Austria's industry in the crisis: Cooperation urgently challenged!

Austria's industry in the crisis: Cooperation urgently challenged!

Austria's industry faces an unprecedented challenge. The number of production losses is alarming and reached the highest value in 2024 with a decrease of 5.5 percent in 2024. As if the economic difficulties were not enough, there is now also a total lock of the Nuremberg Passau railway line. This could lead to enormous problems for the domestic economy, such as Oots.at . "The blocking could strongly endanger the security of supply and competitiveness of domestic industry," explains IV-OÖ managing director Joachim Haindl-Grutsch. In order to cushion the negative effects, efficient diversions are essential.

This logistical nightmare not only affects companies, but also has serious consequences for the entire transport infrastructure. The Passau hub is a crucial transshipment point, which is transported 12.3 million tons a year towards Austria. Peter Koren, IV Vice Secretary General, therefore calls for close cooperation between industry, politics and infrastructure in order to reduce the effects of the blocks as best as possible. An exclusive relocation of freight transport to the street contradicts the desired transport and climate policy goals. The need to better link the rail and road is becoming more and more urgent.

opportunities for a sustainable industry

The current challenges in industry can also be seen as an opportunity to find innovative and sustainable solutions. According to wwf.de , investments in climate-neutral technologies could strengthen competitiveness in the long term. The global trend towards sustainable business models opens up new markets. German industry and Austrian companies have the opportunity to benefit from clever investments in these future markets and not only do justice to climate protection, but also to strengthen their own economy. The federal government is required to create the necessary framework and to set the course for a climate -neutral industry that is independent of fossil fuels.