The Upper Austrian energy strategy is future-oriented and extends to the year 2030.

Upper Austria - Nature and the Environment

In Upper Austria, nature and the environment are characterised by a variety of species and wildlife habitats. The Danube effectively separates the granite and gneiss highland area in the north from the foothills of the Alps and the Limestone Alps in the south. Upper Austria’s wealth in terms of water is apparent in the many lakes and rivers.

Upper Austria - Region of Culinary Delights

Enjoy good products with a clear conscience! The overall marketing strategy to strengthen agriculture and the domestic food industry “Upper Austria – regionof culinary delights” has made Upper Austria a location for first-qualityfoods. Agriculture, the food processing industry, the Upper Austrian Tourist Board, the catering industry, hoteliers and food traders have formed a networkfor their mutual benefit.

Upper Austria - Health and Social Care

Social solidarity, consideration of others and help for everyone who needs it, are the goals the state has set itself for Upper Austria. Particular attention is given to the sector of health and to services offered to the weaker members of Upper Austrian society – children, senior citizens and people with handicaps.