Since 2007, KMU Forschung Austria has been regularly analysing the situation and development of one-person-enterprises (OPE) in Austria and compiling the OPE Monitoring Report based on this data.

The study for the years 2025/2026 focuses on the topics of "bureaucracy" and "artificial intelligence", as well as on hybrid OPEs (entrepreneurs who are both self-employed and employed). The study is based on a quantitative survey.

Around 60 % of businesses in Austria are OPE. The main reasons for setting up a business are independence (83 %), self-fulfilment (77 %) and flexible working hours (71 %). 74 % of OPE work as their main job, of whom 49 % work full-time and 25 % part-time. Overall, 25 % of one-person-enterprises (OPE) export goods or services.