Austria is setting standards in the education and research landscape to meet the challenges of the future. With two far-reaching initiatives, the government aims to combat the shortage of skilled workers in the STEM fields (mathematics, IT, natural sciences, and technology) as well as massively promote research and innovation in the country. These measures are intended not only to solve short-term problems but also to secure and strengthen Austria as a business location in the long term.
The shortage of skilled workers in the STEM fields has been a problem for the economy and the education system in Austria for years. To counteract this, the Austrian government has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at getting young people interested in these fields. The so-called “MINT regions” are regional networks dedicated to promoting mathematics, IT, natural sciences, and technology. These networks are designed to promote interest and enthusiasm for STEM subjects from early childhood to adulthood.
The Austrian Future Fund is providing one million euros for this purpose. These funds are to be used to support and expand regional STEM networks throughout Austria.
Minister of Labor and Economic Affairs Martin Kocher emphasised the importance of these investments: “The Future Austria Fund acts as an important complementary research financing instrument. With the funds provided, we are giving a strong boost to Austria as a location for research and innovation. The research and development of today is the economic success of tomorrow.”
“It is crucial that we not only master these technologies in theory but also put them into industrial practice,” said Kocher.
“We want children to come into contact with technology and natural sciences at an early age and lose their fear of them,” explained Education Minister Martin Polaschek at the launch of the initiative in Leoben. ‘’The possibilities are many and varied, and we want to ensure that these offers are accessible to all children.”
The urgency of these measures is underpinned by the alarming figures from the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV). According to Christoph Neumayer, Secretary General of the IV, the Austrian industry is currently short of around 40,000 STEM specialists. This figure could rise to 100,000 by 2030 if countermeasures are not taken in time.
