Hannes Androsch obituary

It is with great respect that we bid farewell to Hannes Androsch, a visionary and tireless shaper of Austria. As Chairman of the Council for Research and Technology Development (RFTE) from 2010 to 2020, he was highly committed to strengthening research, technology, innovation and education – areas that he saw as central cornerstones for the future of our country.

Hannes Androsch was not only a strategic thinker, but also a man of clear words. His metaphors, such as the vivid comparison of a farmer who does not sow today and therefore cannot reap tomorrow, will be remembered as cautionary messages. His credo: Austria’s long-term competitiveness depends on consistent investment in research and education – and even more on how this investment is realised.

Today, it is taken for granted across all political camps that the future of a small, open economy like Austria depends on an active research and innovation policy. It is often forgotten that it took people like Androsch to establish what is taken for granted today. The 2011 referendum on education is just one example of the many initiatives he launched. His many years as Chairman of the RFTE were also characterised by sometimes uncomfortable, but mostly correct demands: for example, higher funding for universities, the expansion of universities of applied sciences, the implementation of the Research Funding Act, more efficient research funding and the facilitation of business start-ups.

Hannes Androsch’s vision of Austria as a leading, responsible and sustainable nation of innovation remains valid. With his death, our country has lost a convinced admonisher, a clever analyst and a passionate advocate of progress and education. On behalf of FORWIT, we would like to honour his services to Austria and express our condolences to his family and all those who were close to him.