© AdobeStock/gumpapa
© AdobeStock/gumpapa

Research and Technology Council for Upper Austria

The Research and Technology Council for Upper Austria was established in 2003 by resolution of the Upper Austrian Provincial Government. Its goal: to prepare Upper Austria as a center for research and business for the future and to develop it in a targeted manner. The Research and Technology Council for Upper Austria is overseen by the Upper Austrian Provincial Government member responsible for research affairs—Provincial Councilor for Economic Affairs and Research Markus Achleitner. Since January 2018, the Council’s office has been located at the Upper Austrian business development agency Business Upper Austria.

The Research and Technology Council for Upper Austria currently consists of 20 volunteer members—including a chairperson, a vice chairperson, 16 voting members, and two non-voting advisory members. The bylaws allow for a maximum of 28 members. The term of office for council members is five years, with the possibility of a second term. Since January 2024, Günther Schallmeiner (Siemens AG Austria) has served as chair, with Stefanie Lindstaedt (IT:U Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria) as his vice chair. The council convenes for a regular meeting at least once a year.

The Council's Self-Conception

  • The Council is uncompromisingly committed to excellent research,
     
  • acts objectively and independently,
     
  • highlights positive developments,
     
  • consistently promotes its role and impact,
     
  • critically examines issues and addresses them openly,
     
  • makes targeted use of its members’ expertise,
     
  • and calls for the implementation of resolutions within the governing bodies of R&D institutions.

Responsibilities

The Research and Technology Council for Upper Austria advises the state government on strategic issues related to research, innovation, and technology:

  • It develops concrete, targeted recommendations to strengthen Upper Austria’s position in international competition—for example, through international research and technology partnerships.
     
  • It formulates proposals on how academia and industry can collaborate more closely—with a focus on linking university research and business practice.
     
  • It actively contributes to future concepts for research and technology development—including recommendations for action and monitoring of their phased implementation.
     
  • It acts as an independent, proactive expert body committed to Upper Austria as a hub for research, innovation, and technology.
     
  • It operates with strategic autonomy—under the motto “Inspire, Initiate, Activate Policy”—without immediate pressure to implement.
     
  • The members act to the best of their knowledge and belief for Upper Austria, independent of interest groups, political parties, and individuals.

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is a standing committee of the Research and Technology Council for Upper Austria. It prepares meetings and resolutions for the Council and handles day-to-day coordination of its work.