English
Deutsch

Research, Innovation and Transformation

The Research, Innovation, and Transformation division investigates how politics and public institutions can effectively support economic and social developments. The focus is on technical and social innovation and transformation processes and their economic, social, and ecological impacts. The project portfolio includes monitoring and evaluation studies, thematic analyses, applied research and development projects, and basic research. Policy evaluation is a particular focus, based on many years of experience and a broad methodological repertoire – from qualitative case studies and quantitative impact analyses to international comparative studies. Practice-oriented research covers topics such as the circular economy, climate protection, artificial intelligence, knowledge transfer, digitalization, and industrial policy, and covers the entire D-A-CH region and the EU level. The interdisciplinary team brings together various scientific disciplines. The research results provide a solid basis for decision-making, supporting policymakers and administrators in effectively implementing measures in the areas of research, technology, innovation, business, and climate policy and in advancing sustainable change.

Asset 10

Selected Projects

Accompanying and ex-post evaluation of the funding framework ‘future investments vehicle manufacturers and supplier industry’ and the ‘overall transfer concept involving the regions’

How can the German automotive industry be effectively supported against the backdrop of rapidly changing conditions by promoting investment, research, and networking? This question is explored in this accompanying and ex-post evaluation.

On behalf of

German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Contact

Peter Kaufmann

Mehr Info

Interim evaluation of the EU Missions

This study supported the European Commission (DG Research) in the assessment of die five EU Missions, the review of mission areas and the analysis of the EU Missions’ portfolio of instruments and actions. The study team was coordinated by EFIS Centre, with the partners KMU Forschung Austria (Austrian Institute for SME Research), Visionary Analytics, the Mission-oriented Policy Observatory of Utrecht University, as well as the senior expert Claire Nauwelaers.

On behalf of

European Commission, DG Research and Innovation

Completed

2023/06

Contact

Peter Kaufmann

Mehr Info

TranS4MEr: Transformative SME Policy for Broad-Based Decarbonisation

Following an action research approach, TranS4MEr will identify priority areas for climate action in the SME sector and develop climate mitigation policy goals and mixes that are able to address the heterogeneity of SMEs. The implementation of a ‘transformative SME policy hub’ and analysis of key mechanisms that underpin the integration or disintegration of climate concerns in SME policy will set the foundation for a long-term reorientation of SME policy.

On behalf of

Austrian Climate and Energy Fund

Expected Completion

2025/04

Contact

Harald Wieser

MORE INFO

Accompanying and ex-post evaluation of the tax-based research funding scheme in Germany

This accompanying and ex-post evaluation is implemented on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Finance based on the evaluation plan approved by the European Commission in the period 2022 to 2025. Due to the accompanying character, there is an ongoing examination of implementation processes, target group outreach, as well as an in-depth analysis of the effects in the target groups and for Germany as a business location.

On behalf of

German Federal Ministry of Finance

Expected Completion

2026/06

Contact

Peter Kaufmann

more info

Your Contact Persons

Harald Wieser

Senior Researcher
Research Area Coordinator
h.wieser@kmuforschung.ac.at
+43 1 5059761 - 27
Asset 10

Accompanying and ex-post evaluation of the funding framework ‘future investments vehicle manufacturers and supplier industry’ and the ‘overall transfer concept involving the regions’

The German vehicle industry, and the automotive industry in particular, faces the demanding challenge of consolidating its position in the midst of changes in the global economy and social preferences, while at the same time driving forward the transformation of the sector…
Expected Completion
2027/10
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Impact monitoring of programmes managed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) 2017-2021

The impact monitoring of RTDI funding for Austrian companies and research organisations, managed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), assesses direct impacts of the funded projects on RTDI inputs, behavioural changes, and outputs. The results of the analyses serve as an…
Expected Completion
2027/06
More Info
Asset 10

Impact monitoring of the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) funding portfolio

Together with ecolysis, the Austrian Institute for SME Research (KMU Forschung Austria) supports the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) in the period 2023 – 2026 in setting up and implementing an impact monitoring of the Innosuisse funding portfolio. Based on the strategic goals…
Expected Completion
2027/01
More Info
Asset 10

Austrian Research and Technology Report 2023 – 2026

The Research and Technology Report provides information on current national and international research and technology policy issues by analyzing current developments and trends on the basis of comprehensive data, analyses and findings. Another component of the report is an annual monitoring of…
Expected Completion
2026/09
More Info
Asset 10

Accompanying and ex-post evaluation of the tax-based research funding scheme in Germany

This accompanying and ex-post evaluation is implemented on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Finance based on the evaluation plan approved by the European Commission in the period 2022 to 2025. Due to the accompanying character, there is an ongoing examination of…
Expected Completion
2026/06
more info
Asset 10

Evaluation: Impulses for Mobility Research

The current project involves an evaluation and impact analysis of the program “Mobility of the Future” (MdZ). The MdZ program supported the development of holistic solutions for a sustainable and future-proof mobility and transport system. Analysis of the mechanisms of action Between…
Completed
2026/03
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Accompanying evaluation of the EXIST-programme

The funding programme "EXIST – university based business start-ups" aims to increase the number and success of technology-oriented and knowledge-based start-ups and to improve the start-up climate at German universities and non-university research institutes. This accompanying evaluation focuses on the EXIST -…
Expected Completion
2025/12
More Info
Asset 10

New ways to measure transformative progress

In the "TIME" (transformative innovation monitoring and evaluation framework) project, we are developing a set of indicators to capture the contributions of research and innovation policy initiatives to socio-ecological transformation processes. The project builds on preliminary work with key stakeholders in Austrian…
Expected Completion
2025/06
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Promotion of research and development: impact of the FFG basic programs

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…
Completed
2025/05
Mehr Info
Asset 10

TranS4MEr: Transformative SME Policy for Broad-Based Decarbonisation

Following an action research approach, TranS4MEr will identify priority areas for climate action in the SME sector and develop climate mitigation policy goals and mixes that are able to address the heterogeneity of SMEs. The implementation of a ‘transformative SME policy hub’…
Expected Completion
2025/04
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Accompanying evaluation of the funding measures of the BMWi in the 7th Energy Research Programme (Begleitevaluation der Fördermaßnahmen des BMWi im 7. Energieforschungsprogramm )

The analysis covers the design and implementation of the 'Funding Announcement for Applied Non-nuclear Research Funding' and the guideline for 'Funding of Energy Transition Real Laboratories' within the 7th Energy Research Programme 'Innovations for the Energy Transition' of the Federal Ministry for…
Expected Completion
2025/01
more info
Asset 10

Climate Protection Initiative klimaaktiv – evaluation

Since 2004, the climate protection initiative klimaaktiv has been promoting the spread of climate-friendly products, services, and practices through a diverse portfolio of measures in voluntary climate protection. Goals and measures of klimaaktiv The initiative contributes to quality assurance, competence development, and…
Completed
2024/10
Asset 10

iWaterCheck – Method for the identification of water-related optimization measures in SMEs as a basis for standardized water audits

While the importance of sustainable water strategies is increasing in the industry, domestic SMEs mostly lack the necessary resources and know-how to increase their water efficiency. In cooperation with KMU Forschung Austria and V-Research, AEE-Intec addresses this problem within the ACR project…
Completed
2024/02
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Evaluation of the national Digital Innovation Hubs

The national Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) are a central point of contact for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in need of support in the area of digital transformation. The aim of the evaluation was to determine the extent to which the existing…
Completed
2024/02
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Interim evaluation of the support programme for the implementation of energy management systems in SMEs

Energy Management Systems for SMEs" is the first nationwide funding programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the introduction of energy management systems (EnMS). The aim of the programme is to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency. To this…
Completed
2024/01
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Practice lab impact assessment in the R&D programme Mobility of the Future

The climate neutrality of the mobility system is more urgent than ever. Therefore, it is also necessary to use suitable monitoring to show the progress of research projects up to their implementation in social practice and thus also to identify supporting and…
Completed
2023/12
more info
Asset 10

System Readiness

Decisions to fund, finance, or purchase innovative concepts and applications heavily depend on assessments of their maturity. This project develops a model for evaluating the readiness level of innovations for climate-neutral cities that can be applied to heterogeneous innovations and takes the…
Completed
2023/12
More Info
Asset 10

Short evaluation of the BRIDGE Discovery programme

The BRIDGE funding programme has been implemented jointly by the Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF and Innosuisse - Swiss Innovation Agency since 2017, and consists of the two funding lines Proof of Concept and Discovery. This short evaluation focuses on BRIDGE Discovery…
Completed
2023/11
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Evaluation of the Houska Prize

The Houska Prize, awarded annually since 2005, is the highest endowed private prize for applied research in Austria. The aim of the evaluation is to determine the extent to which the Houska Prize has rewarded outstanding science and research projects that have…
Completed
2023/10
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Concept development for impact-oriented RTI monitoring

The Directorate for Innovation and Technology of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) has a heterogeneous portfolio of thematic priorities, RTI policy instruments and accompanying measures, and implements these with the support of agencies…
Completed
2023/08
More Info
Asset 10

APCC Special Report “Strukturen für ein klimafreundliches Leben”

For the APCC Special Report, scientists from KMU Forschung Austria have compiled the state of the art on existing supply structures in Austria and show how the supply of goods and services can be changed to enable climate-friendly living. The report was…
Completed
2023/08
Mehr Info
Asset 10

Interim evaluation of the EU Missions

This study supported the European Commission (DG Research) in the assessment of die five EU Missions, the review of mission areas and the analysis of the EU Missions’ portfolio of instruments and actions. Mission Areas review report Cities Mission assessment report 
Completed
2023/06
Mehr Info
Asset 10

ClimCoopSuccess: Climate Action in Social and Solidarity Economies

This project explores whether and under what conditions the implementation of democratic principles in companies can contribute to climate action. Together with the RCE - Centre for Sustainable Social Transformation, we are investigating democratically organised companies from different European regions and the…
Completed
2023/05
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Expanding the use of clay in the construction sector by establishing a testing network

Manufacturing processes and transport of building materials are energy-intensive and cause high CO2 emissions. In addition, many building materials pose a health and disposal problem due to their content of disruptive and harmful substances. Regionally available clay can replace conventional materials if…
Completed
2023/05
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Evaluation of License.IP and IP.Market

The project undertakes a comprehensive evaluation of the funding programmes License.IP (2013-2020) and IP.Market (2017-2022) of Austria promotional bank (aws). The evaluation serves to systematically record, evaluate, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the programmes to be able to make…
Completed
2023/04
More Info
Asset 10

PRO_Service: innovations for product-service systems in the manufacturing sector

Industrial manufacturing processes are still linked with high energy and material demands. Although rental and service models for production facilities have been discussed for many years as promising solutions, such alternatives to the acquisition of facilities have not yet been able to…
Completed
2023/01
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Analysis of the lightweight construction industry and research in Austria in an international context

The study serves to record the potential and technological competence of industry and research in the field of lightweight construction in Austria. Based on this, links to lightweight construction strategies and activities in other countries will be established. This serves to embed…
Completed
2022/12
More Info
Asset 10

Evaluation of the Swiss Space Policy since 2008

The subject of the evaluation is Switzerland's space policy as it has developed over the past thirteen years on the basis of the institutional strategy "Swiss Space Policy 2008". The appropriateness and effectiveness of selected guidelines are described and assessed, taking into…
Completed
2022/11
MORE INFO
Asset 10

RTI Strategy for the Austrian Aviation Sector 2040

The "RTI Strategy for the Austrian Aviation Sector 2020 plus" was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMK) in 2016, taking into account international strategies and guiding papers, and followed the RTI Aviation Strategy 2008. It is now…
Completed
2022/09
More Info
Asset 10

Research funding to support women

The Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG commissioned this short study in order to examine the status quo with regard to the representation of women in the projects it funds on the one hand, and on the other hand to analyze which measures…
Completed
2022/09
More Info
Asset 10

Programme Evaluation “City of Tomorrow” 2013-2021

This evaluation will examine the effects that the "Stadt der Zukunft" (“City of Tomorrow”) programme has achieved since its inception. The evaluation is based on extensive surveys of research project participants and various multipliers from application areas such as civil engineering and…
Completed
2022/08
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Potentials of trustworthy AI in Austria

The trustworthy use of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to change the economy in key future industries for the benefit of society and to positively influence the positioning of Austria and Europe in international competition. First, the terminology is clarified in…
Completed
2022/08
MORE INFO
Asset 10

The exploitation potential of applied research projects funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

The study analyses which factors influence the commercial exploitation success of applied research projects of enterprises. From this, recommendations for action are derived as to how the agency can further develop its services to promote the realisation of exploitation potential. The analysis…
Completed
2022/02
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Entrepreneurship Ecosystems for a Circular Economy

New business ventures hold great potential for the transformation to a Circular Economy. Based on experiences from Vienna’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the project “CircularHub” developed a policy guide on how to design support services for founders so that the companies of the future…
Completed
2022/02
Publication
Asset 10

Company transfers and successions in Austria

As in 2008 and 2014, the study comprehensively analyses the Austrian succession situation and estimates the transfer potential in the coming years. One focus of the study is on the concrete design of the transfer process as well as on the topics…
Completed
2021/12
More Info
Asset 10

Mechanisms and formats of knowledge and technology transfer in SMEs with a focus on 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. This was examined not only on the basis of academic literature, but also using…
Completed
2021/04
german report
Asset 10

Study on the effectiveness of public innovation support for SMEs in Europe

The overall objective of this study was to gather evidence on the effectiveness of public support for innovation in Europe. A key finding of the study is that SMEs in the EU continue to face barriers to innovation; for micro-enterprises, these are…
Completed
2021/03
MORE INFO
Asset 10

Evaluation of the programmes funding “focus on talents” and “research partnerships” (Evaluierung der Programme “Förderschwerpunkt Talente” und “Forschungspartnerschaften”)

Within the framework of the "funding focus on talents" ("Förderschwerpunkt Talente), (potential) researchers are funded in the application-oriented, scientific and technical RTI area. The funding instruments are aimed at children and young people (internships for pupils, regional talents) as well as researchers…
Completed
2021/02
More Info
Asset 10

Competitiveness of the EU Engineering Industries and the Impact of Digitalisation

The study explores the competitiveness of the engineering industries in the EU against its major competitors USA, Japan, South Korea and the BRICs countries. It compares regulatory frameworks of EU and major third country competitors in the field of engineering industries. Furthermore,…
Completed
2020/12
More Info
Asset 10

Innovation and digitization for the sustainability of SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the Austrian economy. They therefore play a central role in the innovation and competitiveness of the country. The present study provides an overview of the innovation performance and innovation behaviour of SMEs as…
Completed
2020/11
More Info
Asset 10

Evaluation BMVIT Endowed Professorship

The evaluation analyses the instrument "BMVIT endowed professorship" and develops recommendations for the further development of the instrument. The focus is on the organisational and structural framework conditions for endowed professorships from the perspective of the sponsor and the universities. The evaluation…
Completed
2020/05
More Info
Asset 10

SME 4.0

The aim of the project is to develop an informed knowledge basis with regard to digitisation for all ACR member institutes. Building on the knowledge acquired a low-threshold sector-specific service for SMEs will be developed and tested in order to advance the…
Completed
2020/03
More Info
Asset 10

Accompanying Evaluation IWB/EFRE AT 2014-20

This accompanying evaluation of the implementation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-20 in Austria involves a consortium of six partners, and applies a broad evaluation design. From the variety of methodologies applied in this evaluation, the Austrian Institute for SME…
Completed
2019/12
More Info
Asset 10

Evaluation of the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs

The evaluation of the German Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM) with its three R&D programme pillars - individual projects, cooperation projects and innovation networks concerns one of the most important instruments of innovation policy in Germany. The evaluation focused on the…
Completed
2019/07
More Info
Asset 10

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Facts and Figures

The study aims at providing players within the Austria RTI policy landscape with a decision basis for their future advancement of the portfolio of funding programmes. In particular, the study identifies players within the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in science, business…
Completed
2019/05
More Info
Asset 10

Portfolioanalyse der unternehmensbezogenen Wirtschafts- und Forschungsförderung des Landes Oberösterreich (Evaluation of Upper Austria’s Portfolio of Funding and Support to Companies)

This evaluation aims to analyse the portfolio of Upper Austria’s funding and support measures provided to companies. At the centre of this exercise is the analysis of the interplay of different measures with regard to their conceptual and design-based orientation towards additionality…
Completed
2018/03
More Info
Asset 10

Evaluation klimaakitv

Within the framework of the project, the klimaaktiv climate protection initiative was evaluated together with the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy. Internal and external reports, personal interviews with key stakeholders, an online survey of the partner network and a strategy…
Completed
2020/12
More Info
Asset 10

Recommendations on data bases and methods for the evaluation of R&D tax incentives in Germany

The German government wants to use the R&D tax credit to help increase the share of R&D expenditure in gross domestic product to 3.5 % by 2025 and to supplement the existing project funding. In this project, the Austrian Institute for SME…
Completed
2020/05
More Info
Asset 10

Concept for the impact analysis of Innosuisse

In this project, The Austrian Institute for SME Research (KMFA) supports Innosuisse in developing a concept for the agency's impact analysis. In this context, impact logics for the most important funding instruments and the agency as a whole are developed. These form…
Completed
2019/12
Asset 10

Evaluation of the Austrian Space Strategy 2012-2020 (Evaluierung der Weltraumstrategie 2012-2020)

This evaluation commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK, formerly BMVIT) examined the Austrian space commitment in the period 2012 to 2018 and derived corresponding recommendations for further development. This includes not only the…
Completed
2020/03
More Info
Asset 10

Societal Criteria in Upstream Space Infrastructure Procurement

The study on behalf of DG GROW assessed the feasibility of including societal criteria (environmental, innovation, employment-related) in upstream space procurement within the European Union Space Programmes, Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS. The study required carrying out three tasks: Task 1) Investigate the legal…
Completed
2019/05
Download
Asset 10

Wissenschaftliche Begleitung des Projekts: „Multifunktionale Nutzung thermisch aktivierter Bestandsfassaden“ (Accompanying research of the project “Multifunctional use of thermally activated existing facades”)

This project implements the accompanying research of a technical research project, which shows the economic and technical potential of the external component activation for the renovation of existing buildings with prefabricated façade elements and defines the respective conditions and develops new methods.…
Completed
2020
More Info
Asset 10

Evaluierung des Programms Klima- und Energie-Modellregionen (Evaluation of the programme “Klima- und Energie-Modellregionen”)

Climate and Energy Model Regions (KEM) is a programme of the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund (KLIEN), which supports regions in the development and implementation of climate change-related measures. The evaluation focuses on the design, implementation, the outcomes as well as the…
Completed
2020
Asset 10

Zwischenevaluierung des FTI-Programms „Mobilität der Zukunft“ (Interim evaluation of the RTDI-programme “Mobilität der Zukunft”)

The interim evaluation analyses the quality of the mission-oriented RTDI programme „Mobilität der Zukunft“ (mobility of the future). Main focus of the evaluation is on the analysis of the programme design and the processes with special attention to the learning processes within…
Completed
2019/03
Download
Asset 10

Evaluierung des Förderprogramms kit4market (Evaluation of the Funding Programme kit4market)

The subject of the project is the evaluation of the programme(s) for the promotion of studies for commercial, international technology transfer" (kit4market, kit4market 2.0). The evaluation focuses on answering evaluation questions on programme design, the integration of the programme into the relevant…
Completed
2018/09
Asset 10

Evaluierung der Umsetzung von HORIZON 2020, EUREKA, COSME, EEN und ERA in Österreich (Evaluation of the implementation of HORIZON 2020, EUREKA, COSME, EEN and ERA in Austria)

In 2017 and 2018 the implementation of HORIZON 2020 and ERA, as well as EUREKA, COSME and EEN in Austria was evaluated by a consortium consisting of AIT, Joanneum Research, KMFA and ZSI. The evaluation focused on three key areas: 1. Evaluation…
Completed
2018/06
german report
Asset 10

Evaluierung der innovationsfördernden Beschaffung (Evaluation of the Public Procurement Promoting Innovation)

The evaluation analyses to what extent the concept for innovation promoting public procurement (IÖB) established in 2011 has been successfully implemented or whether the corresponding setting enables efficient implementation. The evaluation is based on a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods and…
Completed
2018/03
german report
Asset 10

Evaluierung des BRIDGE Programms (Evaluation of the BRIDGE Programme)

The BRIDGE programme funds basic science research projects at universities and other public research organisations that already demonstrate realistic application prospects. Thus, the BRIDGE funding will facilitate the transfer of basic science results into industrial applications. Companies participate in these projects financially…
Completed
2018/03
german report
Asset 10

Familienunternehmen in Österreich 2017 (Family Businesses in Austria 2017)

Family businesses are very important for the Austrian economy. Therefore, the Austrian Institute for SME Research conducted a report in 2013 about the situation of family businesses, their characteristics and the developments. This new publication provides updates of the most important facts and figures…
Completed
2017/12
german publication
Asset 10

Evaluierung der Förderungsgesellschaften Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (AWS) und Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft GmbH (FFG) (Evaluation of Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (AWS) and Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG))

The evaluation of the AWS and FFG promotion agencies essentially addresses the question whether and to what extent ambitions and expectations of the predecessor organisations consolidations, which happened in the context of the structural reforms more than a decade ago, have been…
Completed
2017/11
german report
Asset 10

Promotion and financing Conditions for fast-growing and research-intensive companies in Austria

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between R&D activities, company growth and investment dynamics in the context of a quantitative analysis.
Completed
2017/03
More Info
Asset 10

Interim Evaluation of the Participation of SMEs in FP7 (Cooperation Programme and the Research for the Benefit of SMEs Schemes)

The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the results and impacts of the participating SMEs within two initiatives of FP7: the cooperation programme and the research for the benefit of SMEs schemes under the capacities programme, including the impacts on…
Completed
2014/05
publication
Newsletter
Member of

  • KMU Forschung Austria
    Austrian Institute for SME Research

    Gußhausstraße 8,
    A-1040 Wien, Austria

    Tel: ++43-1 505 97 61
    Fax: ++43-1 503 46 60 
    office@kmuforschung.ac.at

    • Quick Links

    © 2025 by KMU Forschung Austria