Science and research are key elements in shaping the future

The federal government currently faces the important task of drawing up a budget that secures our prosperity in the long term. To do this, it must consolidate expenditure and at the same time ensure that the foundations for Austria’s future security and competitiveness are created.

But there is also an opportunity to rethink many things in a new and visionary way.
Thomas Henzinger

“There is no question that all areas will have to make a contribution in order to overcome Austria’s considerable financial challenge. There is an urgent need for structural evolution and smart, socially responsible savings. However, there is also an opportunity to rethink many things in a new and visionary way. Now is the time to set a fundamental course, to scrutinise existing approaches and to tackle new solutions with courage. The government programme points to the essential role of science, research and innovation,” says Council Chairman Thomas Henzinger.

Prioritising science and research

The multi-year federal financial framework adopted with the double budget is crucial for the goals for research and innovation set out in the government programme. However, Henzinger also sees the further development of the tertiary education sector envisaged in the government programme as an important step: “A future-oriented higher education system strengthens the resilience of our democracy and meets the requirements of a modern, environmentally conscious industrial location. FORWIT has already presented initial considerations and proposals in this regard.”

Henzinger interprets the fact that investments in science and research are to be prioritised as central elements of shaping the future as a clear sign that the federal government is acting with foresight despite the difficult financial situation. “We trust that the federal government will responsibly follow its intentions in consolidating the budget and create a future-oriented budget that secures Austria’s social resilience and economic growth in the long term. It is our task to support the federal government in this endeavour and we will be happy to do so with commitment,” concludes Henzinger.