KMU Forschung Austria, in collaboration with the ZSI (Centre for Social Innovation), has carried out a study on the structural development of the labour market in Vienna up to 2030. The findings provide an evidence-based foundation for tailoring the advisory services offered by the "Service for Businesses" (SfU) of the AMS Vienna to the specific growth dynamics and business requirements of each district.

Sectors of the future and spatial developments

In view of the rapidly growing urban economy, the SfU at AMS Vienna faces the challenge of targeting resources specifically at those sectors and locations that are particularly affected by skills shortages and structural change. The first part of the study therefore identifies drivers of transformation, future-oriented sectors and district dynamics. Demographic ageing is set to make the health and social care sector a long-term driver of job creation, whilst information and communication technologies (ICT) will remain a key pillar of growth. Freelance services will continue to grow strongly, whilst traditional sectors such as high-street retail and the financial sector are coming under pressure to adapt.

The focus of labour market policy is shifting geographically to the outskirts of Vienna (e.g. Donaustadt, Floridsdorf, Favoriten), as population growth in these areas is generating increasing demand for local amenities, healthcare and educational provision. Despite the growing labour supply due to immigration, there is a qualitative skills mismatch, which requires district-specific support models from the SfU.

The migrant economy: access and potential

The second part of the study analyses how migrant-run businesses are reached by the SfU and what obstacles exist in this regard. The results of the interviews show that the use of the SfU’s services depends less on migration-specific factors and more on the size of the business, the stage of the company’s development, and the visibility of the SfU as a business-related point of contact. As migrant-run businesses are not a homogeneous target group, differences in sector, size or level of networking must be taken into account to ensure a situation-sensitive approach. The SfU should focus on specific business contexts (e.g. recruitment, funding enquiries) and offer practical, low-threshold support. Diversity-sensitive advice should not be a special measure but rather a standard feature of professional advisory services. The study recommends communicating existing services more clearly and making them easier to understand—to the benefit of all businesses.

You can find the full study here.
(available in German only)