6th Higher Education Policy Dialogue

"Smart Alliances Between Science and Industry Strengthen Competitiveness and Secure the Talents of the Future" was the central theme of the 6th Higher Education Policy Dialogue, to which the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) and TU Austria invited on Monday, April 28, at the House of Industry in Vienna.

Research, technology, and innovation are considered key to Austria's international competitiveness as a high-tech nation. Only through close collaboration between science and industry, the promotion of commercialization, and excellent STEM-education can the country’s prosperity be secured. Innovation ecosystems involving science, industry, start-ups, and investors are just as vital as nurturing the next generation of scientists. This is where the Higher Education Policy Dialogue comes in: As a platform to strengthen strategic exchange and promote innovation ecosystems.
 

Renowned experts from academia, industry, and politics came together with an engaged audience to discuss central questions around innovation capacity, competitiveness, and the promotion of STEM talents.
 

Statements

Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research: "Austria is a country poor in natural resources but rich in ideas — that is our greatest strength and at the same time our greatest challenge. To remain competitive, we need a close interaction of cutting-edge research, forward-looking policies, and bold entrepreneurial spirit. Innovations arise where science, business, and government work together — and where women can contribute equally to shape new technologies, sustainable solutions, and a strong, future-ready ecosystem for growth and development."
 

Peter Moser, Rector of Montanuniversität Leoben: "When we talk about competitiveness today, it’s not just about technological excellence, but also about the ability to connect people across disciplines and sectors — this is exactly what strong alliances between science and industry make possible."
 

Christoph Neumayer, Secretary General of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV): "Industry is investing heavily in research and development and is a driving force for the entire business sector, which accounts for two-thirds of research spending in Austria. Targeted and sustainable investments advance Austria as a business location and thus its competitiveness. Strategic networking between science and industry is also crucial. Only together can we further develop the ecosystem between industry and science for the benefit of all. This makes the Higher Education Policy Dialogue all the more important, as it strengthens exchange and sets innovation impulses."
 

An inspiring keynote was delivered by Pascal Hetze from the Stifterverband Berlin (Program Director for STEM Promotion, Economic Location Analysis, and Innovation Policy), focusing on "Transfer and Cooperation as Innovation Accelerators for Europe."
 

Good Practices: Spotlight on Eindhoven and Siemens

The event continued with presentations of two European success models that clearly demonstrate how alliances between industry and academia can both enhance competitiveness and foster talent.
 

Robert-Jan Smits, President Emeritus of Eindhoven University of Technology, introduced the Brainport Eindhoven innovation ecosystem and the role of TU Eindhoven as a “4th Generation University.”
 

Mirjam Storim, Head of Siemens RIE Ecosystems, used the Siemens Research & Innovation Ecosystem program to explain why global strength requires regional anchoring.
 

In the subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Brigitte Ecker (WPZ Research GmbH), with Horst Bischof (Rector TU Graz), Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß (CEO, Fronius International GmbH) and Barbara Weitgruber (Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research, Head of the Division for Scientific Research and International Affairs) renowned experts from academia, business, and politics further enriched the dialogue.
 

The overall event moderation was led by Isabella Meran-Waldstein (Head of Research, Technology & Innovation at the Federation of Austrian Industries) and Vice Rector Andrea Höglinger from TU Graz. The event concluded with a casual get-together starting at 6:30 PM in the Small Festive Hall of the House of Industry at Schwarzenbergplatz — a fitting end to an intensive and forward-looking exchange.