Austrian Research and Technology Report 2020

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Austrian Research and Technology Report 2020
compatibility with the already existing reporting formats (such as annual reports, quarterly reports and 
the like). Guidelines were established for all key institutions based on the already available information 
and data:
• beginning with a profile and the most important key figures on the institution; 
• followed by figures from the years 2018 and 2019 (where possible) concerning the following selected 
indicators i) funding and third-party funding, ii) quality assurance and evaluations, iii) human resources 
and qualifications, iv) output, innovation and excellence, v) internationalisation, vi) knowledge and tech-
nology transfer, and vii) gender and the promotion of gender equality;
• and finally, special events from the year 2019 and a brief outlook of future plans and developments.
This chapter is therefore a first step towards implementing the monitoring called for in the Research Fund-
ing Act (FoFinaG) for the ten key institutions of the federal government for funding and performing re-
search. The goal is to depict defined topics and indicators for all the institutions, creating a complete 
systemic picture, while also respecting the differences between the individual stakeholders in connection 
with their roles in the system. A number of terms have been defined for this purpose (see the box at the 
end of the chapter). If institution-specific definitions, deviations, interpretations, etc. apply, these are 
noted where appropriate.
2.1 Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT)
2.1.1 Profile and key figures 
The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) is Austria’s largest RTO (research and technology organisation) 
and takes a leading position in innovation. It plays a key role at the European level as the RTO focusing on 
central infrastructure topics of the future.
Eight specialised Centers conduct research on central infrastructure topics of the future in the areas of 
Energy, Mobility Systems, Low-Emission Transport, Health & Bioresources, Digital Safety & Security, Vi-
sion, Automation & Control and Technology Experience. These research areas are supplemented by com-
petence in the area of Innovation Systems & Policy.
As a national and international hub acting as an interface between scientific research institutions and 
industry, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) enables innovation through its scientific-technological 
competence, market experience, tight customer relationships and high-quality research infrastructure.
As an “ingenious partner” to industry and the public sector, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) 
takes on a central role in advising on future challenges and developing disruptive technologies. The Aus-
trian Institute of Technology (AIT) pursues a research approach based on extensive knowledge at the 
system level. The goal is not only to understand systems but to actively shape them.
Throughout Austria, numerous employees are working on the development of the tools, technologies 
and solutions to prepare Austria’s economy for its future challenges, according to the motto of “Tomorrow 
Today”.

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