Industry Strategy 2035: 117 measures – 35 per cent implemented or in the process of being implemented after six months

Half-year review: Key Technology Acceleration Act under review, high-performance AI computers being procured, amendment to patent law in the final stages, 18 million Euros funding call for pilot plants and innovation infrastructures launched.

“For a country with these businesses, this skilled workforce and this level of research, mediocrity is not good enough – which is why, six months ago, we presented the Republic’s first-ever Industrial Strategy, focusing on nine specific key technologies, with the clear aim of bringing Austria back into the top 10 industrial nations. However, the Industrial Strategy is not merely a vision for the country; above all, it is an implementation programme. After less than six months, 42 out of 100 measures have already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented – that is more than 35 per cent. Today, with the first part of the Key Technologies Acceleration Act and the first investment funding programme for key technologies, we are launching two further initiatives,” said Minister for Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer.
“The mid-year review of the Industry Strategy 2035 clearly shows that our strategy is no paper tiger, but is being implemented step by step. As Minister for Innovation, I am focusing on key technologies, an innovative amendment to patent law, automated driving and the AI Factory Austria’s high-performance AI computer as key projects for the future. In the second half of the year, we will continue on this course with further measures – from Innovation Challenges and zero-emission infrastructure to the mobility of the future. Working hand in hand with our domestic industrial companies and their employees, we are strengthening value creation, competitiveness and jobs in Austria. “With the Labour Market Transformation Fund initiated by Minister for Labour Korinna Schumann, we are also ensuring that employees receive vital support and training in the areas of ecological and digital transformation,” said Minister for Innovation Peter Hanke.
“Austria does not have a problem with ideas – Austria often has a problem with implementation. The industrial strategy sets the course; our task now is to remove the obstacles. In our department alone, more than 120 measures to ease the regulatory burden are currently being drafted, negotiated or implemented. After all, companies should be spending their time on innovation, investment and growth – not on unnecessary bureaucracy,” said Sepp Schellhorn, State Secretary for Debureaucratisation.
“As an entrepreneur and member of FORWIT, I see the industrial strategy as a key instrument for sustainably strengthening and safeguarding Austria’s competitiveness. As an Austrian high-tech scale-up, TTTECH exemplifies how key technologies from research are consistently transformed into marketable products. Forward-looking trends such as autonomy, the use of physical AI and satellite technology are essential foundations for the future economic success of Austria and its companies – both today and in the future,” said Georg Kopetz, CEO and co-founder of TTTech.

New: First part of the Key Technologies Acceleration Act goes out for consultation

Measure 02

On 16 June 2026, the first part of the Key Technologies Acceleration Act will enter the consultation phase, speeding up approvals for production facilities in an initial sector of key technologies (energy and environmental technologies).

  • ‘Strategic project’ status: Awarded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, with a decision on eligibility made within 30 days.
  • ‘Strategic projects’ also benefit from ‘overriding public interest’ status in the approval procedures.

Central contact points (Single Point of Contact): In Austria, nine offices across the federal states will in future act as central points of contact to guide companies through the approval procedures.

New: First-ever funding call for pilot plants for key technologies

Measure 04

As part of the ‘Key Industrial Technologies – Leading Companies 2030’ stimulus programme, companies are receiving fresh capital to make the crucial leap from development to industrial production. Those developing future technologies in Austria should also build them here and bring them to market maturity. The funding call opens today at 1.00 pm  via aws.

A total funding budget of 18 million euros is available. Up to 3 million euros in funding is available per project. Funding is available for projects with a total investment volume of between 1 and 50 million Ꞓ. Applications can be submitted until the end of October.

The target group comprises medium-sized and large Austrian companies with industrial scalability that are investing in pilot production facilities (novel production facilities with a high degree of innovation) and innovation infrastructure (e.g. cleanrooms and laboratory infrastructure) in one of the nine key technology fields. In this way, we are strengthening innovation and the production of key technologies ‘Made in Austria’.

New: High-performance AI computers for the AI Factory to be procured

Measures 5 and 83

Through AI Factory Austria, Austria is making targeted investments in key technologies of the future. An AI-optimised high-performance computer is currently being procured and is due to come into operation in Vienna in 2027. With an investment of 53 million euros, a high-performance infrastructure for research, development and application of artificial intelligence is being created, thereby strengthening Austria’s position as a centre of innovation in the long term.

New: Amendments to the Patent Act and the Companies Act in the final stages

Measure 20

Through the amendments to the Patent Act and the Companies Act, the Federal Government is strengthening the framework for innovation in Austria. In future, SMEs and start-ups will be able to recognise patents they have developed and use themselves as assets on their balance sheets. This will make intellectual property more accessible, promote innovation in a targeted manner and improve access to funding opportunities for innovative companies.

Progress on implementing the Industrial Strategy

Six months after its launch, 35 per cent of the 117 measures have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. The following measures have already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented:

Implemented:

  1. Measure 4: Key Technology Location Package: New aws funding programme to incentivise investment in pilot production facilities and innovation infrastructure in the key technology sector; call for proposals opens on 16 June 2026
  2. Measure 17: Seal of Excellence funding: for highly rated Austrian projects not funded at EU level due to budget constraints; FFG funding call opened on 26 May 2026.
  3. Measure 18: FFG COMET modules: focused on key technologies; funding call with €22 million opens on 24 March 2026.
  4. Measure 24: Halving of the electricity levy: reduces energy costs for business and industry in 2026.
  5. Measure 49: Extension of public holiday pay: work on public holidays tax-free up to 400 Euros per month
  6. Measure 47: Extension of start-up employee share schemes: extension of the option for virtual shares as a proven form of employee share ownership in start-ups for the year 2026
  7. Measure 38: Introduction of a new school subject ‘WIN’: Introduction of ‘Economics, Innovation & Sustainability’ in the economics stream of the Realgymnasium to strengthen economic education.
  8. Measure 60: Renewable Energy Expansion Acceleration Act: Fast-track procedures and approvals, as well as recognition of overriding public interest for renewable energy projects; passed by the National Council
  9. Unnumbered measure: Logistics Location Strategy: A joint strategic framework for the further development of Austria as a modern, sustainable and resilient logistics location.

In progress:

  1. Measure 01: Agencies’ ‘mission statements’: Kick-off for the reorientation of the ABA as part of Meet Austria; Mission statements for the funding agencies aws, CDG and FFG, as well as the reorientation of funding portfolios, are currently being implemented; for example, €56 million for AI and data-driven innovations, as well as advanced production technologies, and €8 million for pioneering facilities via the FFG
  2. Measure 02: Key Technology Acceleration Act – Part One: Implementation of the NZIA with prioritised approval procedures for ‘strategic projects’ and single points of contact for companies; the Act is under review as of today.
  3. Measure 03: FFG flagship programme for leading companies: The FFG is preparing to launch the programme in 2026 on behalf of the BMWET.
  4. Measure 05: Development of ecosystems in the key technologies sector: Cross-agency application submitted to the National Foundation on behalf of the BMWET, BMIMI and BMFWF to establish a quantum ecosystem spanning basic to applied research; funding decision on 25 June 2026.
  5. Measure 06: IPCEI Advanced Semiconductor Technologies: Funding programme to strengthen Germany’s position as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and digital sovereignty in the high-tech sector; expression of interest and matchmaking at EU level already completed, next steps in preparation.
  6. Measure 07: Space as an area of industrial opportunity: Increasing Austria’s contribution to the ESA from 260 to 340 million euros for the period 2026 to 2028, thereby enabling greater participation by Austrian companies.
  7. Measure 10: Industrial transformation: €270 million from the BMWET for transformation projects in energy-intensive industries and €60 million for transformation projects from the KLIEN programme of the BMIMI.
  8. Measure 20: Amendment to the Patent Act, including an amendment to the Commercial Code (UGB): Facilitating access to digital data and simplifying and accelerating procedures; use of IP as recognisable assets, subject to political coordination following expert review.
  9. Measure 21: STEM training: In collaboration with the STEM regions, projects to nurture young talent among school pupils, in partnership with universities and industrial companies, will be funded to the tune of 3 million euros in 2026.
  10. Measure 23] Industrial Electricity Price and Location Security Act (SAG): €250 million per year for the years 2027 to 2029, secured in the two-year budget
  11. Measure 25: Strengthening domestic energy production: Expansion of domestic gas production through the exploration of domestic gas resources in Wittau, Lower Austria, to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.
  12. Measure 30: Promoting hydrogen as an energy carrier: Accelerating the roll-out of hydrogen in Austria by supporting domestic production projects from 2027 onwards; adoption of the amendment to the Hydrogen Promotion Act as part of the 2027/2028 dual budget.
  13. Measure 36: Apprenticeship package: Further developing the domestic apprenticeship landscape in line with key technologies, e.g. in the field of e-mobility; currently under review.
  14. Measure 41: Skills development initiative: To support the upskilling of employees in the context of the green and digital transition, funding of 26.7 million euros has been allocated for 2028 and 54.6 million euros for 2029.
  15. Measure 51: Building up raw material reserves: Extension of the strategic gas reserve of 20 terawatt-hours by two years until April 2029; decision to be taken with the 2027/2028 dual budget.
  16. Measure 52: Security of Supply Act: Amendment to focus on strategic preparedness and resilience in the event of crises; subject to political coordination following expert review.
  17. Measure 61: Amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act: Acceleration of procedures and digitalisation; a fully centralised procedure at federal level for federal roads and high-capacity routes, as well as restrictions on citizens’ initiatives; subject to political coordination.
  18. Measure 65: Model region for automated mobility: Austria is optimising the legal framework for automated driving: amendments to the Automated Driving Regulation and the Motor Vehicles Act will position the country as a development and pilot region. In this way, we are strengthening Austria’s role as a centre for innovation and testing of new mobility technologies.
  19. Measure 66: Traction current subsidy: As part of the double budget, around 200 million euros have been allocated for the period 2028 to 2031 to subsidise traction current in freight transport, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of rail freight transport.
  20. Measure 70: Zero-emission infrastructure: Austria is accelerating the roll-out of e-infrastructure: an amendment to the Federal Roads Act enables ASFINAG to massively expand the charging network. By 2030, 1,500 charging points for passenger cars will be established, and by 2035, 1,300 for lorries. In addition, flagship initiatives such as the eSAF research facility for sustainable aviation fuels (funded by the FFG with 1.2 million euros) are promoting the decarbonisation of aviation.
  21. Measure 72: ‘Made in Europe’ – Strengthening the principle of awarding contracts to the best bidder in terms of quality: awarding contracts solely on the basis of the lowest price is now only permitted in exceptional cases; the first amendment to public procurement law has been adopted.
  22. Measure 74: ‘Made in Europe’ – Action plan for strategic public procurement: the action plan is to be drawn up by the end of 2026.
  23. Measure 75: Innovation procurement based on a challenge model: Innovation Challenges are a new funding format introduced by the FFG for innovation-oriented procurement. Under this scheme, companies and research institutions – including those working in consortia – develop solutions to specific challenges for which no suitable products are yet available on the market. The programme strengthens domestic companies, facilitates participation in innovation tenders and accelerates the market launch of forward-looking technologies.
  24. Measure 83: AI Factory (AI:AT): Since its opening in February 2026, more than 40 AI projects have been supported and 1,000 experts have been trained.
  25. Measure 84: New trade agreements: Trade agreements with India and Australia concluded at EU level; national ratification and implementation by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
  26. Measure 91: Security Export Act: Simplification of electronic application procedures and increased legal certainty regarding the resale of dual-use goods; currently undergoing political coordination following expert review.
  27. Measure 100: Reduction in non-wage labour costs: Reduction by one percentage point from 2028; agreement in principle has been reached, implementation in the 2027/2028 dual budget.
  28. Measure 101: Reducing bureaucracy through digitalisation: A package to remove 50 barriers to digitalisation in administrative procedures is in the final stages of preparation.
  29. Measure 105: Practical review of reporting obligations: Ongoing assessment of the bureaucratic impact of new legislative initiatives by the Central Office for Debureaucratisation within the BMEIA
  30. Measure 106: Reduction of reporting and notification obligations: A package of 50 measures to reduce reporting and notification obligations has been drawn up; currently undergoing political coordination
  31. Measure 108] Scale-up Fund: Up to 100 million euros in government anchor investment, agreed in the dual budget. Next steps to establish the fund’s infrastructure are in preparation; the fund is set to launch as planned in 2027.
  32. Measure 115: ERP Fund Act: Preservation of the capital stock for low-interest loans for sole traders, SMEs and large enterprises; under political coordination.
  33. Measure 117: Monitoring of the industrial strategy: The Productivity Council is developing the KPIs and an implementation monitoring framework in consultation with the BMWET, BMIMI and BMEIA; to begin with the Productivity Report in autumn 2026.

Outlook for autumn 2026

The following steps are planned for the second half of 2026:

  1. Measures 2, 52, 91 and 115: Adoption of the bills currently under coordination: the Key Technologies Acceleration Act, the ERP Fund Act, the Security of Supply Act and the Security of Exports Act.
  2. Measures 1, 3 and 14: Reorientation of funding portfolios: mission statements currently being drafted; reorientation of the funding portfolios of aws, CDG and FFG with a focus on key technologies, technology transfer and efficiency, to take effect from the start of the new FTI Pact period in 2027.
  3. Measures 74 and 111: ‘Made in Europe’ in public procurement and funding: development of an action plan for innovation-promoting and strategic procurement by the end of 2026.
  4. Measure 31: Lifting of the CCS ban: for the capture and storage of CO₂; legislative responsibility: Federal Ministry of Finance.
  5. Measure 44: Reform of the Red-White-Red Card: to facilitate the recruitment of skilled workers; legislative responsibility: Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection.
  6. Measure 117: Launch of monitoring: close coordination with the Productivity Council on establishing a comprehensive monitoring system and developing KPIs; setting up an Industry Task Force; and launching the monitoring programme with a productivity report in autumn 2026.