The sixth “Made in Austria IndustriePANEL” by TU Wien shows that competitiveness and employment figures are declining, but that technological innovations offer long-term opportunities. The results of the latest survey were presented – in cooperation with FHWien der WKW – at the “Made in Austria IndustrieFORUM” 2024.
As in previous years, Walter Mayrhofer (Head of Research and the Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy – IDS at FHWien der WKW) welcomed and guided the guests at the “Made in Austria IndustrieFORUM” 2024 as moderator. After the official welcoming remarks by Peter Ertl (TU Wien Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and International Affairs), study director Sebastian Schlund (Head of Research Area Industrial Engineering and Research at the Institute of Management Science – IMW at TU Wien and Managing Director of Fraunhofer Austria) presented the current study results. He pointed out the current difficult situation of Austrian industry.
For the first time in six years, the results of the panel study show a significant downturn in the business situation and competitiveness of Austrian industrial companies. Based on an annual survey of over 100 managers from 100 companies, current challenges such as high inflation or rising labor costs, but also positive developments in the use of new technologies and sustainable strategies are highlighted.
High-profile presentations – engaging discussions
The study presentation was followed by a series of top-class presentations on the topics of the circular economy, digitalization, HR management and AI with keynote speakers Thomas Doms (TRUSTIFAI) as well as Alina Godun & Alexander Haberl (TU Vienna), Lena Öllinger (myAbility), Michael Mayr (Silana) and Alena Burešová (Czech Technical University).
The second keynote speaker Sebastian Thiede (University of Twente) and Wilfried Sihn (Fraunhofer Austria) spontaneously agreed to take part in the panel discussion “Circular economy as a driver of innovation and jobs?” moderated by Theresa Neuhauser (EIT Manufacturing East) with Christian Wögerer (PROFACTOR GmbH) and Martin Reiner (Flex Althofen) to replace two participants who had fallen ill.
As in the previous year, the “Made in Austria IndustrieFORUM” 2024 came to a convivial close with a musical interlude by the string quartet of the TU Wien Orchestra.
Further information on the study results can be found in the FHWien der WKW press release. The current study and previous editions are available for download on the “Made in Austria” website of TU Wien (in German).