Clusterdays / Online Events Reviews of the Webinars of the Austrian National Cluster Platform

Austria’s Industrial Strategy and the Role of Clusters in Industrial Transformation

On 27 April 2026, the Cluster Platform, together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMWET), hosted a webinar on the Austrian industrial strategy and its relevance for the Austrian cluster landscape. More than 40 participants from cluster organizations, networks, and the innovation ecosystem attended and actively contributed questions and perspectives.

The webinar was opened by Stefan Buchinger, Head of Department and Deputy Section Head (BMWET), who introduced the objectives of the event and positioned the industrial strategy as an important strategic orientation document for industrial policy and innovation ecosystems. In his moderation, he particularly emphasized the relevance of the strategy for cluster organizations as implementation actors at the interface between companies, research institutions, and the public sector. In closing, he summarized the key insights and highlighted the importance of continuous progress monitoring and further development of the strategy for the Austrian cluster community.

Overview of the Industrial Strategy: Contribution by Sylvia Vana, Head of Department (BMWET)

In the first expert presentation, Sylvia Vana provided an overview of the Austrian industrial strategy. She explained that the strategy was developed through a broad participatory process involving academia, businesses, and social partners, and that more than 400 proposed measures were ultimately consolidated into 117 prioritized actions.

The central objective of the strategy is to position Austria among the top 10 OECD industrial locations and to increase the share of industrial value creation to 20 percent of total economic output.

Particular emphasis was placed on key technologies, which are intended to serve as guiding principles for industrial policy measures, funding programs, and regulatory frameworks in the future. Approximately €2.6 billion has been allocated for their implementation through 2029.

In addition, Sylvia Vana presented the main strategic goals of the industrial strategy, including:

• Strengthening international competitiveness
• Expanding economic resilience
• Promoting sustainable and circular production
• Further developing innovation capacity
• Securing the skilled workforce base

She also noted that approximately 10 percent of the measures are already being implemented, and that continuous monitoring is planned through a dedicated Industry Task Force.

Classification from a Cluster Perspective: Contribution by Michael Fälbl (Platform Industrie 4.0)

Following this, Michael Fälbl presented selected measures of the industrial strategy from the perspective of the Platform Industrie 4.0 and assessed their relevance for cluster organizations.

He emphasized that the industrial strategy plays a particularly important role wherever companies face collective-action challenges that cannot be solved individually—such as the development of shared infrastructure, skills development, or technological transformation processes. Cluster organizations can act as central cooperation platforms in precisely these areas.

He highlighted several particularly relevant starting points for clusters, including:

• Programs supporting leading companies in connection with innovation ecosystems
• Expansion of innovation hubs and cluster structures
• Shared laboratory infrastructures for companies
• New qualification measures in the field of key technologies
• Experimental spaces (regulatory sandboxes)
• Development of regional recycling and transformation clusters
• Support for testing and measurement infrastructure
• Measures related to digital sovereignty and standardization policy

At the same time, he stressed that many measures of the strategy are deliberately designed as framework measures, and that their concrete impact will depend strongly on further implementation.

Importance of the Industrial Strategy for the Cluster Landscape

During the webinar, it became clear that the industrial strategy offers numerous concrete points of connection for cluster organizations and networks—particularly in the areas of technology transfer, qualification and skills development, infrastructure development, industrial transformation, regional innovation ecosystems.

Clusters can therefore play an important role in implementing key industrial policy priorities — especially in connection with key technologies, Industry 4.0, the circular economy, and resilient value chains.

Active Exchange with the Cluster Community

Following the presentations, the more than 40 participants took the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. The discussion demonstrated the interest of the Austrian cluster community in the concrete implementation of the industrial strategy and in possible participation formats for cluster organizations.

The webinar clearly showed that the Austrian industrial strategy not only provides a strategic framework for further developing Austria as an industrial location, but also offers concrete opportunities for active participation by cluster organizations within Austria’s innovation ecosystem.

Further Information

⇒  Industrial Strategy 2035

Entering International Markets: Successful Cooperation & Strategies for Clusters and Networks

How can cluster organisations and companies successfully enter international markets? Which programmes and partnerships support this step? These questions were at the centre of the webinar "Entering International Markets – Successful Cooperation & Strategies for Clusters and Networks”, held on 16 March 2026 as part of the activities of the Austrian National Cluster Platform.

Experts from industry and funding organisations shared insights into international activities, support programmes and concrete cooperation opportunities for clusters and companies.

Leveraging international opportunities – the role of foreign trade services

Manfred Schmid (AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber) highlighted the importance of international innovation for Austrian companies. One key objective of AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA is to bring new technologies, trends and global developments to Austria quickly and to support companies in making the most of these opportunities.

An important instrument in this context is the so-called “future missions” (“Zukunftsreisen”): international delegation trips to innovation hotspots around the world. During these visits, Austrian companies meet research institutions, start-ups and leading firms to explore emerging technologies and initiate collaborations. These missions not only strengthen international contacts but also foster exchange within the cluster community.

Cluster organisations play a key role as multipliers as they can inform their member companies about international trends and initiate joint activities.

Exports as a driver of the Austrian economy

Konrad Eckl (AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA) emphasised the importance of exports for Austria’s economy. More than half of Austria’s economic output comes from exports — around 1.2 million jobs depend directly on export activities.

AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA supports companies and clusters in their internationalisation efforts through a broad range of services:

• market and sector information
• market entry advisory services
• international business missions and trade fair participation
• networking with international partners
• funding programmes such as go-international

With around 100 foreign trade offices worldwide, the organisation provides a global network supporting Austrian companies in accessing new markets.

For clusters, this cooperation opens up additional opportunities — such as joint delegation trips, international events and strategic market analyses.

Increasing international visibility through cluster cooperation

Liesa Doppler (Austria Wirtschaftsservice – LISA – Life Science Austria) provided insights into the international activities of the Life Science Austria (LISA) network. LISA brings together six regional life science clusters in Austria and aims to position Austria internationally as a strong life sciences location.

Activities range from international trade fair participation and delegation visits to joint communication and location marketing initiatives. The network includes more than 1,170 companies as well as numerous research institutions.

Pooling resources and competencies is particularly important in achieving greater international visibility. At the same time, companies benefit from joint trade fair participation, international networking and new cooperation opportunities.

Conclusion: Internationalisation succeeds through collaboration

The webinar clearly demonstrated that entering international markets is a collaborative process. Cluster organisations, funding agencies and international networks complement each other and create valuable synergies for companies.

Programmes offered by AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, initiatives such as LISA and European cooperation platforms provide numerous opportunities to build international partnerships and advance innovation.

Invitation to clusters and networks

The Austrian National Cluster Platform invites all cluster organisations and networks to actively participate in international activities and jointly explore new markets.

Whether through delegation visits, joint events or strategic partnerships, exchange within the cluster community is a key success factor for internationalisation.

We warmly welcome further ideas, experiences and initiatives for international cooperation and invite members of our community to continue developing them together with us.

Further information

⇒ https://www.wko.at/aussenwirtschaft

⇒ https://www.lifescienceaustria.at/

Facilitation Skills for Successful Cluster Collaboration

As part of a webinar organized by the national cluster platform, a key topic of successful cluster work was addressed: the quality of interpersonal communication in multi-stakeholder settings.

As guest speaker, Karoline Bottheim, co-founder of the Swedish consulting firm Länka Consulting, shared in-depth insights from her many years of practice and research on interorganizational collaboration.

Communication as a Key Factor in Cluster Initiatives

Cluster collaboration thrives on exchange between different organizations, perspectives, and interests. Karoline Bottheim emphasized:

"Results, innovation, and trust emerge from the way we speak with one another—not solely from structures or strategies."

Key research findings from the multi-stakeholder context show, among other things:

• Equally distributed speaking time correlates with better outcomes and higher collective intelligence.
• Conflicts, when recognized and addressed constructively, improve the quality of decisions.
• Respectful, solution-oriented communication and good timing strengthen cooperation and effectiveness.

These insights are particularly relevant for cluster initiatives where different contexts, languages, and expectations come together.

Communication Is Complex – and Always Happens

A central idea of the webinar was the systemic view of communication.

Communication takes place everywhere and at all times—even beyond spoken words. Attitudes, silence, positioning, and context all continuously influence the interaction.

Karoline Bottheim illustrated how the same terms (e.g., “process”) may be interpreted differently, how communication patterns develop within groups, and how participants position one another in roles (e.g., “expert” vs. “non-expert”). Such patterns — often unconsciously — can limit room for action and hinder innovation if they are not reflected upon.

Recognizing and Shaping Patterns

A key learning field for cluster and network managers is therefore the ability to recognize communicative patterns and actively shape them.

Karoline Bottheim presented practical approaches to encourage constructive patterns:

• Maintaining a balance between content (what is being discussed?) and process (how are we discussing it?).
• Making different perspectives visible.
• Jointly reflecting on conversation dynamics.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of moderation or facilitation — a competence that goes far beyond traditional meeting management.

Enabling Listening and Conscious Speaking

A recurring theme of the webinar was the importance of conscious listening and speaking.

According to research, high-performing groups are characterized by the fact that participants truly listen to one another, ask more questions, and take responsibility for the shared outcome.

Karoline Bottheim highlighted that listening is far from self-evident, especially when strong engagement, time pressure, or firm personal opinions are involved. This makes formats that establish clear speaking and listening roles, prevent interruptions, and create space for reflection all the more important.

Practical Tools for Cluster Practice

The webinar also offered numerous practical tools that can be applied directly in cluster work, including:

• Check-in questions to engage participants and make contexts visible.
• Time-outs to jointly reflect on discussion flows and patterns.
• Check-outs to capture different insights and next steps.
• Work in small groups and reflecting teams to strengthen trust and diversity of perspectives.

These methods help design meetings more consciously and make better use of the collective intelligence of networks.

A Strong Closing Message: Quality Before Speed

In the closing remarks, Dr. Stefan Buchinger from the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism, coordinator of the national cluster platform, emphasized once again how central the topics discussed in the webinar are for the further development of cluster initiatives. Especially in complex transformation processes, it is crucial to take time for meaningful conversations.

The webinar provided not only theoretical insights but also valuable impulses for the daily practice of cluster and network managers.

With considerable professional depth, methodological clarity, and clear appreciation for all participants, Karoline Bottheim demonstrated that good facilitation is not a “nice-to-have” but a key competence for effective cluster collaboration.

Further Information

Book written by Karoline Bottheim & Anna Zingmark

⇒ The Art of Collaborating – Your Guide to Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

Podcast ”Art of Collaborating”

⇒ https://soundcloud.com/art-of-collaborating   

Further resources

⇒ https://www.artofcollaborating.com/

Cluster x AI: How Artificial Intelligence Strengthens and Transforms Networks

Key messages from the webinar “AI in the Context of Clusters and Networks,” organized by the National Cluster Platform on October 20, 2025.
26 participants from the Austrian cluster community discussed together with speakers Clemens Wasner (CEO of enliteAI) and Isabell Claus (CEO of thinkers.ai) the potential and concrete applications of AI in cluster structures and networks.

Why AI Matters for Clusters Right Now

Innovation networks and clusters play a central role in transforming the economy and society. AI is no longer just a topic for the future — it has become a strategic driver of change.

The webinar’s experts demonstrated that with increasing technological maturity, a growing number of practical applications, and a strong ecosystem in Austria, clusters now have new opportunities — from boosting efficiency to shaping entire innovation spaces.

Two Waves of AI: From Research Project to Everyday Tool

Between 2012 and 2021, AI was mostly reserved for large companies: complex, expensive, and resource-intensive. Technologies such as forecasting, computer vision, or natural language processing were highly specialized and required long project timelines.

Since 2022, we have been experiencing the second wave of AI, driven by:

• Open-source models and multimodal systems
• Reasoning and AI agents
• Powerful edge and semiconductor solutions

⇒ Today, AI projects are faster, more affordable, and scalable. Employees can integrate tools into their workflows themselves — without years of research and development.

Austria as an AI Hotspot in Europe

According to AI Landscape Austria, Austria is one of Europe’s most dynamic AI locations:

• 10 percent annual growth in AI companies
• Over 350 start-ups and companies, 50 research institutions
• Around 70 percent of start-ups benefit from public funding
• 85 percent of players are concentrated in Vienna, Styria, and Upper Austria
• Three ELLIS units — the highest research density per capita in Europe

Funding programs such as Pre-Seed – Deep Tech, Start!Klar, and AI4Green create ideal conditions for growth and innovation.

From Chance to Strategy: AI in Networks

Clusters and associations hold vast amounts of knowledge — but often scattered across unstructured channels. AI can make these information assets visible, connected, and strategically usable.

Typical application areas (e.g., thinkers.ai):

• Monitoring members, companies, and management changes
• Capturing and communicating successes and anniversaries
• Automated industry studies and key figure reports
• Increasing visibility through personalized content
• Intelligent networking and contact matching
• Automated external communication via avatars or video briefings

A real-world example: A kitchen studio association uses the platform “KüchenDesk” to provide its members with data-driven services — a model that can also be applied to other clusters, networks, and associations.

Strategic Potential for Cluster Organizations

AI can help clusters increase internal efficiency and create external value. Relevant fields of application include:

• Automating funding research (e.g., via StartMatch.ai)
• Optimizing compliance and reporting processes
• Building their own infrastructure — locally or in the cloud
• Activating networks and better connecting AI officers
• Sharing knowledge — through trainings, workshops, or surveys

Recommendations for Cluster Managers

To unlock AI’s potential in clusters, a clear strategic approach is essential. Key success factors include:

• Actively involving external and internal AI networks
• Bringing together expertise, IT, and AI competencies
• Prioritizing pilot projects and building scalable structures
• Promoting awareness and acceptance at all levels
• Investing early in technology and hosting models

Conclusion: AI as the Engine for the Next Generation of Clusters

AI is no longer a trend of the future — it is already a core element of modern innovation policy. Clusters that take action now secure decisive competitive advantages: more efficient processes, better communication, higher visibility, and stronger knowledge transfer.

⇒ Those who use AI strategically will not only strengthen their own location but entire industries.

More information: www.ai-landscape.at, www.thinkers.ai

Sustainability Reporting Made Easy – with the VSME Standard

On July 4, 2025, the Austrian National Cluster Platform hosted a webinar that drew numerous registrations and sparked a lively discussion among participants. The strong interest clearly showed: Austria’s cluster community is highly engaged with the topic of sustainability reporting — especially with new, practical approaches such as the VSME Standard.

What is the VSME Standard – and why is it relevant for cluster organizations?

The VSME Reporting Standard (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs) is a new, voluntary sustainability framework designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are not publicly listed. Its goal is to enable companies to conduct structured yet resource-efficient ESG reporting — without the complexity of the mandatory Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

The VSME Standard is particularly relevant for cluster organizations, as it offers an opportunity to actively support member companies — for example, by helping them position themselves as sustainable partners, participate in tenders, or access financing opportunities.

Insights, Benefits, and Practical Examples

The webinar opened with an insightful keynote by Sarah Martineau (myssion consulting), titled “Benefits and Implementation Insights.” After providing a solid introduction to the structure and requirements of the VSME Standard, she highlighted the practical value of voluntary reporting:

• Transparency and risk-opportunity management
• Strengthening employer branding
• Improved ESG communication within the supply chain
• Advantages in financing and funding opportunities

A particularly compelling part of the presentation was a concrete real-world example that demonstrated step by step how such a sustainability report can be implemented in practice — a real added value for participants.

Clusters as Key Enablers – A Practical Perspective

Dorian Wessely, Manager of the Upper Austrian Cleantech Cluster, then offered a hands-on look at the role of clusters as a support structure for companies. From sustainability brunches and peer-learning formats (ERFA) to regional projects that can be supported through research and cooperation funding — the range of possible measures is broad.
Wessely emphasized: Clusters can and should help companies make sustainability tangible and achievable.

Discussion: More Exchange, More Examples, More Impact

In the concluding discussion round, one key need became clear: peer-to-peer exchange. Companies want to learn from one another — how to work with the VSME Standard in practice, what challenges arise, and what benefits can be gained.

There was broad agreement that the business case for VSME must be communicated even more clearly. It is not enough to talk only about obligations — the benefits must be made tangible: concrete examples, measurable advantages, and clear language.

Outlook and Opportunities to Get Involved

To wrap up the session, participants received a brief overview of current calls and cooperation opportunities from the international cluster community — a valuable addition for those interested in looking beyond the national level.

More information can be found on the platform’s website www.clusternetworking.gv.at

Contact

E-Mail: office@clusterplattform.at