Given the high demands placed on companies in terms of financing, knowledge, skilled workers, and partners, effective support is needed to strengthen the promotion of research, technology, and innovation (RTI) in the long term.

FFG basic programs and their international impact

The FFG's basic programs are the central instrument for open-technology and open-topic funding of research and development (R&D) in Austria. They support projects in all phases - from the idea to the market launch. Around 1,000 companies are funded each year, primarily from the trade and crafts, industry and information & consulting sectors. In the period from 2015 to 2023, an average of around 1,100 projects with an annual cash value of around € 163 million were supported each year.

Around 70% of the companies receiving funding are exporters. Around 80% of companies report that the funded projects have strengthened their competitive position both nationally and internationally.

Sustainable economic effects

81% of the funded R&D projects (excluding small grants) are commercially exploited. Almost 90% of the utilized projects generate sales effects. On average, every euro invested in funding generates around € 8.60 in secured or additional turnover.

Greater involvement of SMEs and climate protection

Over the period from 2015 to 2023, the proportion of small companies participating in the FFG basic programs increased from 60% (2015) to 77% (2023). The proportion of young companies (up to five years old) also increased. More than 30% are newcomers. The proportion of climate-relevant projects has risen to 33% since 2019.

Conclusion

The FFG basic programmes make a significant contribution to broadening the innovation base in the commercial sector, mobilizing innovation players and promoting SMEs, newcomers and climate-relevant innovations. In this way, they sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of Austria as a business location.