Future of research funding: political course for 2025!

Future of research funding: political course for 2025!

Minoritenplatz 5, 1010 Wien, Österreich - Vienna is all about research and technology with a clear focus on the Fund Future Austria (FZÖ). According to a press conference, in which Education Minister Martin Polaschek and Minister of Economics Martin Kocher took part, the future of the FZÖ and the possible expansion from 2026 will remain uncertain. Both ministers emphasized the central role of the fund for the funding measures in the field of top research and technology development in Austria, as of vienna.at

The planned award for 2025 amounts to a total of 140 million euros, with 60 million euros in key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology. The funding is also intended to strengthen international competitiveness and promote cooperation between business and science. Bernhard Sagmeister, Managing Director of Austria Wirtschaftservice, and Christof Gattringer, President of the Science Fund FWF, also optimistically commented on planning security for the coming years and demanded an early discussion on the continuation of the fund, since an interruption of the funding would be "problematic". When asked why no concrete steps have yet been taken to support the fund, Polaschek said that budget planning plays a central role, such as ots.at

Focus for the future

The focus for 2025 includes important areas of research, whereby a targeted increase in the fund is required to improve innovative strength. Sufficient funding is crucial to take into account the recommendations of the Council for Research, Science, Innovation and Technology Development (Forwit) and the Industrial Association (IV). These had requested the continuation of the fund by 2030 and annual funds of 200 million euros. With a clear strategy and vision, the FZÖ could help position Austria as a leading location for research and development.