6th session and retreat of the Council
The 6th meeting of the FORWIT Council began on Monday 26 May 2025 with a working breakfast, which was also attended by three representatives of the federal government. Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Federal Minister Peter Hanke and State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner got to know the FORWIT Council members and took the opportunity to discuss the ambitious research and innovation policy goals in the government programme. This was followed by the presentation of the STI Monitor 2025 on the premises of the parliament, where almost 100 people from all parts of the STI system listened to FORWIT’s analysis.
Two-day retreat in Baden
The Council meeting then retired to a seminar hotel in Baden for a two-day retreat together with the office staff. In addition to reports on the status of the two main topics – Studying in Austria (Head: Tom Henzinger) and Competitiveness in STI (Head: Georg Kopetz) – the meeting also discussed how FORWIT can play an active role in the coming weeks given the numerous mentions of various projects in the government programme that fall under the area of science, research and innovation. The main focus will be on analysing the higher education system in preparation for a higher education strategy 2040. However, the rapid development of recommendations for the next RTI pact, which is to be adopted by the federal government by the end of the year, is also a high priority.
Impetus for research, innovation and European networking
Intensive work was also carried out on the topics of artificial intelligence, key technologies, research security and scientific freedom. The Council also discussed the latest developments in the area of European research policy, based on the Federal Government’s reflection paper on the next research framework programme. Further networking with other council formations and advisory bodies – both internationally and in Austria – will continue to be promoted; and FORWIT will continue to advocate a proactive, European perspective on STI policy in Austria.
