Innovation: Incentives, Input Factors and Output Mirrored by Austria's Economic Structure

As a basis for the evaluation of the Austrian system of research promotion the development of innovation in Austria, the related structural change as well as the framework conditions which affect the incentives and input factors for innovation, were assessed and compared internationally. Although Austria is undergoing structural change towards education-intensive industries, this process is delayed and slower than in most other countries of the EU 15. In addition to the other recommendations of the system evaluation, an acceleration of this process can be achieved via improved framework conditions for innovation. Particularly with respect to indicators of education, innovation funding and competition policy there are significant shortcomings relative to the innovative frontrunners Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, which otherwise are small open economies comparable to Austria.