FHK calls for continuous FH/HAW research funding

The Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) welcomes the „Industrial Strategy Austria 2035“ as an important step for the competitiveness and resilience of the production location. The strategy consistently focuses on key technologies, more innovation output, faster technology transfer to industrial application and scaling, i.e. precisely those areas in which universities of applied sciences (UAS) have their strengths: application-oriented research, business cooperation through to implementation in companies. In addition, the research focus of the UASs is on the key technologies identified in the industrial strategy.

„The industrial strategy starts exactly where Austria needs speed, namely in the transfer of knowledge into added value. UASs are the best implementation platform for precisely this - regionally anchored, internationally oriented, close to companies and application-orientated,“ says UAS President Ulrike Prommer.

FH/HAW are essential for implementation

„If the Industrial Strategy 2035 is to work, the UASs must be systematically integrated and put in a position to fulfil this mission with continuous research funding and suitable framework conditions,“ emphasises UAS Secretary General Kurt Koleznik.

What the Federal Government must do now: Integrate FHK demands into the implementation of the industrial strategy and utilise the potential of FH/HAWs

In order for the UASs to provide the best possible support for the Industrial Strategy 2035, the FHK believes that it is more urgent than ever to establish a separate, continuous UAS research funding programme. In addition, performance-related funding of transfer and research activities (analogous to the university performance agreements) and coverage of overheads for third-party funding are required.

In order to be able to translate UAS ideas into innovations in the best possible way, additional new funding programmes are also needed to strengthen research and transfer competencies at UAS.