FORWIT welcomes Uwe Cantner as a new member
The Council for Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (FORWIT) is pleased to welcome Univ.-Prof. Dr Uwe Cantner as a new member. The renowned innovation economist and former Chair of the German Federal Government’s Expert Commission on Research and Innovation (EFI) brings extensive experience at the intersection of science, policy, and business.
Cantner is regarded as one of Europe’s leading experts on innovation and technology policy. His academic work and long-standing advisory activities have shaped discussions on building high-performing and competitive innovation systems across Europe for many years.
Uwe Cantner looks forward to his new role: “I am excited to contribute my experience in academia and policy advice to the Austrian context. FORWIT is a strong platform for bringing together sound analysis and strategic thinking – precisely what is needed to shape forward-looking innovation policy.”
“With Uwe Cantner, our Council gains an internationally recognised figure,” emphasises Thomas Henzinger, Chair of FORWIT. “His expertise in analysing and designing innovation systems will be of great value to our work – particularly with regard to advancing an evidence-based innovation policy in Austria. I look forward to our collaboration.” At the same time, the Council strengthens its international network and its mission to provide strategic impetus for an innovation-driven Austria.
With the appointment of Uwe Cantner, Federal Minister Peter Hanke underscores FORWIT’s role as an independent, science-based advisory body to the Austrian Federal Government. “With his extensive experience in high-level advisory committees and his academic and policy-relevant expertise – especially in transformative innovation policy, productivity, technological change, and governance under uncertainty – Uwe Cantner will be a valuable addition to the Council,” Hanke stated in a press release.
About Uwe Cantner
Univ.-Prof. Dr Uwe Cantner is Professor of Economics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. From 2019 to 2023, he served as Chair of the Expert Commission on Research and Innovation (EFI), advising the German Federal Government on research and innovation policy. His research focuses on innovation economics, technological change, and the dynamics of innovation systems. In addition to his academic work, Cantner is actively involved in various international bodies promoting knowledge-based innovation policy.
