BMAW invests more than 8 million euros in targeted funding of research for business at universities of applied sciences - FFG funds 13 new research projects across Austria

The "FH - Research for Business" call for proposals promotes the development and expansion of important research competencies at Austrian universities of applied sciences so that they can provide the best possible support to business, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in research issues as strong partners. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Economic Affairs (BMAW) provided 8.19 million euros for the 9th call for proposals "FH - Research for the Economy" (formerly "COIN Aufbau"). The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) is responsible for handling the programme.

With the support of the universities of applied sciences, companies are strengthened in a targeted manner and can develop new technologies and innovative products based on the research services at universities of applied sciences. The high demand from the universities of applied sciences for the project funds shows how well the call for proposals "FH - Research for Business" fits the research profile of the universities of applied sciences. 44 applications were submitted with a total of 28.2 million euros in requested funding. The funding budget of 8.19 million euros was used in its entirety. It finances 13 applied research projects at 8 different Austrian universities of applied sciences.

"The promotion of cooperation between science and industry is an important element of Austrian research and innovation policy. It brings an innovative edge that Austria needs as a location in international competition. Due to their proximity to the economy, universities of applied sciences are not only essential for the education and training of skilled workers, they also have enormous research potential, which should be exploited in the best possible way in cooperation with companies," says Minister of Labour and Economic Affairs Martin Kocher.

The projects are distributed across 5 federal states. The vast majority of the projects are thematically based in the area of ICT or digitalisation. Life sciences, Industry 4.0, environment, energy and education are further thematic focuses of the funded projects. The project durations are between 3 and 5 years. Projects receive up to 1.3 million euros in funding.

"The programme promotes the development and expansion of important research competencies at Austrian universities of applied sciences. Through targeted technology and know-how transfer, these can support companies, especially SMEs, as strong partners in research topics in the best possible way," say the two FFG managing directors Henrietta Egerth and Klaus Pseiner. "We are particularly pleased when the FFG can create new networks between science and business and link existing ones," emphasises the FFG management.

The funding format "UAS Research for Business" (formerly "COIN Aufbau") has proven its worth. In the 9 calls for proposals so far, 132 projects have been funded. A total of more than 85 million euros was available for this purpose. An increasingly strong focus on digitisation has become apparent in the projects applied for and funded.

"Funding channels like this are needed so that research can develop its social and societal added value. Through cooperation between universities of applied sciences, companies and non-university project partners, innovations are created through applied research. We would certainly like to see more initiatives like this, because applied research produces solutions that our society urgently needs," says FHK President Ulrike Prommer.