Unit 03 of the European Commission’s DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD) brought together 18 representatives from public authorities, universities and research organisations, Horizon Europe support structures, innovation and business-support organisations, companies and civil society from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine for a study visit to Austria focused on boosting science-business links, knowledge valorisation and participation in Horizon Europe.
The study visit offered a close look at Austria’s research and innovation ecosystem — from research and innovation policy and funding to technology transfer, university-industry collaboration and commercialisation of research results.
Participants exchanged with Austrian federal ministries (BMFWF, BMIM, BMWET, BMEIA), and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), while companies including Frequentis, TTTech, Infineon, AVL and AT&S shared their practical experiences of Horizon Europe and research-business collaboration.
Visits to Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and the University for Continuing Education in Krems, as well as to innovation and AI facilities, provided practical insights into research management, industry engagement, spin-offs, technology transfer and trustworthy AI.
Particular attention was also given to strengthening Ukraine’s research and innovation ecosystem and supporting its further integration into European cooperation frameworks. The International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine was presented by the European Commission, DG RTD, unit 03. The Austrian side shared experience on Support to the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine and building cross-sector Alliances for Ukraine in Austria.
Key messages and lessons learned from the study visit:
- successful knowledge valorisation requires a strong R&I ecosystem — connecting policy, R&I funding, research organisations, universities and businesses
- creating pathways for ideas and research results to reach society and the market is urgently needed in the Eastern Partnership Partner countries
The Austrian model for a R&I policy and implementation framework for promoting science-business collaboration could inform further development of science-business links in the EaP Partner countries.
Beyond knowledge exchange, the visit created new connections and opportunities for future partnerships and joint Horizon Europe projects across the Eastern Partnership and partners in Austria.
