6th Session

The sixth meeting of the FORWIT Council began on Monday, 26 May 2025, with a working breakfast attended by three representatives of the Federal Government. Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Federal Minister Peter Hanke, and State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner used the opportunity to meet the members of the FORWIT Council and exchange views on the ambitious research and innovation policy objectives set out in the government programme. This was followed by the presentation of the RTI Monitor 2025 in the Parliament building, which was attended by nearly 100 participants from across the RTI system, who listened to FORWIT’s analysis and findings.

Afterwards, the Council convened for a two-day retreat with the staff of the Secretariat at a seminar venue in Baden. In addition to progress reports on the two main thematic priorities – Studying in Austria (led by Tom Henzinger) and Competitiveness in RTI (led by Georg Kopetz) – discussions also focused on how FORWIT can actively contribute in the coming weeks to the many initiatives mentioned in the government programme related to science, research, and innovation. Particular attention will be given to the analysis of the higher education system in preparation for a Higher Education Strategy 204o. Another top priority is the timely preparation of recommendations for the next RTI Pact, which the Federal Government is expected to adopt by the end of the year.

The Council also engaged intensively with issues concerning artificial intelligence, key technologies, as well as research security and academic freedom. Members discussed recent developments in European research policy, drawing on the Federal Government’s reflection paper on the forthcoming EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Strengthening collaboration with other council formations and advisory bodies – both internationally and within Austria – remains a key focus, as FORWIT continues to advocate a proactive, European perspective on Austria’s RTI policy.