Expansion and sustainable funding of universities of applied sciences is critical to Austria's success as a centre of science and research

 In the 25 years of their existence, universities of applied sciences have established themselves as an important pillar of the Austrian scientific landscape. "It is a great honour for us that the OECD so clearly recognises this fact in its report "Reviews of Innovation Policy: Austria 2018"," says FHK President Raimund Ribitsch, delighted with the OECD's conclusions.

The report was presented on Friday and commissioned by the BMBWF and BMVIT in preparation for the next RTI Strategy 2020+. It emphasises the high efficiency of UAS research and teaching as well as their importance in creating innovative products and services in cooperation with business and industry.

"Many of the demands of the universities of applied sciences are confirmed in the OECD report. For example, the OECD also sees a stronger growth in the number of study places in the UAS sector in parallel with corresponding funding as essential to ensure quality in research and teaching. The importance of doctoral programmes is also pointed out. We hope that the role of universities of applied sciences will be reflected accordingly in the RTI Strategy 2020+. In any case, we assume that the OECD's findings will also have a positive impact on the future funding and expansion of universities of applied sciences," concluded President Ribitsch.