At a press conference with FFG Managing Director Karin Tausz, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, IV (Federation of Austrian Industries) Vice President Sabine Herlitschka and AustroSpace President Dieter Grebner, the economic effects and opportunities for Austria's space ecosystem were presented.
It was no coincidence that Federal Minister Hanke announced an increase in Austria's contribution to ESA on the same day. FFG Managing Director Karin Tausz: “Austria's contribution to ESA is an investment that pays fourfold. We are therefore particularly pleased that Federal Minister Hanke is increasing Austria's contribution to ESA to up to 320 million euros.”
Above-average productivity and international reach
Thanks to continuous investment in ESA, the national space programme ASAP, the EU Space Programme and EUMETSAT, the space economy has grown strongly in recent decades. Gross value added stood at €198 million in 2024.
According to a study by Economica, the 150 Austrian organisations that are part of the space economy currently employ around 1,300 people. They produce and supply space technology and services to Europe and the rest of the world. The most important trading partners are Germany, France, Italy, UK, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Japan and South Korea.
The space sector in Austria is particularly productive, with a value added of 104 thousand euros per employee, which is above the Austrian average of 89 thousand euros.
Space research: EU ahead of China and the USA
This development is based on cutting-edge research conducted here in Austria and in other EU countries and ESA member states. An international comparison shows that the EU-27, with just under 100,000 publications between 2000 and 2024, is ahead of China (93,000 publications) and the USA (90,000). Austria ranks sixth within the EU in terms of scientific publications per capita.
Only together
Austria's cooperation network in space research and industry encompasses 141 countries. Against the backdrop of the changed geopolitical situation, it is important to strengthen Europe's autonomy and resilience. At the same time, cooperation with existing partners should be reorganised where necessary and new partnerships established.