Participation in EU internationalisation initiatives

In addition to the international activities initiated by Austria itself, international strategies and projects that are developed and implemented at EU level are of great importance for Austria's position in research, technology and innovation (RTI) within and outside Europe. The BMFWF is involved in the development and implementation of these initiatives in order to open up opportunities for Austrian RTI institutions to participate in international projects and networks. These activities range from the expansion of the international dialogue on research policy to the implementation of joint calls for proposals for multilateral research projects to advising the European Commission and the Council of the EU on issues of international RTI cooperation.

EU macro-regional strategies

EU macro-regional strategies are closely linked to the EUROPE 2020 flagship initiative for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and aim to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination. Four such strategies have been adopted to date: for the Baltic region (EUSBSR), the Danube region (EUSDR), the Adriatic-Ionian region (EUSAIR) and the Alpine region (EUSALP).
Since 2012, Austria has been actively involved in the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in order to further expand cooperation under this strategic umbrella with the 13 participating partner countries in this region, which is not only economically but also scientifically important for Austria.

ERA Forum Standing Subgroup on the Global Approach to R&I

Within the framework of the ERA Forum, which was founded in 2022 and is dedicated to the implementation of the priority actions for the implementation of the European Research Area, a separate standing subgroup on the Global Approach to R&I was established, in which Austria actively participates. Current global developments in RTI cooperation, the role of science diplomacy and research security, as well as pilot activities for future cooperation, e.g. with China, India and Africa, are being discussed and joint approaches developed.

Regional Dialogues

The BMFWF actively participates in political dialogues in the field of RTI with Latin America, Africa, the Eastern Neighbourhood, the Western Balkans and Ukraine, which are relevant to the ministry and are conducted by the European Commission together with the EU member states. In this context, regional cooperation potentials are discussed, and joint strategies are developed, as well as synergies with other Community policies or with activities of the EU member states are sought.