The manufacturing industry is a key factor in the Austrian economy: it employs around 640,000 people in some 29,000 companies, generating an annual gross value added of 50 billion euro per year. Approximately every fifth euro and over two thirds of all employees in Austria are either directly or indirectly dependant on the domestic manufacturing industry.
The production of internationally competitive goods is a key factor in national prosperity. The goal is therefore to retain the manufacturing industry in Austria and make it fit for the future. Austria has excellent manufacturing companies including several world market and global technology leaders. Yet there is of course huge international competition and Austrian industry can only remain competitive with increased productivity provided by innovative technologies. There are major challenges ahead that require innovative solutions – from novel materials with special properties, reductions in manufacturing costs, shorter development cycles and greater product diversity, environmentally and resource friendly manufacturing processes through to issues related to logistics and recycling.