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The Austrian Institute for SME Research specialises in social and economic research with a focus on SMEs.

The Austrian Institute for SME Research is an independent non-university research institute in the field of applied economics and social sciences. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a core area of our research activities.

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Business situation retail trade: sentiment barometer points upwards

In August 2021, the proportion of retail establishments with an improvement in business activity in the last 3 months exceeds those with a deterioration by 24 percentage points.

New SME data

99.6 % of all enterprises are SMEs. They employ more than 2 million people. Further current SME data can be found here.
new project

ClayToStay - Renaissance for the building material clay

The aim of the ACR project ClayToStay is to make clay usable for widespread use in the construction sector. To this end, a testing network is being established to enable the utilization of local clay directly at the construction site.
german report

SME: technology transfer and digitalisation

The study analyzes different types of technology transfer in manufacturing and manufacturing-related SMEs, where they are positioned in corresponding value networks and what role they play in them.

Evaluation of the pilot initiative on the use of trustworthy AI

How can Austria and Europe as a whole position itself in the global AI race through the trustworthy use of artificial intelligence? This is one of the exciting sub-questions of a new project of KMU Forschung Austria for Austria Wirtschafsservice GmbH
german report

9th Creative Industries Report with a Focus on "Digital Transformation 2030

The creative industries were affected to varying degrees by the lockdowns. Despite the Corona pandemic, it can be seen that creatives are important drivers of digital transformation.

Our areas of expertise

Since the foundation of the Austrian Institute for SME Research, studies and analyses have been carried out in several thematic areas, both on national and international level. Many of these research projects focus on the situation and development of SMEs but also consider the differences and specificities of large enterprises.

Asset 10

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

We study different forms of businesses (e.g. one-person businesses, hybrid entrepreneurs, female entrepreneurship, etc.) as well as their life cycles, business models and innovation activities.
Asset 26

Economic Sectors and Industries

The Austrian Institute for SME Research continuously monitors the economic development for numerous economic sectors and industries and has comprehensive databases at its disposal. In addition, in-depth studies are prepared on specific issues and analyses are offered at the level of sectors, regions and company sizes.
Asset 7

Evaluation and Impact Analyses

The Austrian Institute for SME Research conducts evaluations and impact analyses of measures, programmes and institutions in various policy areas at international, national and regional level.
Asset 11

Regional Analyses

We analyse economic structures, trends and location conditions of regions, and cities and countries in Europe. We also derive development perspectives and options for action as well as offer support in the design of policy measures.

Labour Market and Skills

SMEs are of central importance for the labour market. They provide the majority of jobs in Austria and Europe. From the companies' point of view, employees are probably the most important factor for competitiveness.
Asset 2

Balance Sheet Ratios and Benchmarking

The Austrian Institute for SME Research analyses the economic situation and development of all industries and sectors of the Austrian economy on the basis of comprehensive annual financial statement data.

SOME FIGURES ABOUT US

since

1954
in economic research

about

30
employees

over

80
projects per year

about

60
contributions to events p.a.
Member of

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