World champion austria 2016

WORLD CHAMPION AUSTRIA yearbook 2017

SUR PRIS INGLY INGE NIOUS www.advantageaustria.org

Facility Facility Services Services im im Überblick Überblick Facility Facilityservices servicesoverview overview

Always on your side!

Facility Services 7/24/365 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Fassadenreinigung Fassadenreinigung Facade Facadecleaning cleaning

Betriebsverpflegung Betriebsverpflegung Care Carecatering catering

Verkehrsmittelreinigung Verkehrsmittelreinigung Public Publictransport transportcleaning cleaning

Innenhof-Übernetzung, Innenhof-Übernetzung,Dachrinnenreinigung, Dachrinnenreinigung, HolzHolz-&&Bautenschutz Bautenschutz Patio Patioprotection, protection,roof roofgutter guttercleaning, cleaning, wood wood&&building buildingprotection protection

Büroreinigung Büroreinigung Maintenance Maintenancecleaning cleaning Waschraumhygiene Waschraumhygiene Toilet Toiletfacility facilityservices services

Taubenabwehr Taubenabwehr Pigeon Pigeondefence defence

Facility FacilityManagement Management Facility Facilitymanagement management

Hauswartservice Hauswartservice&& Winterdienst Winterdienst Caretaker Caretakerservice service&& winter wintermaintenance maintenance

Rattenbekämpfung Rattenbekämpfung Rat Ratinfestation infestation

Abfallentsorgung Abfallentsorgung Waste Wastemanagement management

Portier, Portier,Empfang Empfang Concierge Concierge&&reception receptionservice service Security SecurityGuard, Guard,Werkschutz Werkschutz Plant Plantprotection protection

SIMACEK Facility Management Group GmbH Ignaz-Köck-Straße 8, 1210 Wien T. +43 1 211 66-0  simacek@simacek.at  www.simacek.com

Industriekletterer Industriekletterer Industrial Industrialclimber climber

Dachbegrünung Dachbegrünung Roof Rooflandscaping landscaping

Sonderreinigung Sonderreinigung Specialist Specialistcleaning cleaning

Höhenarbeit Höhenarbeit Working Workingatatheights heights

Interner InternerTransport Transport&&Logistik Logistik Industrial Industrialtransport transport&&logistics logistics

Lagerbewirtschaftung Lagerbewirtschaftung Depot Depotmanagement management

Industriereinigung Industriereinigung Industrial Industrialcleaning cleaning

KlinikKlinik-&&Reinraumhygiene Reinraumhygiene Hospital Hospitalhygiene hygiene&&cleanroom cleanroomservices services

Technische TechnischeServices Services Technical Technicalservices services

ment gement ment gement

chutz schutz

Sicherheitskonzepte Sicherheitskonzepte Security Securityconcepts concepts

Sicherheit, Sicherheit,Bewachung Bewachung&&Prävention Prävention Security, Security,site sitemonitoring monitoring&&prevention prevention

Grünraumservice Grünraumservice Tending Tending&&maintaining maintaining green greenspaces spaces

Schädlingsbekämpfung Schädlingsbekämpfung Pest Pestcontrol control

HAFEN LINZ –Logistics hub Up Business on the move – day and n The port of Linz as a logistics hub with a comprehensive range of services is a catalyser for an innovative and dynamic economy.

Its central location at the intersection of important traffic routes allows optimum access to the regional and international markets in Austria and Europe. The direct linkage to the highway, connections per rail, the Danube waterway and the proximity to the airport ensure fast connections to all regions. The central location offers strategic advantages for industry, business and commerce in central Upper Austrian and beyond. Excellent traffic connections ensure first-class service for all customers. Expertise regarding storage, transport and transloading and related services distinguish this central logistics hub.

Container Terminal Linz

Warehouse logistics

A strong partner - capable, quick, safe, flexible and, above all, neutral. As a One-Stop-Shop, the Container Terminal Linz offers exactly what is needed (including scales to comply with SOLAS requirements) plus tailor-made services to keep your container moving.

Donaulager Logistics is the only Austrian provider of professional storage conforming to the law for all goods at just one site. The storage specialist offers optimum conditions for professional storage of food products, pharmaceuticals, hazardous substances and substances hazardous to waters.

The 120,000 m² area is located at the intersection of important international traffic routes and thus offers optimum conditions for combined traffic on water, rail and road.

Container Terminal Linz

Temperature-controlled storage About 16,000 pallet spaces are available for professional storage in temperature-controlled warehouses.

Temperature-controlled storage

Cold store With temperature sensitive goods, each degree is important. In the cool and chill stores (-28° C to +25° C), electronic devices create ideal conditions for safely storing perishable goods.

Storage of hazardous substances Storing tons of highly flammable or toxic substances without any worries. Donaulager Logistics is one of the few logistics companies in Europe that fulfils the high standards of safety for storing hazardous substances and substances hazardous to waters.

Special storage facilities for hazardous substances and substances hazardous to waters

per Austria

ight

Transport logistics

Investments for the future

Business on the move – with a firm commitment to sustainability: We are on the road with combined shipments, less-than-truckload and full truckload shipments in the whole of Europe. Our modern and environmentally-friendly trucks featuring GPS-tracking and hand-held terminals as well as ADR equipment take all kinds of goods quickly to their destination.

The district of the port of Linz is one of the most exciting areas for urban development in the city.

At the same time it is of great importance for Linz as a business location. To ensure a prosperous future for the location, a masterplan was established and the project ‚Neuland Hafen Linz‘ was launched.

Over the next years, the port of Linz shall become an urban meeting point for the inhabitants and visitors of the city, culture, business and industry.

For more information check out: www.linzag.at/masterplanhafenlinz

We also provide temperature controlled transport (heated and cooled transport) as well as express service and empty packaging logistics.

SYSTEMATIC LOGISTICS

Modern, environmentally-friendly trucks take all kinds of goods quickly to their destination.

www.donaulager.at

Port Tower and Portal

www.hafenlinz.at

_6

World Champion Austria Editorial

Dear Readers, A spirit of optimism sweeps through Austria: The new Chancellor Christian Kern has announced a “New Deal” for the economy in order to boost growth and the job market, and to further improve the country in all areas from technology to education. At the same time, Austria is already among the above-average research and innovation locations in Europe and has managed to continuously improve its innovation efficiency over the past few years. Another example is the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) of the World Bank: Within a short amount of time, Austria improved from the 22nd position in 2014 to the seventh position in the global ranking of logistics locations. Other international studies such as the Index of Globalisation, the Better Life Index of the OECD, the Mercer Study, Bloomberg’s Innovation Index and the Ranking of the Swiss Institute for Management Development (IMD) confirm the strong dynamics and the high potential of the Austrian economy.

Without a doubt, export is one of the most important – if not the most important – indicator of a country’s competitiveness. Our exporters keep being successful even in an internationally difficult environment. “Made in Austria” is and remains much sought-after: According to the export balance of Statistics Austria, exports went up once again by 2.7 percent to 131.54 billion euros. This is the fifth consecutive export record and thus a very positive indication of the performance and the competitiveness of the Austrian economy. With an export share of almost 40 percent and a volume of more than 52 billion euros in the previous year, “machinery & vehicles” was once more the most significant line of products in the export trade. And that is hardly a ­coincidence as our country has numerous world market leaders in this sector.

Austria continuously proves its world-class qualities. Thanks to a high productivity, a socio-political ­consensus and highly productive human resources, Austria managed to break through to the leading group of modern market economies. Furthermore, we managed to realise many classic economic goals such as an increase in the added value and incomes, price stability and low unemployment.

Economic success, innovative and hard-working entrepreneurs, well-trained employees, social peace and security as well as an economy that banks on internationalisation are important qualities of this country.

Austria is definitely among the most attractive business and job locations around the world and is rightfully associated with the highest health and environment standards, low environmental pollution, a high level of security and a stable and independent legal system. In the IMD ranking, Austria can be often found at the top, for example in quality of life (2nd), health infrastructure (3rd), apprentice training (3rd), social responsibility (3rd), motivation of staff (4th) as well as health and environment (5th each). These facts and strengths contribute to making the business location a world-class model of the 21st century.

It is therefore hardly surprising that there are numerous world market leaders in various sectors from Austria! Among the model brands and companies are Red Bull and Swarovski, Manner Schnitten and Schweden­bomben, but also the cranes from Palfinger and many hidden champions who are sometimes even European or world market leaders in their niche markets. The diversity of Austrian world market leaders includes each type of business ownership and company size. This book tells of their ideas and their ­ ­achievements.

We thank all our partners and hope you enjoy reading this book!

Paul Christian Jezek, Editor-in-Chief

MARK & MARK

Sunny side up in Berlin.

Berlin’s office market is booming – we are planning some exciting projects in 2016. www.simmoag.at/en/berlin

@simmoag

_8

World Champion Austria Table of Contents

At a glance 12 The Cornerstone of Prosperity

48 Globally successful

55.000 Austrian businesses export to more than 220 ­countries around the globe.

Voestalpine is the world market leader in turnout technology, special rails, tool steel and special sections.

14 The Language of World Market Leaders

50 World-class Metallurgy

Austrian hidden champions mostly position themselves as technology and quality leaders in their markets.

22 Stage Call for Austria’s Showcase Companies

Every year, the best exporters receive the Austrian Export Award.

26 Flagship Companies lead the Way

About 260 flagship companies secure the domestic added value and give work to hundreds of thousands of people.

52 Aluminium Refiners

EV Group, Steyr Motors and Skidata proved their strength in the world’s most competitive market.

Austria can present its strengths as a business location in Brazil, the 200 million strong host of the ­Olympic Games.

Austrian companies and research facilities are active in outer space research and business.

Medical technology for use in space from Wiener Neustadt will soon be used on board the International Space Station ISS.

Ertex Solar won the tender for the photovoltaics roof of the main building at the Expo 2017 in Kazakhstan.

44 Tomorrow’s World Champions

Green business ideas: An overview of great greenstarters who could soon be ready for the market.

46 World-class Tunnel

Austrian companies contributed significantly to the ­Gotthard Base Tunnel.

Austria has world-class know-how to offer when it comes to visualisation and picture editing technologies.

64 Digitisation as a big Opportunity

An appeal to accelerate business processes and growth opportunities.

68 SemI40 strengthens Europe’s Economy with the “Learning Factory”

40 Solar Panels for the Expo

The Internet of Things offers innovative Austrian businesses great opportunities to increase their competitive ­advantages.

62 Helping Pictures: Seeing and understanding

38 Hotspot for Space Travel

Austrian companies are among the world-class suppliers for European offshore wind parks.

60 When Things go online

36 Space remains a promising Market

The number of electric cars puts Austria among the ­leading countries in Europe.

58 Winds of Change

34 The world-class Austria House

AMAG has become one of the most modern and flexible companies in the world for aluminium rolled products.

54 Electricity is picking up Speed

32 Unlimited Opportunities

Years of research, innovative developments and huge ­specialist know-how.

Under the leadership of Infineon Austria, one of Europe’s biggest Industry 4.0 projects started in June.

70 Smarter together One of the European Union’s largest smart city projects with more than 30 members of a consortium has its ­planning headquarters in Vienna.

72 Permanent Innovation

AMS AG won the State Prize for Innovation 2016.

74 World-class Research

The country’s most innovative research projects.

140 years of logistics experience, which are successfully reflected in all processes and in our global network, makes DB Schenker the perfect partner for many companies.

Still searching for the „right one“?

You’ve found what you’re looking for!

What can we do for you? info@schenker.at

Contact us:

+43 (0) 5 7686-210900 www.dbschenker.com/at

_10

World Champion Austria Table of Contents/Imprint

76 Like a Honeycomb

96 Austria keeps refurbishing

Alpla reduces material consumption considerably through the technology of foaming while maintaining a product’s functionality and recyclability.

78 World-class Logistics

Each euro invested returns multiplied as added value and has thus the potential to strengthen the business location Austria.

84 World-class soft Skills

Recommended by staff and therefore perfectly present­ able: “Austria’s Best Workplaces 2016”

86 Austria has a lot of Potential

“We have to focus on sunrise industries and innovative ­issues,” says Bernhard Gröhs, managing partner at ­Deloitte Austria, in an interview.

92 Vivid Culture of Innovation

“Best of Austria” as the annual focus on export orien­tation and the start of a sustainable internationalisation o ­ ffensive.

98 The World’s first 3D Office

Quartier Belvedere Central, an area between the Vienna Gürtel road and the new Central Railway Station, keeps on growing.

In Dubai, Bene fitted the world’s first office building with innovative furniture using 3D printing

100 Smart Specialisation

Successful initiatives in the Upper Austrian economic and research policy.

102 Constant Innovation strengthens our world-class Business Location

The Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) increases the market entry opportunities of Austrian companies around the world with a number of sustainable actions.

110 Pioneers of the Stock Exchange

94 The QBC is becoming world-class

Austrian furniture is known internationally for exclusive design, traditional craftsmanship and high quality.

Wienerberger won the Stock Exchange Award 2016, AT&S, OMV and Voestalpine conquered the other ­categories.

116 Major Stocks listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange

An overview of publicly traded companies.

Imprint PUBLISHER Germanos Athanasiadis EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paul Christian Jezek PROJECT DIRECTOR Erich Danneberg GRAPHIC CONCEPT AND ART DIRECTION Satz Art GmbH WRITERS Georg Jungwirth, Helga Krémer, Reinhard Krémer PICTURES see embedded picture credits MEDIA OWNER Medianet Publishing House, 1110 Vienna, Brehmstraße 10/OG 4, Tel: +43/1/919 20-0, Fax: +43/1/298 20-2231, www.medianet.at ADVERTISMENTS Thomas Parger, Michael Stein ADVERTORIALS Helga Krémer MARKETING & SALES Alexandra Otto TRANSLATORS Jörg Michner, Kathryn Quinn PRINTERS Druckerei Bösmüller Gesellschaft mbH, Josef-Sandhofer-Straße 3, 2000 Stockerau, Austria ISBN 978-3-902843-80-7 SALES PRICE 27.50 euros SALES Medienlogistik Pichler-ÖBZ GmbH & Co KG, IZ NÖ Süd, Straße 1, Objekt 34, 2355 Wiener Neudorf MAIL ORDER HOTLINE www.medianet.at or Tel.: +43/1/919 20 – 2115 or Fax: +43/1/298 20 – 2231 COPYRIGHT © 2016 by medianet Verlag AG. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including translating, photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA

Credit: Aussenwirtschaft Österreich

Austrian exporters prove that they can handle a difficult global environment. Only recently, they managed to achieve new export records and in 2016, they keep on flying high. After all, Austrian companies enjoy an excellent image. We belong to the world’s best on the global stage when it comes to quality, innovative power, know-how and reliability. My professional experience and many talks with decision-makers and entrepreneurs tell me that our companies do not have to shy away from international comparisons. But we must not rest on our laurels even though we can be proud of the many hidden champions that call Austria their home. We have to work on becoming even better. As a small country, we cannot win a race for quantity in the global competition for market shares – but we can beat others when it comes to the best quality! It is important for our businesses to expand their export horizon.

Walter Koren, Head of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA

Walter Koren, Head of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA

Supporting you all around the globe

Don’t hesitate to contact your local office!

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA is Austria’s official internationalisation agency and represents the entire Austrian economy abroad – that is 500,000 businesses. With its 110 offices in over 70 countries, ­ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offers Austrian companies and their international business partners an extensive range of services.

“We provide hands-on support for international companies that want to set up business ties in Austria or want to invest in Austria,” says the Head of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, Walter Koren. “Our 800 employees and 35 consultants around the world can assist you in locating the right suppliers and business partners in Austria. We organise about 1,200 events every year to bring business contacts together.”

Other services offered by ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offices range from introductions to Austrian companies looking for importers, distributors or agents to providing in-depth information on Austria as a business location and assistance in entering the Austrian market.

www.advantageaustria.org Have a look at the high performance of the ­Austrian economy.

On 200 country-specific pages in 28 languages, you will find: • Business opportunities with Austrian companies • Austrian companies sorted by sectors • Information on Austrian sectors (facts and figures, standards, success stories) • Business news from Austria and bilateral news • Events with Austrian participation in your ­country • The Business Guide Austria with useful information on importing from and exporting to Austria, investing in Austria, working in Austria and travelling to Austria

World Champion Austria Trading Nation

The Cornerstone of Prosperity 55.000 Austrian businesses export to more than 220 countries around the globe. Today, their hotspots can be found in Asia and America.

Credits: WKÖ

are becoming more and more imporLast year Austrian merchandise extant for Austrian products. Leitl adds: ports broke the 130 billion ­euros bar“India is the seventh-largest economy rier for the first time. According to in the world and the world’s fastest prognoses of Advantage Austria of growing large emerging market. In the Austrian Economic Chamber, this the last ten years India rose ten ranks year exports will increase to 135 biland is now among the top thirty exlion euros and in 2017 to more than port destinations for Austrian goods.”

140 billion euros. “Export remains our In 2015, the growth in exports most important trump for a solid ecoamounted to 15 percent or 680 million nomic growth and the cornerstone of Christoph Leitl, President of the Austrian Economic Chamber, and euros. “This means, that our exports our prosperity,” stresses Christoph Walter Koren, head of Advantage Austria. to India increased almost six-fold Leitl, President of the Austrian Ecosince the year 2000,” Leilt explains. nomic Chamber. 2015 saw an all-time More than 500 Austrian businesses are already active in India, high in merchandise exports and both in 2016 and 2017 these 130 thereof with subsidiaries or representations. records will be broken.

This positive outlook could be marred by a few present crises, such as the conflict in the Middle East and the ensuing refugee Export promotion specifically for overseas markets issues, the mutual sanctions of the EU and Russia and the current By now, the hotspots for export-oriented businesses are in Asia oil price policy. Leitl says: “But let’s stay with the positives: If you and America and thus in countries and regions that are in an add to the merchandise exports of 130 billion euros also the economically better position than Europe. Koren says: “We are ­Austrian service exports of 50 billion euros it amounts to a total also targeting these places with our export promotion proexport volume of more than 180 billion euros. That amounts to grammes for Austrian businesses. Already 50 percent of our the total of all public budgets – the federation’s, the provinces’, events abroad deal with markets outside Europe. Also, half of our the communities’ and the social insurance agencies’.” more than 100 offices abroad are located overseas.”

Last year, the biggest export growths in major markets already occurred in countries outside Europe: Mexico was in first Export growth thanks to booming markets in the East place (+ 28 percent), followed by the United States (+17 percent), The 2015 growth in Austrian exports is due to the booming marTurkey (+16 percent), the United Arab Emirates (+16 percent) and kets in the “Far East and the Far West,” explains Walter Koren, India (+15 percent). head of Advantage Austria. There were strong increases in Only then, come the first European countries. Among those, ­exports in the NAFTA countries (United States, Mexico, Canada) however, Koren says, “are a few that have been very important on the one hand, and countries in South-East Asia such as India

Credits: Luuk Kramer

12_13

An excellent example for successful service exports: VCE Vienna Consulting Engineers ZT GmbH was awarded the Austrian State Prize for Consulting for its engineering ­expertise during the construction of the world’s biggest lift bridge, the Botlek Bridge in Rotterdam.

for the good export performance in the year 2015”: the Czech Republic and Poland in Central and Eastern Europe, but also Great Britain and Spain in the West.

Of course, the foreign trade with Germany has to be mentioned too in this context: Exports to Austria’s most important trading partner rose once more after a temporary stagnation by 3.7 percent. In the ranking of Austria’s most important export destinations, Germany is followed by the United States, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Great Britain and Poland. The first non-European country is China in tenth place; Russia came eleventh in 2014 but dropped down to the fifteenth position due to the mutual sanctions. The decrease in exports amounted to about 40 percent.

Aiming for 100,000 companies doing international business In future, exporting services will gain more and more in significance. Koren says: “Service exports amount to about 30 percent of the merchandise exports and contribute significantly to a positive trade balance. We expect an increase in service exports of four percent to 53 billion euros.” The international demand for know-how in technical and creative fields such as logistics and construction services, engineering, software, architecture and design offers great potential.

In total, Austrian companies sell their products and services in 220 countries across the globe. “Thanks to our export promo-

tion initiatives we managed to increase the number of Austrian exporters from 12,500 in the year 2000 to 55,000 today,” Leitl says, “The aim for 2025 is to have 100,000 Austrian companies doing international business.” ◆

EXPO 2017 in Astana Searching for the best future energy technologies The world fair 2017 in Kazakhstan hosts a competition for the best future energy technologies and projects in the following fields: c Renewable and alternative energy c Energy efficiency and traditional energy c Energy storage c Energy distribution c Using natural energy resources The winners are selected by a panel of international experts. Detailed information is available at www.ebpa2017.org/ebpa Austria is going to participate in the EXPO 2017 and domestic companies can use Austria’s Pavilion. https://expo2017astana.com/en

World Champion Austria Secrets of Success

The Language of World Market Leaders Austrian hidden champions mostly position themselves as technology and quality leaders in their markets and usually achieve higher prices and a better return than their competitors do. Public relations apparently play a very important and successful role among these medium-sized world market leaders.

By GEORG JUNGWIRTH.

In order to learn more about the secrets of success of these companies, the marketing managers of 191 medium-sized Austrian world market leaders were asked about the various aspects of their corporate communications. One question was on the classic and digital communication instruments that these mostly family-run businesses use to gain such a positive image in their business fields and on their markets. Another one was on how they convince their international customers of their products’ superiority in terms of technology and quality.

Eight years ago, a very similar study was conducted among the same target group. Therefore, it is possible to deduct clear trends and developments in the field of corporate communications by comparing the results. It shows in particular, how the financial and economic crises of the past years affected the communication policies of Austrian hidden champions.

Hidden champions For decades, economic researchers have been analysing the ­secrets of success of large corporations and popular brands but small and medium-sized companies with often equally impressive successes keep flying under the radar.

Only relatively late in time studies such as STATOS (Bambeger, Pleitner 1988) concerned themselves with the strategic orientation of small and medium-sized businesses. Biallo (1993) was the first in the German-speaking world to analyse the strategies of

particularly successful medium-sized companies. He researched exclusively small and medium-sized German businesses that had become world market leaders.

The special type of research on the factors of success became known to a wider audience through the works of Hermann Simon (1997, 2007, 2012). Simon (1997) was the one to coin the term “Hidden Champions” for medium-sized world market leaders because these companies were largely unknown outside their field and even less to the public.

But how is it possible that a company can be widely unknown in its home country but at the same time enjoy a high profile around the world among potential and existing customers? What significance do corporate communications have on the international success of hidden champions? Which communication instruments do these mostly family-run businesses use in order to get a positive image in their fields and on their markets, and how do they convince their international customers of their products’ superiority in terms of technology and quality? Which role do corporate communications actually play compared to other marketing instruments?

From an Austrian point of view The study that this article is based on uses almost the same criteria that Simon (2007) drew up in order to identify a company as a German hidden champion:

Credit: Andritz

14_15

Pictures are also very important in companies that operate on a b2b level and that sell their high-tech products around the world.

c Number 1, 2 or 3 on the world market or number 1 in Europe c A turnover under 3 billion euros c Headquarters in Germany c Not widely known to the public One reason for the seemingly imprecise definition of the market position is that most hidden champions operate in the business-to-business field and due to a lack of regular market analyses, are unable to say which position they have on the world market. Another reason is that only few hidden champions are listed on the stock market – just like their competitors – and are therefore not required to issue reports and publish their turnover.

The last criterion mentioned above is not exactly quantifiable but a qualitative assessment.

Three of these four criteria have been used for Austrian hidden champions though the maximum turnover has to be adapted to the structure of the Austrian economy because in the Alpine Republic businesses that have three billion euros annual turnover are hardly medium-sized nor hidden.

Therefore, companies must fulfil the following criteria in order to be considered for our empirical survey: c Number 1, 2 or 3 on the world market or number 1 in Europe c A turnover under 200 million euros

c Headquarters in Austria c Not widely known to the public Just like Simon, we did not evaluate the market share ourselves but took them from company reports and press reports.

The – compared to Simon – significantly lower maximum turnover of 200 million euros corresponds more to the picture of a medium-sized enterprise on the one hand and on the other hand refers to the findings of Meffert and Klein (2007) who determined that the strategy of specialisation – which is pursued by almost all hidden champions – bears the highest potentials for success for businesses with less than 200 million euros annual turnover.

The survey of Austrian hidden champions did not focus solely on the communications policies of these internationally successful companies but also looked at other classic marketing instruments. First, let us have a look at the structural data of Austrian hidden champions and a few general results of the survey. The world market leader database of the college Campus 02 in Graz, which was set up in 2007 and is being updated regularly, currently includes about 200 Austrian hidden champions.

All the companies have an average annual turnover of 53 million euros and employ on average 405 people. 70.6 percent of

World Champion Austria Secrets of Success

Credit: Wintersteiger

Communications and in particular advertisement is usually dominated by technical ­contents among hidden champions.

Austrian hidden champions produce mainly industrial goods, 17.6 percent operate in the field of consumer goods and 11.8 percent offer services. Not less than 63 percent do their business in the three sectors of mechanical engineering, metal and electronics.

Growth even during crises More than 80 percent of Austrian medium-sized world market leaders are family businesses that usually have their headquarters in rural areas and are by far the biggest employer there. As you would expect, their export share is fairly high (median: 88 percent) and also other figures such as the equity ratio (42 percent) and the operating result (about ten percent) are absolutely above-average.

It is a remarkable fact that more than three quarters of the surveyed businesses (76.5 percent) saw their turnover grow in the last five years – annually by 14.3 percent on average. The turnover of another 16.5 percent of Austrian hidden champions stagnated in this period of the global financial and economic ­crisis. Only 7 percent of medium-sized Austrian world market leaders saw their turnover diminish in these economically stiff times.

Among the top in global competition The managers of the Austrian hidden champions that were

s­ urveyed said that about ten percent of their turnover is invested into research and development, which is one of the reasons that the majority of their products can be put in the high-tech category.

The majority of customers are loyal and long-standing regulars (72.5 percent) who generate 75.7 percent of turnover. But the intensity of competition in the respective markets is described as very intensive (32.8 percent) or rather intensive (55.2 percent).

Even though almost all of the medium-sized Austrian world and European market leaders operate in niche markets they face a number of competitors. On the European market, there are on average 11.9 relevant competitors and on the world market that number rises to 37.5.

From an organisational point of view, a marketing department (63.5 percent) is in charge of the marketing activities of Austrian hidden champions. In 23 percent of the surveyed businesses, marketing and sales are bundled in one department.

The communications policy of hidden champions In the year 2008, a telephone survey evaluated the marketing activities of these businesses (Pfefferkorn 2008), which allows for comparisons with the results of this study and a deduction of trends and developments.

The surveyed medium-sized Austrian world market leaders invest about 4.1 percent of their turnover into communications

activities; in 2008 that figure was only at 3.1 percent. This ­communications budget is determined by the targets a company strives for (43 percent), but available funds (35 percent) also play a major role. Only twelve percent of those interviewed gear their communication budgets to the activities of their competitors.

During the survey of 2008, 55 percent of hidden champions determined their communications budgets by their targets. Available funds (22 percent) and a fixed amount of turnover (17 percent) were minor considerations.

By the way, 63 percent of Austrian hidden champions employ an agency for their communications (71 percent in 2008), the rest organises their communications activities in-house. This slight decline could be an indication of businesses trying to build their own know-how in communications. This would befit other findings, which show that hidden champions like to do all their core processes themselves and outsource only few corporate tasks.

Apparently, corporate communications is seen as more and more important for international success.

If you ask the heads of marketing at medium-sized Austrian world market leaders about the significance of classic communications instruments, it shows that fairs and exhibitions are considered by far as the most important among these companies. Not less than 67.9 percent of those interviewed said that classic communications instruments are very important and 26.4 percent thought of them as rather important (see diagram 1).

Fairs/exhibitions Internal communications Public relations Specialist magazines Sales promotion Direct marketing Event marketing Media advertising Sponsoring

very important

rather important

neither

rather unimportant

Diagram 1: The significance of classic communications instruments

very unimportant

Credit: FH Campus 02

16_17

The expert on “world champions” Prof. Dr. Georg Jungwirth has masterminded several detailed and comprehensive studies on Austrian hidden ­ champions and even on detailed aspects such as innovation management and customer satisfaction.

Campus 02 University of Applied Sciences Course International Marketing & Sales Management 8010 Graz, Körblergasse 126 Tel: +43/316 6002 687 Fax: +43/316 6002 1230 georg.jungwirth@campus02.at www.campus02.at

Internal communications and public relations are also considered as very important. Communications instruments such as specialist magazines, sales promotions and direct marketing follow behind.

Event marketing, media advertising and sponsoring are seen as considerably less important communications instruments by the Austrian hidden champions.

Essentially, these assessments correspond to the reality of companies that operate in the business-to-business segment.

Only the very high importance of internal communications is remarkable and was not expected, especially not among medium-sized businesses.

If you compare this ranking of the most important classic communications instruments with the results of the 2008 study, you will notice only little differences. Four of nine communications

World Champion Austria Secrets of Success

Credit: Geislinger

The very high importance of internal communications is remarkable and was not expected, especially not among medium-sized businesses.

instruments are ranked identically with the last survey (see diagram 2).

Then, as now, fairs and exhibitions were the most important classic communications instrument for Austrian hidden cham­ pions. But right behind them, the positions have slightly changed: Specialist magazines have lost in significance while internal communications and public relations have each gained a position.

1 Fairs/exhibitions

1 Fairs/exhibitions

2 Specialist magazines

2 Internal communications

3 Internal communications

3 Public relations

4 Public relations

4 Specialist magazines

5 Sales promotion

5 Sales promotion

6 Direct marketing

6 Direct marketing

7 Event marketing

7 Event marketing

8 Sponsoring

8 Media advertising

9 Media advertising

9 Sponsoring

Diagram 2: A comparison of the 2008 and 2015 rankings of communications instruments

Furthermore, the instruments of sponsoring and media advertising have switched places at the bottom of the ranking.

When you ask the heads of marketing at Austrian hidden champions about the significance of digital communications instruments for their companies, the so-called website marketing is considered the most important one. After all, 39.6 percent of those interviewed said that website marketing is very important and another 45.3 percent said it is rather important.

This is followed almost equally by the communications instruments that are search engine marketing and email marketing or newsletters respectively.

The table is propped up by the digital instruments of social media marketing and mobile marketing; the latter was not once considered very important. On top of that, mobile marketing was considered by the majority of the surveyed companies as rather unimportant (56.6 percent) or even as very unimportant (see ­diagram 3).

Website marketing

Search engine marketing

Email marketing/ newsletters

Social media marketing

Mobile marketing

very important

rather important

neither

rather unimportant

Diagram 3: The significance of digital communications instruments

very unimportant

18_19

Email marketing and newsletters, however, are considered very important or rather important by almost two-thirds (65.4 percent) of the surveyed hidden champions. Still, it is interesting to note that only 22.5 percent of them indicated that they were doing permission marketing. Either there is some kind of mis­ understanding about the meaning of this specialist term or the companies are risking legal consequences by sending emails or newsletters to clients without their consent.

As part of the survey, the managers at medium-sized Austrian world market leaders were shown several statements about their company’s communications policies (see diagram 4). Most agreed with the statement “We integrate many pictures into our communications”: 43.4 percent of those interviewed agreed fully, another 45.3 percent rather agreed. Apparently, pictures have a very high significance among companies who operate in the business-to-business segment and who are selling their high-tech products on the world market.

The statement “We adjust our communications specifically to each customer” received a lot of agreement. Only 22.6 percent of those interviewed agreed fully but 54.7 percent of the managers rather agreed. It seems as if these medium-sized world market leaders do not only tailor their products and services to each customer but also their communications.

We integrate many pictures into our communications We adjust our ­communications­specifically­ to each customer Our advertising messages mainly­have­a­technical­ content fully­agree

rather agree

neither

rather disagree

fully­disagree

Diagram 4: Statements on the communications policy

The statement “Our advertising messages mainly have a technical content” received relatively seen the least agreement. Here, 22.6 percent of the heads of marketing at Austrian hidden champions fully agreed, but only 35.8 percent of those interviewed rather agreed. Still, the communications and in particularly the advertising of these high-tech businesses seem to be dominated by technical contents. It is worth considering though highlighting

11 factors of success for world market leaders (in no particular order) 1) A significant competitive edge and high quality – find your niche 2) Long-term thinking without leaving short- and ­medium-term goals aside 3) Innovative power and creativity 4) Constant development and flexibility 5) Networking and stakeholder management 6) Turning a brand into a world market brand 7) At the top: a target-oriented visionary 8) Inner strength: highly motivated and best-skilled staff 9) Being brave but don‘t start to run before you can walk 10) Being trustworthy 11) Being able to deal with setbacks and learn from ­mistakes

Source: UBIT/WKW/Karmasin

the benefit or even the emotional aspects of these already successful companies in their communications.

The key significance of product policies So, which role does the communications policy play compared to other marketing instruments? If you ask the heads of marketing at Austrian hidden champions how important the four classic marketing instruments – the so-called four Ps – are for their ­company’s success, the answer is clear: The product and brand policy seems to be by far the most important marketing instrument of the medium-sized Austrian world and European market leaders. On a scale of 1 (very important) to 5 (very unimportant) the product and brand policy achieves the very high mean value of 1.34. Distribution policy (mean value of 1.83), communications policy (1.89) and price policy (1.98) follow with a distance.

Previous studies (Jungwirth 2009, 2012) have already shown that the product policies of hidden champions have a key significance. As mentioned above, the high expenditure for research and development seems to be the basis for the products and services of these companies being superior in quality to those of their competitors on the world market. Not only the managers of

World Champion Austria Secrets of Success

Austrian hidden champions think so (Pfefferkorn 2008, Stocker 2015), their international customers also confirm this (Jungwirth, Kraus 2010).

Diagram 5 shows that 67.9 percent of the interviewed heads of marketing at Austrian hidden champions consider their product policy as very important for their company’s success. Another 30.2 percent say that the product policy is rather important.

The other three marketing instruments are also seen as mostly very and rather important, respectively, but the product and brand policy appears to take up a special role.

Communications policy is considered as very important by 39.6 percent and as rather important by 47.2 percent of those interviewed (see diagram 5).

Convincing clients of world-class quality Even if the product and brand policy of hidden champions appears to plays a key role for a company’s success, 86.9 percent of the interviewed managers regard the communications policy as very important or rather important. Its task is to convince the international clients of the medium-sized Austrian world and European market leaders of the high quality of their products and services with the help of various classic and digital communications instruments.

The challenge is to visualise the technological advantages of the usually highly innovative products with the help of pictures

Product policy

Distribution policy

Communications policy

Price policy

very important

rather important

neither

rather unimportant

very unimportant

Diagram 5: The significance of marketing instruments for economic success

among other things. In an ideal case, this will not only convey rational reasons but also emotions. Furthermore, these companies aim to communicate with their usually long-standing and loyal regular customers on the international business-to-business markets in a customised way.

Even though the heads of marketing and communications at Austrian hidden champions face great challenges due to these framework conditions, they manage time and again to make an indispensable contribution to the global success of these widely unknown world market leaders. ◆

Hidden champions in Austria No. 1 in the World No. 2 or 3 in the world

No. 1 in Europe

up to 200 mln euros annual turnover

145

5

49

199

more than 200 mln euros annual turnover

46

5

7

58

as of December 2015

191

10

56

257

The international definition of hidden champions does not “only” include the world’s number one but also numbers two and three as well as the number one on its continent (in our case Europe). Therefore, we have split them up in different categories.

If a company is a world and European market leader, it is only listed in the first column (the same applies to the other columns).

Companies that are listed in the column “No. 1 in Europe” are not among the top three in the world. All listed companies of all sizes are headquartered in Austria.

Credit: FACC

Credit: Getzner

20_21

World Champion Austria Export Award 2016

Stage Call for Austria’s Showcase Companies Austria’s companies secure wealth and jobs with their success on the inter­national markets. After all, six out of ten euros are generated through exports. Every year, the best exporters receive the Austrian ­Export Award. makes about 60 million square metres of fabrics per year in its five weaving mills with 630 weaving machines, three equipment companies and one dyeworks factory. Of course, Getzner also produces fabrics for shirts and corporate fashion as well as innovative technical fabrics. Its turnover amounts to about 265 million euros.

Austria is one of the most important countries for exporting pinewood timber: The tree trunks that are used for further processing grow in particularly good forests. Alfred Vesely Timber Export won the Export Award in the category Trade & Commerce: The company is one of the leading suppliers of spruce, pine and fir timbers in the Middle East as well as Northern and Eastern African countries.

The Export Award 2016 in FRESH VIEW the category Crafts & Trades Born Global Champions went to Henn GmbH, also from 55 young Austrian businesses were preVorarlberg. Founded in 1990, sented with the Born Global Champions the company focuses on the Award during the Export Days 2016. This development, assembling and award goes to young companies (foundsales of innovative couplings for ed in 2010 or later), which have operated automotive applications in the globally right from the start with excelfield of charge air and cooling lent products or services and which show quick inter­ water. The secret to Henn’s national growth. success, which has an export The award winners are showcased in the English language ratio of almost 100 percent, is special edition of the international magazine Fresh View, research and development with entitled “Austria’s Born Global Champions II”. several dozen patents. http://bit.ly/28YdQQ7 The category Information & Consulting went to ILF Consult-

The Exporter’s Nite, the award ceremony for the Austrian Export Award, took place on 21 June 2016 at the Vienna MuseumsQuarter as the finale of the Austrian Export Days. Every year, Advantage Austria of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ) awards domestic companies for their excellent efforts and their achievements on the global market.

“The Export Awards pay tribute to the above-average commitment and success of Austrian entrepreneurs on the inter­ national markets,” said WKÖ President Christoph Leitl during his speech. “We would like to symbolically thank all 55,000 Austrian exporters – those who are successful shall not hide their light under a bushel but deserve to be celebrated accordingly.”

Special edition | en Edited by the Austrian Federal Economic ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Chamber

Special edition : Austria’s Born Global

OTHER PUBLICAT IONS IN THE FRESH VIEW SERIES NO 158 Organic Food (English | German) NO 157 Smart Cities (English | German,

SPECIAL EDITION Austria´s Born Global Champion NO 156 Environme s (English) ntal Technolog y (English | German) SPECIAL EDITION Austria´s Hidden Champion NO 155 Life Sciences and Medical Technolog s (English) NO 154 Machinery y (English | German) and Plant Constructi on (English | German, NO 153 Sustainabl French |Spanish) e Building (English | German, English NO 152 Plastics | Chinese) (English | German) NO 151 Tourism Infrastructure and Know-How NO 150 Education (English | German, English | Russian, in Austria (English English | Chinese) | German) NO 149 Environme ntal Technolog y and Renewable NO 148 Architectu Energy (English | German) re Design Film and Music (English NO 147 Technolog | German) y (Chinese | English, Russian | Turkish, Portuguese NO 145 Constructi | Spanish) on Industry of the Future (English | German) Please contact us at fresh-view @advantag or view online eaustria.org to on www.fresh-view.at receive free hard copies

Global Champions

II

English | Spanish)

FRESH VIEW on Austria’s Born

Golden Export Award winners Getzner Textil AG came out on top in the highly competitive environment that is the export-oriented Austrian industry.

It is one of the biggest companies in the province of Vorarlberg and one of the biggest suppliers of colour-woven goods. “This award is a recognition for the efforts of each and every employee,”says Getzner boss Josef Lampart. Being the leading producer of high-quality African damasks, Getzner

Champions II

22_23

Credit: Getzner Textil AG

The Export Award Winners …

Fabrics for all: Export Award winner Getzner Textil AG is among the world’s largest companies dealing in colour-weaving.

ing Engineers with its interdisciplinary engineering, consulting and project management services. ILF Consulting Engineers consists of several internationally operating, independent engineering and consulting companies, and supports demanding customers in the implementation of complex industry and infrastructure projects. It is one of the world’s leading engineering businesses.

In 2016, it became clear once again that Austrian tourism plays a major role in the trade balance. The Austrian National Bank’s travel balance 2015 showed that tourists from abroad spent about 16.5 billion euros in Austria. In this category, the winner of the Export Award is a hotel: Goldener Berg is a domestic business and has a tradition-conscious management that operates with lots of innovativeness and new, creative ideas. Hotel Goldener Berg is one of the country’s leading high-quality hotels and about 92 percent of guests come from abroad. This highlights the tremendous contribution that the hotel business makes to the export economy – because each guest is not only a future Austrian “ambassador” to the world but also contributes to a positive foreign trade balance.

Last but not least, there was the winner in the category ­Transport & Traffic: Globe Air AG Luftfahrtleistungen focuses on business trips in Europe. The company has been the European market leader in its sector since 2011 and operates the world’s largest fleet of Citation Mustang Jets. Globe Air and its 65 employees generate about 98 percent of turnover abroad. ­Being a service provider and “air taxi”, the company focuses on customer service through a multinational team and constantly invests into employee training: The transport business does not only need entrepreneurial spirit and high innovative power but also well-trained, skilled staff. “The best products only make sense if they are used at the right time in the right place,” says Alexander Klacska, Head of the Federal Department for Transport at the Austrian Economic Chamber. The success of Austrian exporters is also carried by the domestic transport ­sector. u

… are chosen by an independent expert panel consisting of high-ranking personalities from economy, politics and the media. c Crafts & Trades Gold: HENN GmbH & Co KG (Vorarlberg) Silver: CROMA Pharma GmbH (Lower Austria) Bronze: MHMS Mechatronic Solutions GmbH & Co KG ­(Tyrol) c Trade & Commerce Gold: Alfred Vesely TIMBER-EXPORT e.U. (Vienna) Silver: Great Lengths Haarvertriebs GmbH (Styria) Bronze: Hirschalm GmbH (Lower Austria) c Industry Gold: Getzner Textil AG (Vorarlberg) Silver: Trodat GmbH (Upper Austria) Bronze: Wacker Neuson Linz GmbH (Upper Austria) c Information & Consulting Gold: ILF Consulting Engineers Austria GmbH (Tyrol) Silver: EFS Unternehmensberatung GesmbH (Vienna) Bronze: Webgears GmbH (Upper Austria) c Tourism & Leisure Gold: Pfefferkorn Gesellschaft mbH & Co, Hotel Goldener Berg (Vorarlberg) Silver: A Quechua Sports Academy GmbH (Styria) Bronze: Schladming-Dachstein Tourismusmarketing GmbH (Styria) c Transport & Traffic Gold: GlobeAir AG (Upper Austria) Silver: Condor Speditions Transport GmbH+Co KG ­(Salzburg) Bronze: Rail Cargo Austria AG (Vienna) Special Awards: c Voestalpine received the Global Player Award 2016 for its successful internationalisation. c The Expat Award 2016 went to Georg Wachtel, who was responsible for many successful projects for OMV in the Arab world. This award is meant for people who render outstanding services to Austrian export business as head of an Austrian subsidiary abroad. c Boehringer Ingelheim RCV won the award Foreign Investor of the Year 2016 for the most important international business settlement in Austria. The company invested more than half a billion euros into its location in Vienna, creating there at least 400 new jobs.

World Champion Austria Companies introduce themselves

VAMED – fully focused on Health VAMED is an internationally leading service provider in the health sector with a unique range of services that includes planning, building, ­equipping and operating health care facilities along their entire life cycle.

This kind of competence is much sought-after internationally: VAMED has already implemented 760 projects in the health care and health tourism sector in 78 countries across four continents, and employs about 17,200 staff.

VAMED takes care of 550 health care facilities around the world with more than 135,000 beds. The company executes the complete operational management of 54 health care facilities across four continents.

The company focuses its business on Europe: It generates 74 percent of its turnover in Europe, 14 percent in Asia, 9 percent in Africa and 3 percent in Latin America.

Facts & Figures

2015, in € m

+/– 2014

1,650

+18 %

904

+8 %

Sales

1,118

+7 %

EBIT

64

+8 %

Earnings attributable to the parent‘s shareholders

44

+7 %

Orders on hand Order intake

VAMED was founded in 1982 to safeguard the completion of the newly built Vienna General Hospital, the AKH (Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien – medizinischer Universitäts­ campus). The AKH is one of Europe‘s biggest and most-renowned university hospitals with 30 clinics and institutes and about 2,000 beds.

Health as an export engine VAMED is always a welcome participant of Austrian economic missions abroad, and at the same time, VAMED‘s most important facilities are always fixtures in the programmes of international delegations coming to Austria. Its list of references is as illustrious as the number of business contacts: It includes the refurbishment of the renowned University Clinic Charité in Berlin, the construction and complete operational management of the University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, the expansion of the leading Rehaklinik Zihlschlacht in Switzerland, the innovative Al Reem Integrated Health & Care Center in Abu Dhabi and the development of the new private clinic Haikou in China.

One-stop service provider VAMED also enjoys a great reputation internationally thanks to its many public-private partnerships in the health care sector. The company operates facilities in all areas of health care together with public authorities. This includes thermal spa resorts and prevention facilities, but also emergency hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and care homes.

© 2015 ZOOMVP

24_25

A VAMED project: The Al Reem Integrated Health & Care Center in Abu Dhabi.

A strong presence in Austria At the moment, VAMED operates 15 rehabilitation clinics, thereof twelve in Austria, two in Switzerland and one in the Czech Republic, making it Austria‘s largest private rehabilitation provider. In Switzerland, VAMED is ranked in second place in the private rehabilitation market; in the Czech Republic the VAMED subsidiary Mediterra operates the country‘s most modern rehabilitation facility. Additional rehabilitation clinics are already being built, and some of them are breaking new ground. VAMED has become a pioneer in the field of oncological rehabilitation with innovative offers, for example: In 2014, the company erected the rehabilitation clinic St.Veit im Pongau. With 120 beds for oncological rehabilitation, it is the first such facility in Western Austria after VAMED built the Oncological Rehabilitation Centre Der Sonnberghof in Eastern Austria in 2010.

Health networks Networking is a strength of the company: from planning to operation, from prevention to care, from South America to China – the

VAMED staff has a continuous dialogue about their expe­riences in order to care even better and more efficiently for p ­ atients. The staff also includes more than 650 physicians that are connected through VAMED‘s “International Medical Board”. This way, the latest treatment methods that are successfully used in one location can be transferred quicker to all other ­patients.

Leading operator of thermal and health spas in Austria VAMED also develops new concepts when it comes to prevention. Together with the Medical University of Vienna, the company has developed a new health tourism concept based on the latest findings in gender medicine and implemented it in the La Pura Women‘s Health Resort Kamptal. There, VAMED runs the first and only resort that deals exclusively with women‘s health.

Since 2015, VAMED successfully operates the Aquaworld ­Budapest, Hungary’s largest thermal spa & resort. The VAMED Vitality World is Austria‘s leading operator of thermal and health spas with more than 3.1 million guests per year.

World Champion Austria Systemic Relevance

Flagship Companies lead the Way About 260 flagship companies form Austria’s economic backbone. They secure the domestic added value and give work to hundreds of thousands of people directly and in their countless partner companies

Credit: Infineon

secure about 42,000 jobs, which is the size of Wiener Neustadt.

Flagship companies have a huge significance that goes far beFurthermore, at these four flagship companies about 2,800 highyond pure economic effects. Due to their usually highly complex ly skilled people research new products, cooperate with more products and production processes they are connected to a largthan one hundred academic institutions, 40 NGOs and 80 educaer than average network of suppliers and partner companies. On tional projects. top of that, they have a lot of public appeal and significance for The flagship companies’ influence on regional development is their entire environment, e.g. for education and research facilities huge – entire districts and and the entire population. regions depend on their perThe Institute for Industrial formance. Their prosperity is Science (IWI) evaluated the decisive for the quality of the significance of several flagregional and national infraship companies for Austria’s structure, educational institueconomy and its society. tions and even the network of The bottom line is obvious: local shops.

Austria would look much different without flagship companies!

Central role as employer Siemens AG Austria, InThe creation and preservafineon Technologies Austria tion of jobs and apprenticeAG, Boehringer Ingelheim ship positions is one of the RCV and Henkel CEE, for exkey aspects of Siemens AG ample, are the engines of the Austria as one of the counAustrian economy, so to try’s leading industrial and speak: Together those four technology corporations. companies generate a turn­ About 12,000 people work for over of eleven billion euros.

Siemens Austria. When you This could pay for the new look at the value added chain Central Railway Station in of suppliers, clients etc., Vienna – eleven times over.

Infineon works on sunrise technologies for higher energy efficiency, sustainable mobility and digital security.

Siemens’ importance for ­ Directly and indirectly, they

Credit: IV-Wien

Credit: Siemens

26_27

The chassis of the globally popular Siemens locomotives Vectron is manufactured at the Siemens factory in Graz.

The bosses of flagship companies: Christian Fechner, CFO at Boehringer Ingelheim, Sabine Herlitschka, Chairman of the Board at Infineon Technologies Austria AG, Wolfgang Hesoun, Siemens Österreich and Günter Thumser, President at Henkel CEE.

­ ustria is multiplying. That way, more than 26,000 jobs are A ­secured by Siemens Austria.

Wolfgang Hesoun, Chairman of the Board at Siemens AG ­Austria and President of the Viennese Federation of Austrian Industries, says: “Large orders handled by Siemens Austria are giving great impulses to the business location. When we handle an order in Austria, we give work to about 10,000 other companies (thereof 6,600 business partners from Austria) and thus create jobs and prosperity.”

Salaries paid by Siemens and those, which are generated in partner companies, amount to more than one billion per year. The connected tax and social security contributions add up to more than 620 million euros. This money would build 4,500 apartments, for example.

But the social significance of Siemens Austria exceeds those of a taxpayer and employer. For many years, the corporation has been training young people with hearing deficiencies – many of them with a migration background. “Thanks to technological support and help from the staff we train 33 young people with hearing deficiencies in the field of electronics,” Hesoun explains.

2,000 technological specialist terms have been translated to sign language by Siemens. Furthermore, Siemens actively pursues the training of girls and women in technical occupations.

work. An excellent example is Infineon Technologies Austria: The technology giant is globally successful with microchips that are developed and made in Austria and is committed to a number of training and advanced training activities in the Alpine Republic.

“Infineon is working on sunrise technologies for higher energy efficiency, sustainable mobility and digital security,” says Sabine Herlitschka, Chairman of the Board at Infineon Technologies Austria. “We need the smartest minds in order to take our chances with big social issues such as digitalisation and Industry 4.0 over the next few years. Therefore, we actively want to enthuse people at a young age for technology and help to raise awareness for modern education concepts.” The focus is on projects and initiatives in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural science and technology. The target group is all age groups from kindergarten to pupils and students at colleges and universities.

There is also special emphasis to get girls and women interested in technical jobs. Since 2014, Infineon managed to reach about 20,000 children, teenagers and students with various projects.

The company gives strong impulses to highlight the appealing career opportunities for skilled workers in the field of technology.

With its 3,500 staff, Infineon secures about 12,000 jobs in ­Austria’s national economy.

The scientific cooperation with Austrian universities is supported with four endowed professorships (two are co-financed by the Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology). In 2014, the company installed for the first time an endowed chair for high-performance electronics at the Faculty for Technical Sciences at the University of Innsbruck. Furthermore, Infineon has been

Highly committed to education The combination of international orientation based on strong regional ties is a recipe for success among industrial flagship companies. They are always at the heart of a tight social net-

World Champion Austria Systemic Relevance

Credit: Henkel

The Henkel headquarters in Vienna is responsible for 32 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

subsidising significantly the International Day Care Center for children in Villach; it is a public nursery with an innovative pedagogic concept and a focus on technology and nature sciences.

Research on an international top level The research location Austria would not be on the same level it is today in many areas, if it were not for the achievements of the flagship companies. The close cooperation between the companies and research facilities has created many an internationally renowned innovation. Infineon and Boehringer Ingelheim are ranked first and third among Austria’s most research-oriented companies. Together, they invest more than 750 million euros per year into research and development.

Just the Boehringer Ingelheim Regional Center Vienna (RCV) puts about 200 million euros of its 1.7 billion euros annual macro­ economic turnover into research. On top of that, the company spends 20 million euros per year on the Institute for Molecular Pathology (IMP). Boehringer Ingelheim supports this centre for fundamental research as the biggest donor and sole shareholder but refrains from influencing its projects and fields of research.

At the moment, about 200 scientists work on the fundamentals of molecular biology.

“As a family-owned pharmaceutical company we can afford to support fundamental research that may only contribute to the development of new medication in the long run,” explains

­ hristian Fechner, CFO at Boehringer Ingelheim RCV. The comC pany is currently increasing its commitment to the Institute for Molecular Pathology and invests about 50 million euros into the construction of a new home for the research facility. Boehringer Ingelheim RCV is responsible for the business field of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and veterinary drugs on the Austrian market plus more than 30 countries in Central and ­ ­Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Israel.

From 2017 onwards, the company’s location in Vienna-Meidling will be expanded and by 2021, a bio-pharmaceutical production plant and its service buildings will be erected on the premises and the area south of it. This will be the largest single investment ever in the history of Boehringer Ingelheim with a volume of more than 500 million euros. “The management’s decision to also produce in Vienna with cell culture technology is a sign of confidence and secures the location and the jobs in the long run,” says RCV Director General Philipp von Lattorff. In the business year 2015, the Regional Center Vienna achieved a total revenue of 760 million euros and employed 3,400 people in Central and Eastern Europe, thereof 1,500 in Austria.

Production location Austria A key aspect of all these flagship companies is that they produce in Austria on a large industrial scale. Producing flagship companies have a particular significance for the national economy: They

Credit: Architekt Podsedensek ZT

28_29

Vienna is the headquarters for cancer research and a location for bio-pharmaceutical research, development and production within the Boehringer-Ingelheim corporation, which is among the pharmaceutical companies with the highest expenditure for research in Austria.

are the source of high-end research and development because they usually make highly complex interdisciplinary products. In order to achieve this, they need staff with high qualifications on the one hand and have a high appeal on other areas, in particular the service sector. At the same time, they are forced to pursue constant innovation and thus do not only secure their competitiveness within their own sector but also across the entire value added chain for the business location Austria as a whole.

A producing flagship company that has stood by its traditional location since 1927, is Henkel CEE. The parent company of brand products makes in its factory in Vienna-Landstraße, among other things, an amount of its premium washing powder Persil that would suffice to clean 3.2 billion t-shirts. Günter Thumser, President of Henkel CEE, says: “With an annual production of almost 250,000 tonnes of washing and cleaning products we are

the world’s largest producer of liquid washing powder within the Henkel corporation.”

The company is investing ten million euros per year in the expansion and technological advancement of its Vienna location, also putting an emphasis on sustainability. Today, Henkel CEE uses 34 percent less water per tonne of produced goods than in 2010. During production, there is also 29 percent less waste than there was five years ago. The turnover amounts to more than 500 million euros and the macroeconomic turnover is at 984 million euros. Henkel CEE is responsible for an added value of 322 million euros and is thus a significant economic factor in Austria’s capital.

Thumser adds: “We export about 86 percent of our production volume to twenty countries. In autumn 2016, we will put the 11th production line, which will serve the production of a new fabric softener, into operation.”

World Champion Austria Systemic Relevance

Credit: ABB

ABB is an Austrian flagship company and has expanded its operation in Wiener Neudorf considerably.

Super technicians The leading energy and automation technology company ABB has its core competences in Industry 4.0 (and general automation solutions for industrial businesses), smart grids, power generation with the focus on hydropower, building automation and electric mobility with the emphasis on quick charging stations.

Its presence in Austria is also somewhat remarkable. The companies of the ABB Group operate in about 100 countries and employ around 135,000 people. The flagship company has sold more than 100 high-speed charging stations in Austria, for example, and is the domestic market leader in this field. “The growing sales figures in this fairly young sector, the positive market trends and a better legal framework are a clear sign of the growing relevance of e-mobility. They speak for our pioneering work in this area,” says ABB boss Franz Chalupecky. “Being the market leader both in Austria and in Europe, shows that our solutions meet the high demands in reliability, quickness and comfort.”

Austria has the best prerequisites for electric mobility as the majority of power is generated from renewable energies already today. There is another flagship company, which has been betting for years on electric mobility and operates projects and programmes in this field: Verbund, Austria’s largest electricity company, which generates about 95 percent of its power from renew-

able energies. “Electricity from renewable energies is tomorrow’s fuel,” says Verbund boss Wolfgang Anzengruber. “E-mobility helps us to realise the vision of emission-free individual traffic, cities without exhaust fumes and noise and smart homes in which self-generated and flexibly stored electricity fuels your electric car.”

More on e-mobility on pages 54–57.

But back to ABB and its activities as a flagship company: ­Recently, the company expanded its location in Wiener Neudorf and erected an almost 2,200 sqm big and eleven metres tall assembling hall for robots with an integrated measuring and ­ control technology workshop, and a three-storey office building.

“Our improved premises combine our know-how in the entire industrial value added chain such as controls, engines, powertrains, robots and quick charging stations for electric cars, offering a high-quality and innovative product portfolio and quick, reliable services,” Chalupecky says.

The Province of Lower Austria appreciates this: During the groundbreaking ceremony in March 2016, Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs Petra Bohuslav and Wiener Neudorfs Mayor Herbert Janschka were thrilled by the new ABB building. It meets the latest standards, is accessible to all people and uses highly resource- and energy-efficient building technology. This is main-

Credit: APG

30_31

Ulrike Baumgartner-Gabitzer, Chairman of the Board at Austrian Power Grid.

ly done with the help from in-house products such as the ABB i-bus KNX, which ensures efficient energy use thanks to smart and connected controls of room and building installations such as lighting, sunblinds, heating, air conditioning and ventilation. The main distribution board, sub-distribution boxes, power circuit breakers, the line protection and residual-current devices also come from ABB. Drive-ups, parking spaces, offices, bathrooms and the office building’s elevators are accessible to people with special needs. On top of that, rainwater can run through green absorbing wells into the soil.

The network experts The public does not know as much about Austrian Power Grid (APG) as it does about other flagship companies, despite the company being essential for Austria and its economy. The independent transmission operator (ITO) operated the domestic ­power grid on a high voltage level. The grid of the unbundled Verbund subsidiary is 3,500 kilometers long. “We are responsible for Austria’s inter-region electricity transmission,” explains ­Chairman of the Board Ulrike Baumgartner-Gabitzer in an interview with “World Champion Austria”. The reason is simple: The grids of local energy providers such as EVN, Wien Energie and

Salzburg AG are physically not connected. That means, they can exchange electricity in their grids – the so-called distribution networks – only through the grid of Austrian Power Grid. And this is also APGs main task: Supplying the energy grids in the provinces.

Furthermore, Austrian Power Grid operates the electricity connections to Austria’s neighbouring countries and is thus ­responsible for Austria’s access to the European electricity market. The company has safeguarded 2,400 megawatts of thermal power for the critical summer months May to September 2016 and already for 2017. “This amounts to three times as much power as last time around,” Baumgartner-Gabitzer says. This strategic power reserve can cover expected critical network moments, ensure the grid’s stability and thus secures the power supply for the summer months. After all, the burden on the transmission networks in Europe went up significantly over the last few years, mainly because of the German energy revolution. But electricity cannot be stored in large amounts. Therefore, the amount of ­energy that is generated and consumed has to be the same in every second. APG matches the European power trading deals (amount supplied and delivery date) with the consumption and the available transmission capacities and thus guarantees the permanent balance between generation and consumption. “We have the final responsibility for the consistent and error-free ­power supply in Austria,” Baumgartner-Gabitzer says.

All this requires investments that benefit the country itself: APGs current network development plan speaks of more than two billion euros being needed by 2026. This money is necessary to renew and improve existing lines and transformer stations, which sometimes date back to the 1950s and 1960s.

Furthermore, new constructions (lines and transformer stations) will be necessary due to changes in the power generation structure, in particular due to the heavily subsidised addition of wind power and photovoltaics plants. The eco-power analysis, which Austrian Power Grid makes for all of Austria, is also gaining in significance. “This service is becoming more and more important due to the increasing share in wind power and photovoltaics in the entire power generation,” Baumgartner-Gabitzer concludes. ◆

World Champion Austria Business Oscar

Unlimited Opportunities EV Group, Steyr Motors and Skidata are the winners of the Business ­Oscars 2016, an award for top achievements of Austrian companies in the United States. They proved their strength in the world’s most ­demanding and competitive market.

2016 was a record year for Austro-American business relations: For the first time, the United States had become Austria’s s­ econdmost-important export market (the US has already been the largest overseas partner for a long time).

The aim of the USABizAward, the so-called Business Oscars, is to highlight the excellent and often unknown achievements of Austrian companies on the ultra-competitive US market. In 2016, it was awarded for the sixth time by the Foreign Trade Center Los Angeles of Advantage Austria – for innovation, for excellence in market cultivation and market presence.

And the USABizAward 2016 goes to…

Innovative!

EV Group from St. Florian am Inn is the technology and market leader in precision plants for the manufacture of semiconductors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), compound semiconductors, power devices and nanotechnology devices. EVG plants are producing for example modules for renowned smartphone manufacturers. Every four seconds a bonded wafer leaves a bonding module in an EVG plant. The company was awarded for being the “Supplier of the Year” at the MEMS & Sensor Innovation Award in California; about a quarter of the global turnover is generated in North America.

Also nominated for the Business Oscar: AMS AG, the number one in light sensors, and SamXtec Animal Care Sales GmbH, market leader in the collection of body data in dairy cows.

Spectacular!

The Upper Austrian specialist in Diesel engines Steyr Motors managed to win a tender in the highly competitive US defence

sector to equip 400 patrol boats in the US Navy. Innovation was the company’s big selling point: An engine start without ­water-cooling, a hybrid engine, immediate operational readiness and an easy to use dashboard. The high tech motors can run on various fuels and are also in demand in the commercial sector.

The other nominee was Head Sport GmbH, who was the manu­facturers champion at the Skiing World Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek: Most medals were won on Head skis.

Market penetration!

Salzburg-based technology leader Skidata is the number one in the United States when it comes to access systems in several areas such as car parks, airports and ski lifts. 25 loyalty solutions were installed at top US sports teams in the National Football League, the National Hockey League and the National Basketball League. Furthermore, the company was awarded the tenders for parking access systems at the airports in Sacramento, Orlando and Dallas as well as renowned ski resorts. In order to strengthen its market position, Skidata bought two US companies and 3M’s parking technology, and opened a research and development centre in Dallas, Texas. The number of US employees tripled to almost 200 staff and turnover on the US market grew by 150 percent.

The other nominees: Hans Künz GmbH became the US market leader in the field of intermodal cranes, and Bachmann Electronic GmbH achieved a US market share of almost 50 percent with its controls for wind power plants.

Wind power boom leads to world-class performances More than 20,000 wind power plants in the United States

Credit: EV Group

32_33

EV Group is globally successful with its precision plants for semiconductors, microsystem technology and nanotechnology devices.

have already been fitted with controls by Bachmann Electronic GmbH. In 2015, the company received its largest single order from E.ON for monitoring wind turbines, and more than a thousand wind turbines were equipped with CM systems. ­ Bachmann won the Excellence Award at the Wind Energy ­ ­Operations & Maintenance Summit in Dallas for the best tech­ nological innovation, the controller retrofit solution for wind power plants. Wind turbines and wind parks in the United States are telemonitored by the headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts.

In the past decade, 128 billion US-Dollars were invested in US wind power projects, creating 88,000 jobs in this sector; wind power technicians are one of the fastest growing type of jobs.

And wind power costs decreased by two thirds in the last six years. This dynamic development in the wind power sector is favoured by the Congress’ prolongation of tax reliefs. “Austrian suppliers of innovative wind power solutions will continue to benefit from the good atmosphere in the US wind power sector,” says the Austrian Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles, Rudolf Thaler. “Servicing existing plants is also turning into an attractive business segment.”

Innovations for the movies In early June 2016, the Paramount Picture Studios in Hollywood hosted the Cine Gear Expo 2016. Austrian businesses and their movie innovations were in high demand: Viennese company Cmotion is a regular exhibitor and well known in Hollywood’s movie industry for its smart lens control systems. The tiny motor

box for lens controls, the display and the laser-based distance measurement equipment garnered a lot of interest. Cmotion has a subsidiary in Hollywood and used the fair to cultivate its network of contacts.

Dynamic Perspective GmbH participated for the first time and aimed to gain a foothold in the US movie market with the cinema version of a professional camera stabilising system. The company presented the first ultralight aircraft with the five-axle highend Cimbal DynaX5, which is significantly cheaper to use than a ­helicopter. Compare to a drone, the gyrocopter can fly for longer and carry cine cameras that can zoom pictures from a distance of up to a kilometre. The Viennese company also steadied its foothold in the US movie market by contracting a service partner in Los Angeles.

Lower Austrian Easyfocus GmbH showed its high-precise distance measurement equipment that revolutionises refocusing.

The Easyfocus system takes crystal clear pictures at the first take even during the hardest shots such as car chases, making it an important equipment for every focus puller. “On top of that, there are a number of Austrian movie innovations that are used in the US by Hollywood studios,” confirms Trade Commissioner Rudolf Thaler – for example micro cameras, software for movie and ­video restoration, fast video encoding systems, streaming systems and the smallest professional 4K 360 degrees Virtual Reality cameras.

“Innovations, highest reliability and a presence on location are a prerequisite in Hollywood’s highly competitive movie business.

Having success in Hollywood has a strong PR effect in other ­markets,” Thaler concludes. ◆

World Champion Austria Hospitality

The world-class Austria House Austria can present its strengths as a business location to Brazil, the 200 million strong host of the Olympic Games, and thus the entire world.

Credit: Be Peppa

Eastern Europe, but increasingly also to Western Europe, Asia The first five containers with about 50 tonnes of material for the and Africa.”

Austria House were shipped in early June, two months before the opening of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Construction Traditional meeting point began in early July and will be finished before the opening cereDuring Olympic Games, the Austria House has traditionally almony on August 4th. “We found the ideal location for our house ways been a meeting point of Austrian athletes, staff, journalists on the premises of football club FR Botafogo in Rio,” explains Karl and representatives from tourism, economy and politics. The first Stoss, President of the Austrian Olympic Committee (ÖOC). He Austria House was opened in 1984 for the Olympic Winter Games expects “to break the record attendance of the games in London in Sarajevo. Since the 2012 Summer Games in London the House with 45.000 people,” because “tourists will pass the house on the is also open to the public. There, 45,000 people came; in Sochi way to the Christ the Redeemer Statue and the Sugarloaf Moun(Olympic Winter Games 2014) a respectable 30,000 turned up tain.” despite the freezing temperatures. “The Olympic Games are an David Bachmann, head of marketing at Advantage Austria of excellent showcase to present Austria to a global audience,” the Austrian Economic Chamber, sees the Austria House as a confirms Petra Stolba, Managing Director at the official marketing networking hub: “During Olympic Games we have the opportuorganisation Österreich Werbung. nity to present Austria as a business location and our economy The Austria House will feato the 200 million people living in ture a baker’s shop with four Brazil and the entire world.” master bakers from the Upper South America may be always Austrian family business Backsubject to economic fluctuations aldrin. Every day, they will make but at the moment the entry 5,000 loaves of bread and pascosts for new exporters and intries. Caterer Ernst Seidl brought vestors are low. “In the long run a 26-strong team that includes our companies still have many decorated chef Matthias Seidel opportunities in South America, and Barman of the Year Kenny in particular when it comes to Klein. They will serve Austrian modernising the industry and specialities such as Tafelspitz, the infrastructure, and in the Schnitzel and Kaiser­schmarrn – energy sector. In Brazil, Austria is considered a hub for interna- David Bachmann (Austrian Economic Chamber), Petra Stolba (Österreich Werbung), and of course a selection of low-calorie dishes. u tionalising its economy towards Karl Stoss (ÖOC), Wolfgang Mayer (Backaldrin) and Peter Mennel (ÖOC).

World Champion Austria

34_35

Companies introduce themselves

CHECK RECHECK SIMACEK Happy customers are our most important asset!

SIMACEK provides excellent operative services and offers exceptional quality, service and security in all areas of business. What started in 1942 in Vienna, is now a company present throughout Europe, which continues to grow and change with the inter­ national service sector. As one of the largest complete service suppliers for infrastructural facility services, SIMACEK offers everything from cleaning and supervision to company catering, laundry services and sanitary products through to pest control and pigeon defences as well as providing personnel, post room services and industrial services.

We know that customer relations depend on our staff’s attitude.

Therefore, we go by the motto “Excellent work creates excellent services”. CHECK RECHECK is more to us than just an advertising slogan and reflects our attitude. We assure quality and customer satisfaction – CHECK-RECHECK-SIMACEK. Our company wants to keep impressing in 2017 with this aspiration. Apart from internal factory logistics, SIMACEK takes care of the entire stock

Facts & Figures 2016/17 Employees in Austria: Employees worldwide:

4,900 6,900

Revenues in Austria:

forecast 173 mln Euros

Revenues worldwide:

forecast 187 mln Euros

Social projects:

35

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, WEISS Golden Label Seal, EMAS, ONR 192500, Nestor Gold, Audit “business and family” Ignaz-Köck-Straße 8, A-1210 Vienna, Austria Tel.: +43(1)211 66-0

“Sustainability is the tool for our service quality. Our customers’ satisfaction is our drive.”

URSULA SIMACEK

management at industrial companies. We can also manage entire buildings or real estate in Austria and abroad thanks to our sophisticated facility management concepts. That includes ­ ­advanced waste management und cleaning services that exceed the usual maintenance and cleaning services in order to maintain real estate. The main task is to watch the client’s back so he can fully concentrate on his core business. Basic and special cleaning is done exclusively by SIMACEK experts with professional equipment. SIMACEK services include the cleaning of escalators, facades and glass fronts, using the extensive knowledge of ­ ­in-house high-rise experts. “Our almost 7,000-strong staff fights for our clients’ satisfaction 24/7,” as Ursula Simacek puts the company’s philosophy. The dynamic entrepreneur is the third generation of her family to run the business.

Website: www.simacek.com CHECK RECHECK SIMACEK Our name stands for quality, safety and satisfaction for people and buildings in more than 40 cities across Europe.

Innovation through sustainable concepts SIMACEK’s strategy of sustainability puts emphasis on health, education and demographic fitness. Thanks to comprehensive programmes for work in accordance with staff’s phase of life, the company has received the State Prize for its family-friendly and age-appropriate personnel policy. The new integrated sustainable management approach of ONR 192500 based on ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility Guidance Standard) already saw a re-certification in 2016 that clearly shows the course we set.

World Champion Austria Cosmic Business

Space remains a promising Market Austrian companies and research facilities are active in outer space research and business thanks to their high competitiveness.

Credit: Ian Shazell

At the turn of the millennium, not even a dozen Austrian companies operated in the space travel sector – today there are about 100 businesses and institutions with more than one thousand employees. In the year 2016, there is hardly a space mission that doesn’t use technology from the “Space Nation Austria”. China wants to send entangled photons from space to Earth for the first time and with the help from Austrian physicists. A mini satellite from Austria was launched and the probes “Insight” and “Rosetta” use Austrian technology.

Quantum physicists around Anton Zeilinger from the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) are transmitting entangled photons over larger and larger distances. The record is at 144 kilometres between two Canary Islands. It will be hardly possible to increase the distance on our planet as the Earth’s atmosphere interferes with the light signals. For larger distances, the researchers will need to use satellites so the photons move through a vacuum for the most part without getting interference from the atmosphere. Therefore, Zeilinger had signed a contract for a ­satellite project with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2010.

The Chinese satellite “Quantum Experiments at Space Scale” will most likely have been launched when you read these lines. It includes an experiment designed by Viennese physicists to send entangled photons from a ­polar orbit in 600 to 800 kilometres height to ground sta-

tions in Vienna and China that can detect single photons. At the time of printing, the Austrian satellite “Pegasus” was expected to launch as part of a 50 mini satellites strong network called QB50 to explore the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Inside Mars The launch of the NASA mission “Insight” with participation of the Space Research Institute (IWF) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences has been postponed though. The probe’s mission will be the exploration of Mars underneath the planet’s surface. The Space Research Institute helps with the scientific analysis of the HP3 instrument, a kind of “mole” that will dig five metres deep into the ground.

The “Rosetta” mission will come to a spectacular end in ­September 2016. The “Philae” lander was already dispatched from “Rosetta” in November 2014 and landed as the first device ever on a comet – even though the landing wasn’t as smooth as expected. At the end of the mission, the mother probe “Rosetta” will now approach the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko, land

At the end of its mission ESA probe “Rosetta” will land on the surface of the Churyumov-Gerasimenko Comet in September 2016.

36_37

Credit: CC BY 3.0 de

Landing on comet ChuryumovGerasimenko (artist’s impression).

on its surface and transmit pictures and data for as long as ­possible.

Commercial aspects The Space Tech Conference & Expo at the end of May 2016 in Californian Pasadena showed the rapid technological progress in the space industry and that space innovations come more and more from the private sector instead of government institutions.

Apart from space giants such as Airbus, Boeing, Northop ­Grumman, NASA, Jet Propulsion Lab, Space X and Orbital ATK there was also Viennese company TTTech Computertechnik among the 230 exhibitors, using the event for networking.

TTTech is the leading supplier in highly reliable, time-controlled network solutions and has supported the development of the Orion Onboard Data Network in cooperation with NASA. It is a decisive element for complex system architecture in manned spaceflight. Thanks to the Internet of Things there are new fields of application in space travel and thus new business opportunities for the winner of the Austrian Business Oscar. TTTech ­supplied the backbone TTethernet for the entire network of onboard avionics of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) during the NASA Orion test flight.

“The space industry is looking for cross-sector solutions to master the future technological challenges,” says Rudolf Thaler, Austrian Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles. “Hot topics are at the moment for example cyber security, robotics, rocket propulsion, mini satellites and the multiple use of rockets. The idea is to re-use them like aeroplanes and thus save on launch costs dramatically.” 3D printing is also becoming a cost-efficient tool in space travel. Highly complex rocket parts are already constructed with this technology. Northrop Grumman tested the first flying

3D printer and Airbus will begin the first 3D mass production of small satellites in Florida.

The launch costs of satellites the size of a shoe box have become affordable to small companies thanks to private suppliers, and thus the market is booming. The analysis of pictures and weather data, for example, has the potential to become a big business. Californian company Spire e.g., owned by Austrian Peter Platzer, is regularly launching small satellites to analyse weather data. Thaler says: “The space industry is developing quickly and thus there are new opportunities both for established aerospace companies and innovative start-ups from various sectors. The best networking platforms are conferences and ­ ­expos – the space industry has the potential to become a multibillion business. It offers established and new Austrian com­ panies the chance to make a name for themselves with inno­ vations.” u

The cosmic jubilee The Austrian space year of 2016 is rounded off by a jubilee: A quarter of a century ago – from 2nd to 10th October 1991 – Franz Viehböck was the first and so far only Austrian in space. During the “Austromir” project, Viehböck took part in 15 experiments aboard the Russian space station Mir. To celebrate this, Viehböck is inviting fellow astronauts to Vienna, organising a congress of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) with help from the Austrian Space Forum.

About 100 astronauts and cosmonauts will meet pupils, students and representatives from politics, economy and science.

World Champion Austria Cosmic Technologies

Hotspot for Space Travel Medical technology for use in space from Wiener Neustadt will soon be used on board the International Space Station ISS.

current space missions as a technology supplier. That way, our graduates will find exciting jobs in the future.” One highlight of the education programme is the planned Technopol Rocket. Students at the college will design a rocket and use technologies from the research facilities of the Technology and Research Centre Wiener Neustadt.

At FOTEC, researchers are currently trying to figure out whether moon or Mars dust can be used to operate 3D printers.

The goal is to make components and tools in space to save weight and thus costs at the launch of rockets and satellites.

Material testing and metal coating ESA is using the high standards and know-how of the high-tech company Aerospace & Advanced Composites, located at the Technology and Research Centre, for specific material testing. Managing Director Norbert Gamsjäger says: “Current material testing of components for space travel

Credit: NLK Reinberger

Lower Austria has established itself successfully as an attractive and modern technology and research location. The Technopol Wiener Neustadt has become an internationally recognised centre for the international space industry. The research facilities are cooperating with institutions such as NASA and the European Space Agency, and current space missions are equipped with technology from Lower Austria (e.g. through RUAG Space Austria).

Our cosmos is present on many levels at the Technopol Wiener Neustadt: The activities reach from academic education at a college, research and development facilities to cooperation projects with national and international top players such as NASA or ESA. Companies such as Airbus or the Thales Group also make use of the expert knowledge from Wiener Neustadt.

Carsten Scharlemann, head of the university course “Aerospace Engineering” at the Wiener Neustadt College puts the focus on current projects for high-tech companies and calls for the highest standards in quality: “The close cooperation of research at the college’s research society, FOTEC, and the education at the college allows us to take part in

Max Kowatsch (RUAG Space Austria), ­Lower Austrian MP Petra Bohuslav and Norbert Gamsjäger (Aerospace & ­Advanced Composites).

38_39

that are made by additive layer manufacturing – colloquially called 3D printing – shows the high potential of this technology.

It is a technology that is becoming available for more and more different sectors. Austrian companies from the metal and the processing industries in particular can benefit from this.”

One man who is particularly fond of the Austrian space industry is the managing director of RUAG Space Austria, Max ­Kowatsch. He also acts as the President of the Society for the Promotion of the Austrian Space Industry: “Due to the rising demand in staff in the space industry, the college in Wiener ­ ­Neustadt is massively gaining in importance. The rising time pressure in research and development increases the significance of cooperation projects with local companies such as FOTEC, AAC and AIT in Seibersdorf. The space industry finds in them competent and reliable partners that we can use in the long term as projects often take ten years and longer.”

The Competence Centre for Electrochemical Surface Tech­ nologies CEST is also active in the space industry. For example, it developed the design and production of copper metal coating on a carbon fibre compound material, using the latest environment-friendly pre-treatment methods. That way, there is no more need for carcinogenic chrome compounds.

Medical technology for use aboard the ISS A research team from the Austrian Institute of Technology AIT at the Technopol Wiener Neustadt has developed a technology for the analysis of the blood pressure wave, and the first tests in zero gravity were very successful. Based on the results of these tests, which were conducted with the German Aerospace Centre and the Medical School Hanover, this new technology is projected for use aboard the International Space Station. The effects of longer stays in zero gravity on the human body and, in particular, the cardiovascular system will be evaluated with help of the AIT’s technology as part of the Russian flight experiment Cardiovector.

Credit: JPL/NASA

The Mars mission “Insight” (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, artistic impression).

“Wiener Neustadt has become a centre for international ­science thanks to the Technopol, enjoying recognition all around the world,” says Mayor Klaus Schneeberger. “This impressive achievement shows that it pays off to offer 500 scientists from 20 countries the best-possible environment at the Technopol Wiener Neustadt.” 14 years ago, the team of the AIT department Biomedical Systems began its research in the field of central blood pressure and pulse wave, i.e. the blood pressure during cardiac action, at the Technopol Wiener Neustadt. “As a result of our work it is today possible to determine blood pressure directly by the heart in a non-invasive way and the arterial vascular attributes,” explains Manfred Bammer, head of the department. “This technology is already globally available for early detection of cardiovascular risk factors. Using it in zero gravity is an exciting new challenge.”

During research and development for space travel, there are every now then “hard-earned coincidences,” where many companies from completely different sectors can benefit from the experiences and projects of the experts in Wiener Neustadt. For example, know-how from space propulsion systems optimised jets for the heating of gas-heated sheet metal. The result was a significant reduction in gas used, and thus energy and money. ◆

World Champion Austria Solar Technology

Solar Panels for the Expo Amstetten-based company Ertex Solar won the tender for the photo­ voltaics roof of the main building at the Expo 2017 in Kazakhstan.

Credit: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

number of cells, and therefore About five million people from combine aesthetics with solar all over the world are expected energy generation. to visit the Expo 2017 in “We produce 380 individuAstana. Befitting the official ­ ally constructed elements for theme “Future Energy”, the the Expo, which only have to 25 hectares big Expo area will be mounted on location. They be run completely on wind and will generate 40 kilowatts of solar energy. The main buildpower,” Moor explains. “This ing and centrepiece of the Ertex Solar produces 380 individually constructed elements for the spherical building, allows for the lighting of the exhibition complex is an 80 ­ which only have to be mounted on location. entire main building indemetres high, spherical, paned pendently from other energy sources.” steel construction with integrated wind turbines, called the In the past decade, Ertex Solar implemented more than 1,000 ­Kazakh Pavilion. Globally operating company Ertex Solar from projects according to individual wishes of architects and building Lower Austria won the tender for the 1,500 sqm big solar panels owners. u of the main building.

The world’s leading specialist for the production and sales of solar panels sees this as a clear sign for its success with specialist solutions in this field. “After a decline in orders over the past Glass and sun few years the domestic solar technology sector experiences a Ertex Solar combines photovoltaics with 60 years of expericlear trend reversal. We ascribe this in particular to the individuence in the glassmaking industry. It is a subsidiary of the al s­ olutions that Austrian providers offer, which allow architects Lower Austrian Ertl Group, which employs 700 people and a higher flexibility and freedom of design compared to Asian has glass production sites in Austria, the Czech Republic standard products,” says Dieter Moor, Managing Director at Ertex and Slovenia. ­Solar.

The company was founded in 2004 in Amstetten and has sales partners on all five continents. It is among the world’s Individuality and freedom of design leading specialists for the production and sales of solar panThe Amstetten-based company prevailed in competition with five els. Ertex Solar sees itself foremost as a partner of architects international suppliers for equipping the Expo main building. The and building owners who want to integrate individually project’s challenges lie foremost in the geometry and the configconstructed photovoltaics in the building envelope. uration of the different solar cells of the spherical building. The newly designed solar panels are unique in their form, size and

World Champion Austria

40_41

Companies introduce themselves

The EXPO lets Kazakhstan ­blossom About 100 countries and international organisations will participate in the next world’s fair 2017 in Kazakhstan. The country and its guests will benefit strongly from the EXPO in Astana and its official theme ­“Future Energy”.

Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth largest country, is led by President Nursultan Nazarbayev since its independence in 1991. Thanks to his initiative, Kazakhstan held the OSCE chairmanship in 2010, hosted the Asian Winter Games in 2011 and now the EXPO 2017.

The country is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and has a partner treaty in place with the European Union to open the country for tourism, among other things. “90 percent of our trade is done with other WTO countries,” President Nazarbayev says.

Measured by the gross domestic product, Kazakhstan’s economy is Central Asia’s fourth largest economy. Especially since the turn of the millennium, there has been a clear upwards trend: The economy grew since 1999 by 9.3 percent (!) on average. In Central Asia, Kazakhstan stands out as a role model for transition economy and leaves all other countries in the region in its trail. The country’s economic situation keeps on improving and President Nazarbayev increasingly promotes foreign direct investments. At the World Economic Forum 2016 in Davos Kazakhstan increased its efforts to attract investments; the low oil price is an ideal precondition.

Going by the motto “With brains, heart and brawns”, Austria is presenting a creative kaleidoscope of participative solutions for global energy and environment issues at the world’s fair in Kazakhstan. About 20 installations show ingenuity, creativity and consequence from Austria and make the complex topic that is energy understandable in a playful and non-verbal way. The Austrian participation takes place with a total budget of 4.8 million euros that come from the Federal Ministry for Science, Research und Economy and the Austrian Economic Chamber. https://expo2017astana.com/en www.expoaustria.at

The EXPO shows Kazakhstan’s creative potential Kazakhstan has large reserves of crude oil, natural gas, black coal, tin, uranium, lead, zinc, bauxite, iron, gold, silver, phosphor, ­manganese, copper and agricultural raw materials such as crops (mainly wheat). The EXPO is seen as a great opportunity for the country to further its economic development. The official theme “Future Energy” with its three main topics “Reducing CO2 Emissions”, “Living Energy Efficiency” and “Energy for all” will help to raise awareness for energy in Kazakhstan ­ and the entire world. The country aims to build more than 100 new wind parks, solar and photo­ voltaics power plants by 2020. Kazakhstan wants to increase its share of renewable energies significantly: The goal is to achieve five percent of the total power generation by 2050.

“The world’s fair is a signal to people, organisations and nations across borders to work together on the global challenges of the future,” says President Nazarbayev. Up to five million visitors from all over the world are expected between 10 June and 10 September 2017. The EXPO will give an extraordinary strong impulse to the economy’s system diversification and bring technological advancement, Nazarbayev stresses. The infrastructure in Astana and the entire country will further improve strongly – this also affects the development of the middle class and of SMEs, of tourism and the service sector in general. After the fair, the unique buildings in Astana will be turned into an innovative ­financial centre and the Nazarbayev University.

The EXPO 2017 is thus a unique opportunity for the entire ­country and will “make Kazakhstan blossom”.

© Pixhunter

Best of AustriA: INNOvATIvE IN THE COUNTRY. SUCCESSFUL IN THE WORLD.

AUSTRIAN ENTERPRISES– GLOBALLY PRESENT stABLe sALes MArKets Are tHe Best Bet for A BriGHt future iN A stroNG AND CrisisProof eCoNoMY. tHe NeW iNitiAtiVe ‘Best of AustriA’ of tHe AustriAN feDerAL MiNistrY of AGriCuLture, forestrY, eNViroNMeNt AND WAter MANAGeMeNt AttrACts eVeN More AtteNtioN to AustriAN eXCeLLeNCe - iN AustriA As WeLL As ABroAD.

The sustainable internationalisation campaign ‘Best of Austria’ of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW) throws the spotlight on top achievements of Austrian companies and enterprises. Moreover, the initiative aims at strengthening Austria as a business hub.

FROM THE REGION FOR THE REGION INTO THE WORLD Austria has unique products, services and innovative ideas to offer the world – from

and environmental technologies as early as 2015, particularly in East Asia.

premium food all the way to our global role as a pioneer in environmental technologies.

In this way the enthusiasm of Austrian enterprises for innovation and exports is further enhanced. ‘Best of Austria’ puts extraordinary achievements and innovations in focus and offers even small enterprises a huge stage.

The motto that counts is: From the region for the region into the world.

Despite the Russian ban on food imports from the EU, the high level of exports has been maintained. Agricultural and food exports to China increased as much as seven-fold over the past four years. 2016 saw a continuation of Austria’s track record with ‘Best of Austria’.

NEW MARKETS FOR QUALITY PRODUCTS New markets were opened for Austrian food

The country is set to break the 10-billion-euro mark in agricultural and food exports in the next few years.

Did you know that… ... every 2nd litre of milk produced in Austria is being exported?

Join the Best of Austria Community!

facebo .com / bmlfuwbestok ofaustria #bestofaustria www.bestofaus tria.at

... ⅔ of Austrian environmental technologies are being exported? ... exports in the agricultural sector mainly go to Germany, Japan and South Korea? ... Austria is Europe’s number 1 at recycling? ... 1 out of 4 passive houses built worldwide is located in Austria? ... ⅓ of Austria’s total energy comes from renewable resources? ... Austria is the European Champion when it comes to organic farming?

at recycling?

STEADILY INCREASING EXPORT DEVELOPMENT For many producers, foreign exports are enormously important: nearly every second litre of milk is shipped out of the country, for example. Austrian wines, too, are much in demand around the world. Over the past decade, the export value of Austrian wines has risen by around 80 percent.

the Austrian Chamber of Agriculture and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) have jointly set up an export office.

Implementation of the office has been ongoing since the beginning of January 2016. It supports enterprises and organisations in their export activities.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BML- More information available online under FUW), the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), www.bestofaustria.at

www.bmlfuw.gv.at

Entgeltliche Einschaltung des BMLFUW

No. 1

© BMLFUW / Alexander Haiden

... Austria is Europe’s

World Champion Austria Start-ups

Tomorrow’s World Champions Green business ideas: An overview of great greenstarters who could soon be ready for the market.

A lifestyle drink from algae, CO2-neutral shipping across Europe and mushrooms that grow on coffee grounds: These are just some of the innovative ideas that had success at the green start-up initiative 2016 of the Climate and Energy Fund in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.

In March 2016, the ten best ideas, selected by an international expert panel, were presented at the Greenstart event in Vienna and will receive individual coaching and workshops by Impact Hub Vienna for the next six months. There, business plans are drawn up and existing ones are developed further. In autumn, these projects will be re-evaluated: This time, the panel’s opinion will see the results of a public online voting added. At the end of 2016, the top three start-ups will receive an award and 15.000 euros starting capital at a gala dinner. World Champion Austria introduces the top ten greenstarters 2016:

cannons are unable to do. In turn, these crystals create larger snowflakes, which have all the attributes of natural snow. The new snow is soft and light, and not as icy as regular artificial snow often seems to be. Furthermore, less water and energy is needed to make snow, resulting in better environmental protection for the sensitive Alpine regions.

Fully independent Wohnwagon develops self-sufficient living units and supports people in their quest for a self-determined, independent lifestyle.

“The Wohnwagon is a 25 sqm big, mobile unit that is fully independent from external infrastructure thanks to its water circulation and its special wood-solar-heating,” explains Wohnwagen boss Theresa Steininger. “Its sustainable, closed system shows the way we could live in the future.” The company’s next step is to modularise these independent systems and make them available for use in other applications.

Finally truly paperless Sinnup has developed a system to replace printed material such as manuals, brochures, invoices, catalogues and other documents, called “Produktunterlagen 4.0”. With the help of near field communication technology (NFC) and a smartphone, access to the desired documents is granted. These will be available in a selected language and are always kept up-to-date. Printed ­materials will no longer be necessary, resulting in a great economisation of resources.

Real snow “Neuschnee” is the world’s first machine that allows for the production of real snow crystals – something that regular snow

Consumers take centre OpenStrom develops and produces open hardware smart meters that allows users to measure their electricity consumption in detail. “Compared to regular commercial smart meters we put the focus not on the energy provider but on the consumer,” explains Matthias Zeitler. The meters can be used for a number of applications and can be easily implemented into ­ other projects. Users can also upgrade their meters without any hassle.

Bicycle couriers ImagineCargo offers revolutionary parcel delivery services in ­order to reduce emissions, traffic and a negative impact on the environment. Cargo planes, lorries and delivery trucks are

44_45

Credit: Andreas Scheiblecker for the Climate and Energy Fund

Top row: M. Unterwainig, Neuschnee; G. Pira and M. Hrobath, frischfisch; A. Niederl-Schmidinger, Helga; M. Zeitler, Open Strom; H. Pinter, Smart Farm; I. Höbarth, MD at Climate and Energy Fund; M. Bornbaum and F. Hofer, Hut & Stiel; Ch. Ebetshuber, Sinnup; F. Simon Kugi, ImagineCargo; M. Beiglböck, Nahgenuss.

Bottom row: ORF presenter M. Lang; U. Petritsch, Helga; Th. Steininger, Wohnwagon; B. Duh, ImagineCargo.

s­ ubstituted with high speed trains, cargo bicycles and bicycle couriers. ImagineCargo wants to create a pan-European network of bicycle courier firms to offer fast, reliable and sustainable ­parcel services.

Drinkable algae Helga is a new drink that is made from algae. The idea behind it: Algae need fewer resources to grow than land plants and cover a wide spectrum of human’s daily nutrition thanks to its numerous ingredients. “We want to raise awareness for algae as food and take away ­people’s scepticism towards algae,” says Renate Steger.

“Helga is the first product in this field and in the long run we want to offer more products.”

Fish in cycle Frischfisch plans to build and operate an aquaponics farm, a sustainable alternative to fishing, aquafarms and one-crop agriculture. Aquaponics is a method to grow vegetables and breed fish in a closed system and to make best use of the synergies between plants, animals and water. ­ The ­natural, ecological cycle including the utilisation of all chemicals involved is thus copied. That way, this form of breeding works completely without artificial fertilisers, additives for plants or drugs for the fish.

Viennese mushroom culture “Hut & Stiel” represents urban agriculture, using locally available resources and environment-

friendly processes. The project’s idea is to grow edible mushrooms on coffee grounds, a waste product with great ­potential.

The coffee grounds are collected by cargo bicycle in Viennese coffee houses, restaurants, hotels and retirement homes, taken to a cellar and turned into mushroom substrate. The grown mushrooms are then picked and delivered by bike or sold on markets. Short transportation routes ensure high ­quality and freshness.

Smart Farm – agriculture 5.0 At the moment, agricultural holdings are mostly ­dependent on fossil fuels. Smart Farm wants them to be self-sufficient when it comes to energy. Based on an energy and materials analysis, the company ­develops the right ecological and economical solution for each client individually, using a modular energy construction system. Apart from consultancy and concept development, Smart Farm also runs the project management during the implementation phase.

Eco-pigs Nahgenuss wants to create an online market place where eco-pig-farmers have the opportu­ nity to directly sell their animals as a whole.

The farmers create a profile and offer their pigs for sale. Up to four customers can chip in to buy a pig and get high-quality meat at affordable prices. The company wants both animals and the environment to benefit from ecological agriculture. ◆

World Champion Austria Tunnelling Know-how

World-class Tunnel The Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, at 57 km in length the longest railway tunnel in the world, opened officially on June 1, 2016.

Austrian companies contributed significantly to realising this project, e.g. with the world’s longest gas line in a tunnel.

Credit: Alptransit Gotthard AG, Getzner Werkstoffe

Up to 250 trains a day will travel through the Gotthard Base ­Tunnel in future, at maximum speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour. Completing the world’s largest railway tunnel project marks a decisive step towards establishing a new and more efficient railway connection between Switzerland and Italy.

The vibration protection that Getzner developed especially for the Gotthard Base Tunnel guarantees modern passenger comfort and little maintenance.

In order to realise this extensive engineering project, Swiss Railways SBB turned to Voestalpine’s railway technologies.

As the global market leader in turnouts and complete systems, Voestalpine VAE GmbH, based in Zeltweg, and a subsidiary of the Voestalpine Group’s Metal Engineering Division, supplied all 43 high-performance turnouts required for the project, ­including point operating, positioning, locking and monitoring systems. A total of around 18,000 tonnes of special heat-treated rails, each with a length of 120 metres, were delivered by the sister company Voestalpine Schienen GmbH, based in Leoben-­ Donawitz.

“The top speeds reached in the Gotthard Base Tunnel by both passenger and freight trains place particularly high demands on the quality of the track and turnout systems. By successfully concluding this major order, we are once again corroborating our global leadership position in railway technology,“ explains Franz Kainersdorfer, Member of the Management Board of Voestalpine AG and Head of the Metal Engineering Division. In addition to producing and supplying turnouts and rails, responsibilities of Voestalpine during the project also included comprehensive engineering work, qualification tests and documentation. The tracks running through the Gotthard Base Tunnel will be intensively tested over the coming months, with scheduled operation due to commence in December 2016.

Great vibration protection and less maintenance costs Voestalpine was not the only world-class Austrian company with a high significance for the Gotthard Base Tunnel. To guarantee high availability and a long service life for the railway superstructure despite the significant loads, Getzner Werkstoffe has been developing a special vibration protection measure over the last few years. After all, the demands for this project are particularly

high: When the tunnel is in frequent use, ambient temperatures can reach up to 40° Celsius and humidity can be as high as 70 percent. The high speeds of the trains also exert strong pressure and suction forces, which put the material under above-average stress.

Elastic Sylodyn bearings for the single block sleepers and highspeed turnouts have been installed in both tunnel tubes for the slab track and on sections of the approach routes. “The vibration protection measure reduces vibrations, and therefore wear of the superstructure components, minimising the maintenance required on the track. Passenger comfort is also significantly improved, as the highly elastic inserts ensure even deflection as the train passes over,” explains Juergen Rainalter, Chief Executive Officer of Getzner.

This project imposed very high demands on the railway technology in the Gotthard Base Tunnel, because all the materials have to deliver excellent performance over the entire planned service life of the tunnel. “The outstanding properties of our ­materials (proven even in long-term tests), our technical expertise and our well-known references were what won over the client.

We also had to guarantee the client high supply availability and the best possible quality for the entire duration of the project,” summarises Juergen Rainalter.

At this year’s InnoTrans, the international trade fair for transport technology, which is being held from 20th to 23rd September in Berlin, Getzner will address the specific requirements of the high-speed turnouts and the vibration protection used for the Gotthard Base Tunnel project in its technical presentations. The vibration protection specialist will also showcase its in-house developed vibration protection solutions, including sleeper pads, under ballast mats, mass-spring systems and solutions for turnouts and transitions.

PORR is “very British” now National Grid has awarded a joint venture comprised of Skanska UK, PORR Bau GmbH and A.Hak the contract to design and build a replacement high pressure gas pipeline within a tunnel, underneath the River Humber from Paull to Goxhill, replacing the ­existing pipeline, which lies on the riverbed. The River Humber pipeline is part of the national transmission system – connecting the import terminal at Easington, on the East Yorkshire coast, to the wider network and delivering gas to millions of customers throughout the United Kingdom.

Illustration: Getzner Werkstoffe

46_47

Over time, the tidal patterns of the River Humber have eroded the riverbed covering the existing pipeline, leading to parts of it becoming exposed. An innovative short-term engineering solution to protect the pipeline by covering exposed areas was put in place in 2010. Because of the importance of the pipeline, ­National Grid is now looking to construct a new pipeline in a tunnel under­ neath the River Humber from the above ground installations (AGIs) at Paull, east of Hull and south of the river at Goxhill, as a long-term replacement. The pipeline will connect to the existing National Grid AGI sites at Paull and Goxhill and will be 5.4 kilometres long, of which 5 kilometres would be tunnelled.

The joint venture will provide full design and construction of the five kilometres long tunnel, inserting a single string of 42” steel pipe and connect into the above ground installations at Paull and Goxhill. The three-year project is estimated to cost around 150 million British pounds or 186 million euros. The contract has been let, subject to planning consent for the replacement pipeline from the Planning Inspectorate, which is due in September 2016.

This pipeline will be the longest gas pipeline in a tunnel, inserted in a single string, in the world. “To do this, we need partners with experience and a proven track record,” says Phil Croft, National Grid’s senior project manager. “The joint venture was able to demonstrate its expertise and knowledge throughout the tender process, giving us the confidence that this was the right company to build this tunnel and pipeline in such an environmentally sensitive and commercially busy river.”

“The tender is a huge vote of confidence,” Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR, adds. “After all, the Humber Pipeline is an exciting large-scale project requiring extensive know-how and technical expertise. The requisite competencies are perfectly bundled in our joint venture. Here we see decisive added value for our client, National Grid. The pipeline is our first project in Great Britain. Our cooperation involves strong local partners – a strategy which has paid off and also opens up opportunities on an attractive new market on our PORR map”. ◆

World Champion Austria Hot Briquetted Iron & more

Globally successful Voestalpine is a technology and industrial goods corporation and the world market leader in turnout technology, special rails, tool steel, and special sections.

Credit: voestalpine

sation of the direct reduction plant, even before it is put into Just a few months prior to completion of the new Voestalpine operation,” says Voestalpine CEO Wolfgang Eder. The growing direct reduction plant in Corpus Christi (USA), another major trend towards high-quality steel production in the United States customer has been won: An offtake agreement has been signed demands additional volumes of iron-ore-based pre-materials such with the new American steelmaker Big River Steel to run for the as HBI. next four years, securing the US company’s supply of hot-briquetThe HBI plant is currently in the final construction phase and, ted iron (HBI). In future, Voestalpine will produce roughly two once built, will be the largest and most modern of its kind in the million tonnes of this high-quality steelmaking pre-material anworld. The plant run-up phase is scheduled for the coming sumnually at the new location in Texas. mer months. Final assembly of the electrical, electronic, piping From 2017 onwards, the mill will take annual delivery of up and conveying systems is currently underway. The seaport at the to 240,000 tonnes of hot-briquetted iron from Voestalpine in plant has already been completed, with an initial 100,000 tonnes Corpus Christi. Over the past few months, the company has ­ of iron ore pellets from Brazil being offloaded from the first signed long-term supply contracts for high-quality HBI with freighter at the end of ­several customers. In total, April. The plant’s advanta60 percent of the planned geous location on the Gulf production volume will be of Mexico is also important supplied to third parties, in this new business relaprimarily steelmaking tionship: The new Big companies within the ­River Steel mill is located NAFTA zone. The remaindirectly on the Mississippi. ing 40 percent, amounting This excellent waterway to around 800,000 tonnes connection ensures that annually, will be shipped delivery of the HBI is highto the Austrian Voest­ ly ­efficient and cost-effecalpine sites at Linz and tive, and eliminates the Donawitz for processing. need for any reloading en “The new order not only route. “These seamless underlines the growing logistics mean continuous market position of the deliveries of the high-qualVoestalpine Group inside From 2017/18 onwards, Voestalpine’s direct reduction plant in Texas with a capacity of two ity prematerial, ensuring the NAFTA zone, it also million tonnes HBI will be the largest of its kind. At the same time, it will be the biggest investthat we can meet our ment of an Austrian company in the United States. secures full capacity utili-

48_49

At a glance

c­ustomers’ exacting demands in the long term,” says David ­Stickler, CEO of Big River Steel, highlighting the added value ­offered by the new supply agreement.

Extending the market leadership in special steel With the purchase of Advanced Tooling Tek (ATT) in Shanghai, China, and the Sermetal Group in Barcelona, Spain, Voestalpine is enhancing its global leadership position as a producer of special steels. Both companies specialise in the processing and sale of special steel products for tool and mould-making, a segment whose main customers are the automotive and electronics industries.

Just half a year ago the Voestalpine AG’s Metal Forming ­Division opened a new plant for production of high-strength auto­ motive components in Shenyang, China. Now the Special Steel Division is taking over its long-term Shanghai-based sales partner ATT, marking the next stage in the Group’s expansion in the Chinese market. ATT has a staff of around 100 employees and generated revenue of around 16 million euros in 2015. One of the most important product segments served by this special steel sales and processing specialist is large injection moulds which are used in the automotive industry for the manufacturing of plastic parts such as headlights. The products are also sold to the electronics industry. The second acquisition made by the Special Steel Division was in Europe, with the purchase of the four sales and service sites belonging to the Sermetal Group in Spain and Portugal. Sermetal is the market leader on the Iberian Peninsula in plastic mould steel for the automotive industry.

“The ATT and Sermetal acquisitions are in line with our strategy of focusing growth in the expanding mobility sector and consistently extending the value chain towards the end customer. The new sales and service centres bring Voestalpine even closer to its customers, and enable the Group to offer high-tech finishing as well as complete products in special steel. At the same time, the acquisitions further enhance our global market leadership in tool steel for sophisticated applications,” says Franz Rotter, Member of the Management Board of Voestalpine and Head of the Special Steel Division.

Hundred thousand special plates Voestalpine has secured a major new contract in the ongoing economically challenging oil and gas industry for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project between Europe and Russia. Nord Stream is a

With around 500 group companies and locations in more than 50 countries and on all five continents, the Voestalpine Group has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1995. With its top-quality products, the Group is one of the leading partners to the automotive and consumer goods industries in Europe and to the oil and gas industries worldwide.

In the business year 2014/15, the Voestalpine group reported revenue of 11.2 billion euros and an operating result (EBITDA) of 1.5 billion euros; it had around 47,500 employees worldwide who own 14.5 percent of the company.

1,200 km offshore pipeline transporting natural gas from the Yuzhno-Russkoye natural gas field and neighbouring fields in ­ Siberia via the Baltic Sea to Germany. As such, it plays a major role in securing Europe’s access to natural gas supplies. Between 2008 and 2010, Voestalpine Grobblech GmbH, a company belonging to the Voestalpine Group’s Steel Division, via its partner OMK, a Russian pipeline specialist and long-term Voestalpine partner, supplied 170,000 tonnes of highest-quality linepipe plates for two Nord Stream lines, which were completed in 2012.

As this pipeline is running almost at full capacity, having transported around 40 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU through both lines in 2015, construction of Nord Stream 2 with two further pipelines is to go ahead. With the biggest contract in its history, Voestalpine Grobblech GmbH has now secured the supply for several hundred thousand tonnes of special plate for these pipelines, which will again be handled together with strategic partner OMK between August 2016 and February 2018. OMK has most recently won 33 percent of the total order volume for Nord Stream 2 in a tender issued by the operating company. “In view of today’s highly competitive market environment for investment in the oil and gas industry, this major contract is extremely welcome. It proves once again that Voestalpine is seen as a reliable partner when it comes to highest-quality special products for technologically demanding pipeline projects,” says Herbert Eibensteiner, Member of the Management Board of Voestalpine AG and Head of the Steel Division.

In 2015, a contract for 95,000 tonnes of linepipe plates for a natural gas pipeline in the United Arab Emirates ensured solid capacity in the heavy plate business. This followed deliveries for the Brazilian Rota 3 pipeline project, which largely ensured full capacity utilisation. Here, Voestalpine supplied 117,000 tonnes of linepipe plates for the deep-ocean pipeline to one of the world’s largest oil fields near Rio de Janeiro. ◆

World Champion Austria Technological Innovation

World-class Metallurgy Many things in the metallurgy industry are reminiscent of modern ­alchemy but it needs years of research, innovative developments and huge specialist know-how. Only then, the huge high-temperature ­processing plants can work even more efficiently.

New technologies, optimisation of production processes, minimisation of energy consumption and emissions are the main research areas that spur on Austria’s global top position in metallurgy. The K1-MET Competence Centre for process development in metallurgy and environment technology with locations in Linz and Leoben operates as an innovation motor and trendsetter where science and industry meet.

The K1-MET GmbH is owned by Voestalpine and the University of Leoben at 35 percent each. 20 percent belong to Primetals Technologies and the Johannes Keppler University Linz (JKU) holds the remaining ten percent as a second scientific owner. This unique owner structure from industry, technology and science is an essential factor for the common research at the competence centre: The direct transfer of research results to practical applications allows for immediate verification, which in turn makes the project partners excellent players in the international competition. 45 percent of the K1-MET Competence Centre is financed by the Republic of Austria, provinces, the universities involved and the remaining 55 percent is financed by the industrial partners RH, Scholz Austria, Montanwerke Brixlegg, Plansee, Ebner Industrieofenbau, Linde Gas, Primetals Technologies and ­Voestalpine

A glance at the University of Leoben Since its foundation in 1840, the University of Leoben kept growing along the value added chain of raw materials with its various fields of studies. “We managed to further improve the value added chain with the creation of the new branch of study that is recycling technology,” says Dean Wilfried Eichlseder. “That

means, our core competences reach from the detection and ­extraction of primary raw materials to processing through technologies such as metallurgy to the end product, and now, with recycling, even include secondary raw materials.” On top of that, the University offers Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Logistics, Industrial Energy Technologies, Industrial Environmental Protection and Process Engineering, and further unique fields of study and research that prove the university’s many competences.

Research is done partly in cooperation with other research facilities such as the COMET Centres. For example, the Univer­sity of Leoben offers its know-how in the field of metallurgy to the newly founded K1-MET Gmbh, which deals in the following topics that see the Johannes Keppler University Linz act as a scientific partner: c Sustainability and raw materials efficiency in metallurgy c Development of metallurgic process routes und their core competences such as components from fire-proof materials c Innovative systems engineering and increasing energy efficiency c Modelling and simulation of metallurgic processes These key aspects are meant to optimise the process efficiency in metallurgy, the reduction in raw materials use and the increase in output in order to achieve a sustainable reduction in energy consumption, in emissions and a higher recycling rate.

Down with carbon!

All of this matches the global requirements: During the UN Climate Conference in Paris in December 2015, a treaty for the lim-

Credit: voestalpine

50_51

COMET K1 centres  K1 MET – Centres for process development in metallurgy and environment technology K1 aims to establish itself internationally as a centre for process development in metallurgy and environment technology and thus to increase its innovative leadership.  SCCH Software Competence Centre Hagenberg

The spectrum of the Software Competence Center Hagenberg (SCCH) reaches from the analysis of existing software and data and picture analysis to methods for high-quality, efficient model and software programming for Industry 4.0, energy efficiency and other fields.

iting of global warming was signed. The goals of this agreement, however, can only be reached by moving from a carbon-based society to a low-carbon society.

Therefore, K1-MET aims among other things to radically change existing processes that have already been optimised to operate close to its thermodynamic limit. To achieve this, the University of Leoben did fundamental research for significantly less CO2 emissions in the last few years.

“With a seven percent share in global CO2 emissions the steel industry, for example, faces new challenges when it comes to the climate targets,” says K1-MET Managing Director Thomas Bürgler. “Process efficiency consists of the main parameters ­ ­reduction of raw materials use, the increase in output, a reduction in energy consumption and a higher rate of recycling.” It is ­important to no longer regard by-products or waste as materials for landfilling but as a source of valuable raw materials that can be recycled with the help of special processes and that can ­replace “natural” raw materials.

The bottom line is in any case the further reduction in emissions and resource consumption. The K1-MET Competence ­Centre achieves results in four research areas with a mixture of fundamental research, computer modelling, laboratory experiments and field tests in a pilot plant that will eventually be ­implemented on an industrial scale. K1-MET partner Voestalpine has already set today an international benchmark for resource-saving and sustainable iron ore and steel production with a CO2 amount of under 1,475 kilogrammes per tonne iron ore. ◆

 WOOD Competence Centre for Wood Composites and Wood Chemistry WOOD is a leading research institute in the area wood and wood-related renewable resources in Europe. Its core competences are materials research and process techno­ logy along the complete value chain – from raw material to finished products.  CEST Competence Centre for Electrochemical Surface Technologies CEST operates as an innovation centre and trendsetter where industry meets science.  ACMIT – Austrian Centre for Medical Innovation and Technology K1-ACMIT combines technological and medical competence for cutting edge research in the area of minimally invasive surgery. Research focuses on technologies for devices and robotic systems with international partners.  PCCL – Competence Centre in Polymer Engineering and Science PCCL is the leading centre for research in the fields of plastics engineering and polymer sciences. The competences range from automotive and aircraft applications to the packaging, solar and photovoltaic industries.

COMET K2 centre  LCM – Linz Centre of Mechatronics The K2 area of LCM (formerly ACCM, Austrian Centre of Competence in Mechatronics) includes mechatronics, sensory technology, mechanics, powertrains, actuators and wireless systems.

World Champion Austria High-tech Materials

Aluminium Refiners AMAG has become one of the most modern and flexible companies in the world for aluminium rolled products.

In the coming years we will be experiencing a massive increase in global demand for aluminium as a high-tech material. “We are taking this opportunity to expand our headquarters in Ranshofen into one of the most cutting-edge facilities in the whole of the European aluminium industry,” says Helmut Wieser, CEO of AMAG, about commissioning the new cold-rolling mill, which will supply cold-rolled aluminium sheet and strip products to include widths in excess of 2,000 mm. AMAG will double the total capacity of the rolling mill in Ranshofen to more than 300,000 tonnes per year.

In March 2016, construction work started on the new cold rolling mill, rolling slab casthouse and finishing plants. The company plans to commission these new plants – comprising a 300 million euros site expansion project – in around a year’s time, with the project thereby running to schedule. “With our plant expansion, we are following the growth of our customers,” says­ Wieser.

Permanent expansion AMAG has achieved continuous growth over the past 20 years, tripling its shipments of rolled products since 1994. AMAG’s extension of its portfolio of special products positions the company as an attractive, growing partner for customers in a wide range of industries. Particularly in transport, a sector dominated by the automotive and aircraft industries, medium-term growth is forecasted well above average at some 11 percent per year. Moreover, the sports equipment, electronics, construction, mechanical engineering and packaging industries are also sources of increasing demand for the new AMAG products.

The basis for the AMAG growth strategy is provided by the numerous positive characteristics of aluminium and its resultant growing importance as a material – particularly in areas

“With our plant expansion, we are following the growth of our customers – mainly from the auto­ motive, aerospace, packaging, sports and electronics ­industries.”

HELMUT WIESER, CEO of AMAG

where weight and mechanical/technological characteristics, reliability and ultimately sustainability are important. “The aim of our growth strategy is to provide our international customers around the world with first-class aluminium products,” says Wieser.

With the expansion of the works, there will be about 200 new jobs at the new production sites in Ranshofen. Thus, the number of employees will go up by 15 percent and in economically difficult times, this is a strong impulse for employment.

52_53

Plate production

Regional business will also benefit from the additional spending power.

Energy efficiency and improved environmental performance are key considerations in the plans to expand production. By extending recycling capacity, AMAG will be able to increase the amount of scrap aluminium that is processed and maintain a high proportion of recycled material used.

Today scrap is used to produce 75 to 80 percent of the output at the Ranshofen site, meaning that AMAG is an industry leader in this regard, says Wieser. The main driver of this growth is rising demand for lightweight solutions, especially in the transport sector. This in turn reflects stricter regulations aimed at significantly reducing CO2 emissions per kilometre, which will come into effect around the world in the next few years. The European Union and the USA – AMAG’s key markets – are leading the way in this respect. ◆

Coil production

Great outlook The market for primary aluminium and aluminium rolled products continues to expand in 2016. Market research ­institute CRU forecasts growth rates of around four percent.

Similar annual growth rates in subsequent years are also expected.

A high level of investment activity will characterise the 2016 financial year given the “AMAG 2020” plant expansion project. In 2016, the company expects investments of around 190 million euros in total. Taking conditions in the first months of 2016 into account, the Management Board expects for the AMAG Group an EBITDA range between 110 and 125 million euros.

Role Model AMAG Commitment to environmental protection / Responsible value chain management

2015

2014

Change in %

306,000

274,200

11.6%

71%

51%

3,288,000

3,282,000

0.2%

6.5

7.2

–9.8%

Employees at Ranshofen site (as of 31st December)

1,605

1,530

Employee turnover in %

1.6%

1.4%

Processed aluminium scrap in tonnes Amount of hydro power in electricity usage Service water withdrawal in m³ Specific service water withdrawal (m³/tonne of production) Honest employee relations / Future-proof society

Number of apprentices

Credits: AMAG

Total number of training hours Number of CIP suggestions submitted Sponsorship spending in EUR

79

78

1.3%

52,974

50,761

4.4%

10,331

10,767

–4%

207,100

99,300

108%

World Champion Austria E-Mobility

Electricity is picking up Speed The future of mobility is electric. The number of electric cars is still low but Austria is among the best in Europe when it comes to e-mobiles per capita.

By REINHARD KRÉMER.

Credit: ABB

ronmental protection. And if a heavyweight like the Rockefeller Sometimes, electric mobility has completely unexpected but highTrust no longer cares about Exxon oil shares, it is another indicaly welcome side effects. The following scenario is a good examtion of where the world is heading. ple: Imagine it’s Friday afternoon and you are standing next to Vienna’s busy Gürtel road. Suddenly, your partner whispers something tenderly in your ear – and you understand every word.

Almost 50 percent growth It’s not, because you’ve suddenly gained the superpowers of a The CEO of ABB Austria, Franz Chalupecky, agrees: “There is a dog. Rather, it is the year 2030 and rush hour traffic buzzes good chance that electric cars will gain in significance and market ­quietly about. Thousands of cars are whizzing past you and you share over the next years. After all, electric cars have a higher can talk at a normal volume and don’t have to shout like you do and higher range while the prices for batteries keep falling and today. By the way – that is also the reason why real estate prices their energy density keeps increasing.” near the Gürtel became unaffordable in 2025.

Last year, the company sold its 100th Thanks to the triumph of e-mobility, real quick charging station in Austria and more ­estate experts have been marketing excellent than 3,500 all around the world. “The level is infrastructure for a long time. And this trend still fairly low but we see significant growth has taken hold of the whole world: Areas that rates in electric cars,” the ABB boss says. have previously been thought as uninhabit­ And he is right: By 31 December 2015, about able have become prime locations; nearby 6.54 million vehicles were registered in motorways are preferred. ­Austria, according to Statistics Austria. But “Well,” you will be saying now. “That is a only a little more than 5,000 of them were cosy world that you’re painting there – but is pure electric cars. But while the total number there actually a chance of this ever happenof new vehicles has only risen by 1.2 percent, ing?” Yours truly replies humbly: “Of course there were 48.6 percent more new electric I can’t be certain, just like I don’t know next cars. That is the kind of growth rate econoweek’s lottery numbers. If I did, I wouldn’t be mists dream of. writing this, I would be enjoying my private When you consider that neighbouring island in an area where the neighbouring is­Germany has ten times as many inhabitants lands end in –uba or –cao, but it is highly you would expect there to be 50,000 electric probable that the aforementioned scenario ABB boss Franz Chalupecky: “We work closely with partners in the automotive industry cars. But in reality, there are only 23,500 of will come true.” After all, the latest agreeand the IT sector to become a trailblazer in them, showing why Austria is among ments at the Paris Climate Conference sunrise technologies such as the quick charEurope’s best in e-mobility. Comparatively, ­ ging of buses.” showed that the world is serious about envi-

54_55

Credit: Verbund

We need political decisions if we want to push e-mobility, experts demand.

will suddenly be stuck in the middle of nowhere with an empty e-mobile. But this fear is obviously becoming more and more unfounded, as these figures show. Yours truly has been driving an electric car for two years now, by the way, and never run out of ‘juice’ – not even during trips abroad.

Charging is usually done quite quickly today: “Smatrics uses high speed technologies in its charging stations,” says Fischer.

“That means we can offer charging times of 20 minutes at 200 locations all over Austria. 200 other locations allow for accelerated charging so a Renault Zoe, for example, is fully charged in an hour.”

Smatrics is Austria’s first and only provider of a compreClean electricity as fuel for the future hensive high-speed charging c Tax incentives are a turbo for electric engines and the new network. The charging statax reform takes this into account with an input tax retions all have adapters that duction and the cancellation of tax supplements for comwill fit every electric car. And pany cars. registering for the service can c Q1/2016: 1,300 more electric vehicles be done easily and quickly via c At the moment, there are more than 75,000 electric cars phone without having to comon the road. mit to a contract, Michael c EU: By 2012, carmakers have to reduce the consumption ­Viktot Fischer explains. of newly registered cars to less than 96 grams, which is 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

Of course, there is also an

France and Great Britain with an equally disproportionate ­number of citizens only have 27,000 and 28,000 electric cars, respectively.

When it comes to the total number, China is the world’s number one by the way with 189,000 electric vehicles. But then there are about 170 times as many people living in China compared to Austria. This almost gives us the title of World Champion were it not for Norway: There are 25,000 electric vehicles (most of them Teslas, by the way) in the Scandinavian country with only five million inhabitants.

About 5,400 charging stations in the Alpine Republic Michael Viktor Fischer, Managing Director at Austria’s largest infrastructure provider Smatrics (a joint-venture of Verbund and Siemens), also has a point that supports the aforementioned vision of the future: “At the moment we see a boom in the erection of charging stations. According to the platform ‘Going Electric’, there are already 5,400 charging stations all over ­Austria and hardly a day goes by without a new one being built.” Many drivers with combustion engines fear that they

c Car models such as the BMW i1, Tesla Model S, Volkswagen eGolf c Reduction of fine particles and noise c Price: Electric energy is cheaper than regular fuel costing about 3 euros per 100 kilometres

Source: Verbund

association for electric driving, the Federation for Electric Mobility in Austria (BEÖ). It is headed by Jürgen Halasz, who is also in charge of energy services at Wien Energie. The Viennese energy provider is

World Champion Austria

Credit: Verbund

E-Mobility

ready for the future: “At the moment there are more public and semi-public charging stations in Vienna than electric cars. Therefore the often-mentioned chicken/egg problem doesn’t really exist,” Halasz explains. Wien Energie and its partners in the model r­egions Vienna and Lower Austria have also invested in the ­expansion of the charging infrastructure: 440 charging stations by June 2016 in the model region Vienna E-Mobility on Demand and 161 stations by the end of 2016 in the model region Lower Austrian E-Commuters.

Wien Energie offers its electric customers a card for charging, which is connected to your bank account, and also networks with other providers. “The cooperation with other providers for an exchange of charging cards is currently in its pilot stage,” Halasz says. “That’s because not all systems in the background are yet up to scratch to offer a comprehensive type of ‘roaming’. There is still work to be done in terms of software and hardware. But we are all putting our effort into improving the existing systems as soon as possible to create an Austrian-wide network platform called ÖHUB.” This platform will connect all the existing charging station management systems.

EVN, one of Wien Energie’s partners, is also expanding its e-mobility activities: “The expansion of the EVN infrastructure is going according to plan,” spokesman for the Management Board Peter Layr says. “By the end of 2016 there will be a comprehensive network of charging stations across Lower Austria. Today, customers can already use the entire charging station network of Wien Energie and EVN all over Vienna and Lower Austria.”

There will be more cooperation like this as part of the Federation for Electric Mobility in Austria, Layr explains. In Lower Austria, the companies Smatrics (Verbund/Siemens) and Ella (W.E.B.) are particularly active. EVN’s annual investment into the

­ -mobility infrastructure is a six-figure sum; but the number of e quick charging stations is still low. “At the moment, there are three AC/DC quick charging stations by EVN in St. Pölten, Wiener Neustadt and Bruck an der Leitha, but more will follow. EVN is expanding its charging infrastructure according to demand,” says Layr and gives hope for charging options apart from Smatrics.

Apart from the deal with Wien Energie, EVN has planned further cooperations within the Federation for Electric Mobility in Austria. “The BEÖ subsidised the connection of existing model regions with the ÖHUB system with monies from the Climate and Energy Fund. This project is currently in its implementation phase and aims to connect the charging station infrastructure of all providers in Austria,” the EVN spokesman explains.

More than 100 charging stations There is also much happening outside those two provinces. Leo Windtner, Director General of the Upper Austrian Energie AG reports: “In the last few years we have intensively pushed on with the erection of a public charging infrastructure. Today, we have 102 charging stations with plugs for more than 400 electric cars. 15 locations have 30 plugs for 22 kW quick charging – that is more than any other provider in Austria has.”

In 2013, a pilot project for communities started: Seven electric cars are used by Meals on Wheels and the various departments of a community. “We also offer companies advice when they want to switch their fleet to electric cars and build a charging infrastructure – no matter whether they only need basic charging stations or smart stations including accounting,” Windtner says.

As part of the E-Community project, Energie AG offers people to test an electric car for a week for 80 euros. “Those who are inter-

56_57

SMATRICS (majority-owned by Verbund) c Comprehensive electric charging network in Austria with more than 400 plugs (thereof 200 high speed points for charging in 20 minutes)

ested can write to us and register for a test week. The offer is in high demand and always booked up for weeks,” the Energie AG boss proudly says. Public charging stations will be needed foremost to guarantee the cars’ ranges and make long distance trips possible, Windtner says: “Therefore a large number of electric cars will need the type 2 charging network. We also believe that multi-standard quick charging stations for long distance e-mobility are needed along motorways.”

A look south Kelag is doing its business in the South of Austria: “There are 160 sockets at 70 charging stations all over Carinthia. All Kelag charging stations offer at least 22 kW charging power for alternate current systems and at least 50 kW for direct current,” says Chairman of the Board Manfred Freitag.

The energy provider uses the same charging infrastructure as Kelag’s co-owner, German RWE, which operates Europe’s largest charging network. “In June 2015, we built Austria’s largest charging station with 16 charging points in Villach with help from Californian electric car maker Tesla,” Freitag adds. He is also very fond of wireless charging: “That is definitely something we are looking into, for example at bus stops or taxi ranks.” Kelag also operates the website www.e-tankstellen-finder.com that shows e-drivers in need of electricity almost all charging stations in Austria.

Technology leader AVL List Speaking of technology, we need to mention Austria’s leading company in this sector of course, AVL List. Product Manager of the Electrified Powertrain Department Gerald Teuschl has a few things to say about e-mobility and alternative drive systems: “We are well-placed in the electrification of mild/full/plug-in hybrids by battery and fuel cell vehicles, focusing on powertrains and the development of components, including technology and SOP development. Electrification has been one of our core business fields since all the way back to the mid-1990s, and that hasn’t changed.”

Increasing a vehicle’s range, reducing charging times and battery costs will be key areas to tackle, Tauschl says. “We at

c Charging solutions for companies and their staff and customers c Flexible payment models: Accessible use of charging stations, either by customer card or smartphone – with or without a contract c Smatrics is a full-service operator in the field of e-mobility.

It is the first provider to offer a comprehensive high-performance charging network with stations all across Austria, using renewable energies only. The range of ­ ­services also includes the installation, maintenance and operation of private charging stations (wall boxes), mobile apps, a 24/7 consumer hotline, customised mobility packages and other innovation solutions for private and corporate clients.

AVL are helping to achieve these goals with our solutions for drive systems, energy storages, new technologies and networking.” The AVL manager sees changes ahead, but in the current research climate, compromises are needed to bring them about: “In the last five years people have realised that it is time for change and we need new methods and new connected systems.

An important and often overlooked factor is the training of staff.

We need to put the focus on this in order to solve future problems.”

But apart from electric cars, there is another segment of ­e-mobility that keeps growing: E-bikes. Bosch, which is also going strong in battery technologies, is very active in this field. “In the years to come, e-mobility will play a bigger and bigger role due to scarcity of resources, demographic change, environment protection and other factors,” says Claus Fleischer, head of the product sector eBike Systems at Bosch. “The e-bike is the most successful electric vehicle in the European Union and thus an important step for the development and acceptance of electric mobility in our society. E-bikes also have a big significance for traffic policies. They are the first step to efficient and emission-free mobility. Electric drive systems help to reach your daily destinations in a more efficient, more economical and ecologically more sustainable way. In the medium-run, every third bicycle sold in Central Europe could be an e-bike.” u

World Champion Austria Renewable Energy

Winds of Change Europe is not only the cradle of wind power generation but also the ­pioneer in offshore technology. Of late, European wind power expansion has more than doubled and Austrian companies are among the suppliers on a world-class level.

With a total output of more than 3,000 megawatt, the expansion of wind power at sea increased by more than 100 percent in 2015. With more than 11,000 MW offshore total output, 1.5 percent of European power consumption is already being generated.

The Austrian Emperor already had a strong connection with the high seas and had his navy sail the seven seas. The Emperor has not been around for a long time, but Austria’s affinity to the sea remains through the offshore wind power sector: Several Austrian companies are involved in the expansion of wind power.

“It is no longer possible to imagine Austrian companies not being part of the offshore wind power sector,” says Stefan Moidl, Managing Director of IG Windkraft. In 2015, 18 billion euros were invested into wind power expansion in European seas. Although Austria is a landlocked country, quite a number of Austrian companies have secured their positions as suppliers.

“Even when Austria’s ­ irect connection to the sea d has been a thing of the past for a hundred years, Aus­trian companies are still strongly linked to the sea due to wind power,” Moidl adds.

Offshore wind power made in Austria The clutches for the world’s largest wind turbines are produced in series by the ­ company Geislinger in Bad St. Leonhard in Carinthia and Hallwang near Salzburg.

Every week Geislinger delivers a clutch for sea wind turbines. Wind power is on course to become a cornerstone for the world market leader in clutches.

Palfinger Marine, also from Salzburg, delivered more than 280 cranes for offshore wind turbines in 2015. “The year 2015 saw incoming orders for all our crane types, for gondolas and platforms as well as substations go up. The large orders concern the wind parks Rampion (UK) with 116 and Race Bank (UK) with

58_59

Palfinger Marine specialises within the wind energy sector on offshore business. Being a partner of Siemens, the company is going strong in offshore wind energy and manufactures cranes for offshore wind parks and platforms.

93 electric platform cranes. The wind park Nordergründe (Ger­ many) will be supplied with 18 hydraulic Palfinger knuckle boom cranes in the gondola, Nordsee One (Germany) will get 54 items.

We are seeing a constant upwards trend, which is expected to continue in 2016 and beyond,” says Martin Zauner, Head of Wind Cranes at Palfinger Marine.

Around 250 wind turbines in the offshore business are fitted with main controllers from the Vorarlberg-based company ­Bachmann, and this segment accounts for around ten percent of Bachmann’s turnover. Bearings from the company Miba from Upper Austria are also used amongst other things in offshore wind power plants. “When it comes to the supply sector, Austria

Credits: Palfinger Marine- und Beteiligungs-GmbH

Wind turbines in (Lower) Austria In 2015, wind turbines with a total of 323 megawatt output were built in Austria. All wind turbines in Austria combined have now a total output of 2,409 MW. In Lower Austria alone, almost 100 wind turbines with a total output of 288 MW were erected. This means, that there are already 602 wind turbines with a total output of 1,248 MW in Lower Austria. They generate 2.7 billion kilowatt hours and can thus cover 25 percent of the Lower Austrian energy consumption. At the same time, the carbon dioxide emissions saved amount to 80 percent of all Lower Austrian cars.

is amongst the world’s elite,” Moidl explains. “Every year more than 160 companies in Austria’s supply and service sector generate an export volume of over 600 million euros.”

Transformers from Weiz to the world Siemens is the unchallenged market leader in offshore wind ­power with a market share of more than 60 percent – both in terms of expansion in 2015 and the total number of offshore wind turbines. Siemens Transformers Austria with a factory in Weiz (Styria) is the market leader and within the Siemens Group, the company supplies exclusively transformers for ready-to-use ­Siemens wind parks – both onshore and offshore.

Each ready-to-use wind park by Siemens uses the trans­ formers from the factory in Weiz. With a market share of about 80 percent in offshore wind parks, the company is the market leader in the offshore wind power sector. Weiz is the biggest Siemens location for the development and construction of transformers, and within the group, it is considered the world competence centre for phase-shifting transformers. Also, it is the single source supplier for Siemens wind parks around the world. At the moment, about 1,200 staff and apprentices work there. The ­orders that Siemens processes in Weiz create a major local added value too. When Siemens is developing and constructing transformers, up to 900 other companies across Austria have a hand in it. u

World Champion Austria Internet of Things

When Things go online The Internet of Things offers innovative Austrian businesses great opportunities to increase the competitive advantages. In mid-June, there was an extensive exhibition at the Vienna City Hall.

Body data of dairy cows In any case, the IoT offers great opportunities for Austrian companies. There are already a number of domestic companies, which are leaders in niche markets with their innovations. One such example is Styrian AMS AG, who is the number one in light sensors and makes the smart “collection” of daylight possible.

Infineon Technologies Austria makes a 3D image sensor chip and the Viennese manufacturer of security controls TTTech is developing from a technology to a market leader in the dynamic markets of self-driving vehicles and the IIoT. Frauscher Sensor­technik is the technology leader in wheel detection and axle counting systems, and identifies overheated bearings and gives the clearance for tracks after a train has passed.

IoT is highly attractive to innovative start-ups due to its

­ umerous fields of use. Graz-based SmaXtec Animal Care Sales n GmbH, for example, is the world market leader in the compilation of the body data of dairy cows, informing farmers about their cattle’s health. Upper Austrian company Tractive has developed the world’s smallest tracking system for pets. And Runtastic, which was acquired last year by sports giant Adidas, offers

Illustration: Runtastic

The hype surrounding the Internet of Things (IoT) is carried by wearables and smart homes, and focuses on consumer goods. But in future, the true growth engine will be industrial applications and thus the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

The IoT market is already huge: In 2010, there were five billion smart things. According to Intel, that number will rise from 16.3 billion in 2015 to 200 billion things in 2020. The risk of cyber-­ attacks will increase exponentially and therefore cyber security will become an increasingly important topic. McKinsey estimates the possible global effects of the Internet of Things will reach 3.9 to 11.1 billion US-Dollars by 2025, depending on the sector. The IIoT allows for provident maintenance, optimal management of life cycles and monitoring, which is significant to a service economy: Customers begin to prefer to pay for the time of usage instead of paying for a product.

­ umerous apps that measure, collect and analyse fitness data, n jogging routes. This helps users to measure their bodily functions, the expenditure of time and the energy consumption in a playful way. And the start-up Luke Roberts made a good start on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter with “Fluxo – The world’s smartest lamp”.

New partnerships and services Austrian companies pursue important projects in a number of different sectors in order to reduce costs through IIoT, to increase customer service and to manage the supply chain more efficiently. In the field of smart homes in particular, there are already numerous IoT consumer products, e.g. for heating, lighting, alarm systems and door locks. On 13th and 14th of June 2016, the M2M/

60_61

Illustration: smaXtec

IoT applications

The smaXtec system provides body data of cows in real-time.

Credit: SUCCUS

IoT Forum CEE with more than 400 participants and 40 experts from all over Europe took place at the Vienna City Hall. The main theme centred on getting inspiration from successful examples in practice and motivation from international keynote speakers.

Furthermore, during an IoT hackathon ideas were worked out, presented and evaluated – all within 20 hours.

“A few years ago, technology was at the forefront but today the focus is clearly upon linking-up people, business and the creation of new partnerships that allow for these services,” says Bernd Liebscher, Managing Director at Telekom Austria M2M. “One example would be the cross-link between cars and insurance companies. Also, new players keep entering the market and

M2M/IoT Forum CEE in mid-June at the Vienna City Hall.

There are IoT applications that primarily help to save time and others that create completely new possibilities.

The first category includes applications that automatise manual data collection and processing, and which assume control tasks. This reaches from permanent vitality data collection and processing through smart watches and smart heating control systems to fully automated driver’s logbooks on the smartphone. Most people will find use for smart shopping carts at the supermarket, which recognise products once they are put inside and which also enables payments to be made.

The second category concerns applications that give products completely new capabilities or even create totally new types of products. The smart lamp Fluxo is such a product.

Another one is the smartphone app Waze, where all active devices share automatically collected traffic information (such as average speed, traffic jams and their size).

It is hard to tell where the Internet of Things will be heading in future and which products will establish themselves on the market. Maybe it will be drones that revolutionise home delivery, maybe it will be batteries, which will alert users once they are close to empty. Or maybe contact lenses that measure the level of blood sugar in diabetics? All these things already exist, at least as prototypes. There is a thin line between these two types of applications and often only a single feature lifts a product from the first to the second category, creating something entirely new.

network operators are restructuring in order to meet the requirements better. Telekom Austria had already founded a subsidiary in 2011 with the aim to separate its day-to-day business and processes, and to avoid technological legacies.”

Lifestyle concepts are also meeting medical technologies: Coccinelle Medica, a fabric application with an integrated transmitter that is attached to the underwear of sick children. It supplies worried parents with data when their children’s fever is rising or they stop breathing and allows them to sleep easier.

“The new possibilities for applications are drivers of change in existing business models, which in turn influence a company’s orientation,” explains Ansgar Schlautmann, Global Head for Inno­ vative Business Designs at Arthur D Little. Added value through services is turning into a significant stream of revenue. Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co KG, for example, has a tradition in the sales of cleaning devices but is now focusing on the sale of services for smart device management. ◆

World Champion Austria

Visualisation and Picture Editing Technologies

Helping Pictures: Seeing and understanding Austria has to offer world-class know-how when it comes to visualisation and picture editing technologies. Major contributors are the Austrian ­Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Research Centre for Virtual Reality and Visualisation (VRVis).

Visualisations allow companies “to show their clients and consumers things that have been unimaginable so far,” says Holger Leibmann of Vorarlberg-based Zumtobel Lighting GmbH. The project “HILITE” is a light simulation system that features ­real-time visualisations and thus offers lighting solutions within only a few seconds.

Another example is the cooperation of Liebherr and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT). The two partners ­ research innovative advanced driver assistance systems for large machines such as wheeled loaders and develop systems to optimise the employment of heavy construction machines. And ­Bombardier has the world’s first 3D advanced driver assistance system for trams, allowing them to recognise obstructions and to assess their potential risk.

Energy prognoses from historic data Hakom developed a software in cooperation with the VRVis group Visual Analytics that can extrapolate energy prognoses from historical data.

For example, the software visualises the gas consumption data of the city of Vienna in order to calculate a prognosis for the next day. Customers can see at a glance how they can improve their prognosis model.

Geoconsult specialises in visualisations for the construction sector for clients such as Asfinag, ÖBB and Wiener Linien. They mainly show large infrastructure projects for decision-makers and

neighbours so they get an overview of the project. It would not be possible to present such complex infrastructure projects in any other way.

Dynamic infrastructure The visualisation of large and thus complex, dynamic infrastructure projects has become an important tool for planning, public presentation, implementation, maintenance and operation. The GearViewer visualisation system merges, visualises and analyses geo-referenced anticipation data and existing data in a high-performance interactive 3D viewer. The system can be linked with existing processes and databases, and supports high-dynamic scene elements (e.g. the realistic visualisation of street or rail traffic, based on measured or simulated traffic statistics). GearViewer makes a major contribution on all levels of participated planning and citizen involvement thanks to its many ways of displaying information.

62_63

Environmental influences and ground motions take their toll on tunnel lining. Tunnel walls have to be checked regularly in order to detect possible faults quickly. A system developed by VRVis, Joanneum Research and Dibit records the tunnel in its different stages: during construction from ­excavating the tunnel to casting it and finally during its operation. Laser scanner and high-resolution photo sensors provide exact data on the tunnel lining’s condition; a computer then visualises and analyses the results. The visualisation is done in an interactive way thanks to the latest technology in the field of computer graphics, developed by VRVis. This solution is particularly useful to increase the efficiency and visualisation quality for the monitoring of all types of linear buildings.

The Austrian Institute of Technology developed with the company eMedia Monitor a system that allows for the online detection and filtering of pictures with undesired content. And Titan Electronics cooperates with AIT in the field of smart access ­systems: The company developed and erects security devices and security systems such as access systems, burglar alarms, fire alarms and guidance systems.

Innovations in a global competition Andreas Dangl, Managing Director at Fabasoft Cloud says: “We operate like an incubator within our organisation in order to ­develop new products based on research from scratch and to establish them in the markets. Our search engine technology Mindbreeze is a success story in this regard. It is internationally very successful in Enterprise Search with its semantic approach and is used as a locally installed application in business networks.

The Fabasoft Cloud also uses Austrian security technologies such as a real end-2-end encryption with Secomo, which exceeds

Credit: AIT/Johannes Zinner

Tunnel inspection with the latest technology

A demonstration of the 3D advanced driver assistance system for smart trams: In future, Bombardier trams will recognise obstructions and assess their potential risk correctly. An optical 3D sensor system, developed specifically for use in light rail ­vehicles, makes the trams anticipatory, intelligent and thus even safer.

the international standard. It is the world’s first cloud service that received the top rating of five stars at the EuroCloud Star Audit.”

Matthias Gasser, Head of Product at Anyline, explains: “Anyline is a software component that allows for easy picture editing and text recognition through mobile devices. We developed an application with our partner MySugr as a pilot project that enables a smartphone’s camera to read out and process data from measuring instruments and then imports the data into the MySugr logbook. We are proud to say that by now Anyline is part of applications from corporations such as Red Bull Mobile in many different apps in app stores.”

On the way to Digitalcity.wien Walter Huemer of Huemer IT Solutions adds: “When selling IT technology you have to understand the products that you offer.

I have been dealing in solutions from Austria for a long time and I am convinced that they are internationally on par. We should keep our added value and our jobs in Austria.”

Ulrike Huemer, Chief Information Officer at the City of Vienna, stresses: “Vienna is ranked third in the international City Innovation Index behind London and San Francisco. Therefore, we have an excellent basis for continuing to develop innovative ideas with cooperation partners from the industrial sector and from research institutes. The initiative Digitalcity.wien aims to further improve the framework conditions for this.” ◆

World Champion Austria Indispensable digitisation

Digitisation as a big Opportunity Digitisation is progressing rapidly and already touches all areas of our ­daily lives. How can Europe, and thus Austria, make use of this ­development in a way to achieve more economic success and equal ­opportunities – resulting in a higher quality of life?

data. Deep down in the ocean, data is primarily going in one direction: from Europe into the United States.

54 percent of all apps that generate this data also originate in the United States.

On the other hand, only four percent of all European products are being used on the other side of the ocean. Hardly anybody expected such a concentration of power caused by digitisation. Nobel laureate Paul Krugman predicted in 1989: “The internet‘s impact on the economy will be no greater than the fax machine’s.”

How is this supposed to work?

Europe and the United States have been communicating for more than 100 years via the submarine communications cable initiated by Great Britain. Since then, the powers have shifted by 180 degrees.

Today, the internet giants from Silicon Valley steer the flow of

Credit: Fabasoft AG

Digitisation has caught Europe off guard. We were overrun by IT ­giants from the United States and Asia, we were humiliated by the NSA and its greed for data – and worst of all: We let it happen. ­Europe was simply too slow. This shall and will change now.

Digitisation has overrun Europe, but we are about to stand up again and turn the tide, because digitisation holds the key to better, truly united collaboration. Digitisation has the potential to finally form a strong European community, which has so far only been existing in theory.

Helmut Fallmann, Member of the Managing Board of Fabasoft, explains how digitisation can save our continent.

What a mistake!

The internet industry has taken up speed at a tearing pace. Google, Facebook and Amazon illustrate that billions can be made online.

However, laws do not mean much to these industry giants. Self-driving cars, the colonisation of Mars and eternal life are more important. The buzzword is “technolog-

64_65

PERSONAL PROFILE

“Digitisation has the potential to finally form a strong European community, which has so far only been existing in theory.”

H E L M U T FA L L M A N N

ical singularity” and progress is about to overtake itself. Europe is far behind in these developments and is further humiliated by events such as the NSA spying scandal. US companies are buying European start-ups and businesses facing a crisis in order to strengthen their position of power.

But there is hope: Some companies refuse to be impressed by the shows of power from overseas and serve as models for a promising European future. The IT giant SAP is one such example. Another one is the medium-sized music retailer Thomann, which has been able to outperform Amazon in customer ranking through its excellent service. Further mention be made of the company Würth, which is in a position to deliver its screws to construction sites quicker than Amazon can, and is thus in the lead.

THE COMPANY Fabasoft digitalises and accelerates business processes in the course of informal collaborations and structured workflows both within companies and beyond organisational limits and national frontiers. The Fabasoft Group is represented by subsidiaries in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Great Britain and the US. Furthermore, it maintains sales and project partnerships in these and other countries. Fabasoft AG, with its headquarters in Linz, Austria, acts as the Group’s administrative body. The Fabasoft AG shares are listed in the Prime Standard of Frankfurt Stock Exchange (WKN 922 985, ISIN: AT0000785407). www.fabasoft.com

Helmut Fallmann is a co-founder of Fabasoft AG and since then (1988) also member of the board. He works among other things at the political innovation lab Re:think Austria of the Forum Alpbach and is an advisory board member of the IT Cluster Upper Austria. The married graduate engineer (JKU Linz, computer science) and graduate of the St. Gallen Business School has two children, is a passionate yachtsman and breeds cattle in his own eco farm.

Trailblazer Fabasoft Fabasoft has also done everything possible for its stakeholders to make maximum use of digitisation. In spring, we successfully launched two trendsetting applications for our Private Cloud ­solution as well as genuine end-to-end encryption. In October, we succeeded in winning the Österreichische Post AG as a reseller, the result of the high security standards and the openness of our proven Cloud ecosystem. Last but not least, we were awarded the five star certification of the EuroCloud Star Audit late last year. This makes the Fabasoft Cloud the first Cloud service worldwide that has been awarded this unique quality certification for its standards throughout the entire value-added chain. For ­Fabasoft, the result of this audit is both an acknowledgement as well as a mandate. We will continue our efforts in positioning our sophisticated Cloud ecosystem as a role model for a Cloud ­industry “Made in Europe”.

“Made in Europe” has to become a unique sign of quality.

For this, the European economy must get up and running again as quickly as possible. This calls for collaboration throughout the Union, as it already has been done in large projects such as GSM or Airbus. Maybe our united forces can bring about another ­European hit. For example, an operating system used globally but “Made in Europe”.

Technological supremacy means hard work and a wealth of ideas. Based on the following two pillars, European IT can rise again: The Data Protection Directive as well as the Network and Information Security Directive. A few months ago, the decision was taken to (hopefully) implement the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018 – not a day too early! In addition, Europe urgently needs common initiatives such as the United Clouds of Europe. In a few years’ time, everything will be part of the Cloud.

We have to be ready for this.

World Champion Austria Indispensable digitisation

What do we need in preparation? c First, we need a comprehensive certification that provides a clear picture of the performance of a company, its business processes, data security and the protection of personal data. c The second issue is agility. We need standardised contracts for the use of Clouds. c The third issue concerns openness and interoperability: ­Europe needs standards for data access, data structures as well as data portability. Switching the supplier shall be possible at any time. c Infrastructure represents the fourth issue: The efficient use of Cloud computing requires broadband without any limits. ­Europe has recognised this and is heavily investing in the new 5G technology, which will soon be needed owing to the ­tremendously growing number of smart devices. For the year 2019, estimates predict a number of 24 billion devices including M2M communication in the Internet of Things. Over the same period, the data volume is predicted to grow 30-fold. Within the framework of the “5G Infrastructure Public Private Partnership”, the European Union is providing 700 million euros for the development of 5G to ensure that Europe will be a frontrunner in high-speed broadband. c Finally, we need basic services that can be used identically in all member states. This applies in particular to digital identity, digital signatures and digital delivery. Suppliers of Cloud services have to develop these applications separately in every member state – uniform programming standards are highly necessary. A definition of European standards is the pre­ requisite for European companies to play a role in the global market.

Numerous new opportunities Electronic identity and signature as a common key to all administrative processes and commercial requirements will make many things possible, such as online voting, for example. Many young people are hardly interested in politics at all. But 42 percent of young Europeans between the ages of 15 and 24 years say that they have already commented politically online. Why not meet this target group exactly there? Estonia shows how this can work: Since 2005, Estonians can vote online. In the Estonian parliamentary elections of 2015, 64 percent of the electorate decided to use their right to vote, and 31 percent of them did so online.

“More than 90 percent of today’s job descriptions ­already require digital competencies!”

H E L M U T FA L L M A N N

Compared to the 2011 elections, online voting increased by ­almost 25 percent.

Studying and higher education will be possible everywhere and at any time. The European Union is pushing education into digitisation. In today’s information society, everybody with a lack of digital know-how risks serious disadvantages in professional as well as personal matters. People with special needs or living in remote areas are facing totally new opportunities in the area of eLearning – provided that their Internet connection is fast enough. To avoid programming remaining as mysterious as alchemy, it is important to teach the basics of programming at a very early age. Digital alphabetisation will otherwise remain half-hearted. Estonia is a pioneer in this area, too: Children learn basic programming in primary school already.

By the way: More than 90 percent of today’s job descriptions already require digital competencies!

Payment without any limits will become a matter of course with eBanking and eInvoicing.

In digital Europe, it will be easy and transparent to set up an account across borders, regardless of the account holder being a private person or a company. Online banking has already become a normality. In Northern Europe, it is more or less a standard: 91 percent of the Icelandic population are using online banking, closely followed by 89 percent of all Norwegians. On average, 44 percent of all Europeans transfer or receive money online.

Invoices are also increasingly online. In Germany, electronic ­ ­invoices have been equal to paper invoices since 2011. Austria implemented this legislation in 2013 to follow the respective EU directive. Business processes become by far simpler, quicker and cheaper – just think about the postage fees no longer required!

Health care will cross borders Life expectancy is constantly on the rise in Europe, leading to increased expenses in health and social services: Sober assessments predict that in 2050, nine percent of the EU’s gross domestic product will be required. The instruments of digital Europe are becoming an important ally in encouraging people of all ages to

Credit: Fabasoft AG

66_67

Fabasoft creates (and exports) software for eGovernment, digital file management and enterprise content management at its headquarters in Linz.

take better care of their health everywhere and at any time. Every European patient has the right to high-quality treatment everywhere within the Union, including the reimbursement of costs according to the rules of the social insurance provider of the home country.

Furthermore, eShopping will no longer be restricted, thus providing the European economy with an additional and strongly needed impetus. Trade in goods is increasingly being turned into trade in data. This also requires an end to the annoying geoblocking, to finally make online videos available across the entire ­European Union.

Briefly summarised, the conditions for this bright future are the development of the digital infrastructure – such as broadband internet – directives for standardisation and an adequate investment into the European start-up scene.

The worst-case scenario Europe needs to take care to avoid a structure of society that looks like a bagel: a big hole in the middle. MIT professor Andrew McAfee warns of the decline of the middle class, which may ­happen if we allow the benefits of technology and its ensuing rise in productivity to destroy our jobs instead of creating new ones. He is demanding a rise in entrepreneurship as the solution.

Peter Diamandis, CEO of Singularity University in Silicon ­Valley, says that in only ten years, 40 percent of today’s top 500 companies worldwide will no longer be of importance.

Let’s not let this happen! We need to take care that digitisation does not create holes in Europe, but fills up existing gaps and thus helps us to achieve new prosperity – to turn the bagel into a nice, round cupcake. ◆

World Champion Austria Industry 4.0

SemI40 strengthens Europe’s Economy with the “Learning Factory” Under the leadership of Infineon Austria, the research project SemI40 ­(“Power Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing 4.0”) started in early June 2016. With a volume of 62 million euros, it is among Europe’s largest Industry 4.0 projects. next three years with secure data traffic playing a key role withThe research project SemI40 (“Power Semiconductor and Elecin and outside factories. In this regard, the project’s aim is to tronics Manufacturing 4.0”) led by Infineon Austria was launched develop processes that ensure secure communication between in June. In this project, 37 partners from five countries will carry globally connected systems with different features – for example, out research into further developing autonomous factories. The in terms of age, operating system or interfaces. Potential impacts common goal is the next stage in the development of Industry 4.0 on production should be drastically reduced thanks to early idenapplications. With a volume of 62 million euros, the research protification of risks from malware. ject is one of the largest Industry 4.0 projects in Europe.

“The European project will make a major contribution to keepThe focus is on two fields “made in Europe” ing and strengthening production and jobs in Europe, thus conAnother major focus is the detributing to a stronger business velopment of dynamic simulaand technology location,” says Infineon Technologies Austria AG tions. They enable production Sabine Herlitschka, Chief Execto be planned more exactly and utive Officer of Infineon AusBesides Germany, Infineon Austria is the only site capable efficiently, as well as quality, tria. “From this cross-border of meeting competences for research & development, procapacity utilisation and cycle cooperation all partners will duction as well as global business responsibility. Its headtimes to be improved. benefit and generate competiquarters are based in Villach, further branches are located Decisions in the production tive advantages.” Infineon in Graz, Klagenfurt, Linz and Vienna. With about 3,500 process are often routine ones Technologies will contribute employees (1,300 of whom are in research & development) and based on defined patterns. substantial know-how to the from around 60 nations, the company achieved a turnover In the future, the systems project thanks to its pioneering of 1.4 billion euros in the 2015 fiscal year (ending in Septemshould increasingly make these role in Industry 4.0 in Austria. ber). Infineon Austria is the most research-oriented compadecisions themselves – autoThe “Pilot Room Industry 4.0” ny in Austria with a research ratio of 25 percent of the total matically and with a constant in Villach offers ideal conditurnover. level of quality. In doing so, the tions for trying out new manuMicroelectronics by Infineon reduces the energy consumppeople are relieved of exhaustfacturing processes in live option of consumer electronics, household devices and indusing routine giving them more eration. trial installations. It contributes considerably to the comfort, time for more complex tasks.

SemI40 will focus on “smart safety and sustainability of vehicles and provides secure Factories not only learn at production” and “cyber-physitransactions in a connected world. all times, but must also be cal production systems” in the

Credits: Infineon Technologies Austria AG

68_69

The common goal of the European research project SemI40 is the next stage in the development of Industry 4.0 applications. Pictured right: A cleanroom at Infineon in Villach.

­ daptable: To be able to respond faster to changes along the a entire supply chain, production processes must adapt more flexibly to changes – in the configuration, flow of goods or customers’ order behaviour, for example. The advantages are energy savings and more efficient use of resources overall.

Social impact on the jobs of the future SemI4.0 will also research the social impact on the jobs of the future: Industry 4.0 will change work functions and qualifications of employees in the long run. The requirements of future job profiles need to already be taken into account now. They increasingly entail system-oriented working and necessitate training and qualification measures that reflect the changes in production processes.

Because of these further developments, SemI40 will help to ­secure more than 20,000 jobs at the companies involved. The project partners have a total of around 300,000 employees worldwide.

As a private-public partnership, SemI4.0 will increase the global competitiveness of the European electronics industry. It pools investments from industry, individual countries and ECSEL (Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership) Joint Undertaking. Apart from investments from industry, SemI40 is co-funded by grants from Austria (Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology), Germany, France, Italy and Portugal and by ECSEL Joint Undertaking.

Infineon heads further European research project A further European innovation project headed by Infineon Technologies Dresden was launched in May 2016: IoSense (short for “Internet of Sensors”). Its focus is on sensors and sensor systems for the Internet of Things. The companies conducting research are providers of Industry 4.0 solutions.

Infineon is addressing the main aspects of Industry 4.0 with the user-oriented project SemI40 and the provider-oriented pro-

ject IoSense. By initiating these innovation projects, Infineon underlines its commitment and leading role in semiconductor production in Europe. ◆

SemI40 unites the strengths of 37 partners from five countries Austria: Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft, AVL List GmbH, Fachhochschule Burgenland GmbH, Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH, Infineon Technologies Austria AG (project management), Infineon Technologies IT-Services GmbH, KAI Kompetenzzentrum Automobil- und Industrie­ elektronik GmbH, Know Center, Virtual Vehicle Research Center, Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Materials Center ­Leoben Forschung GmbH, Plansee SE, Vienna University of Technology, University of Klagenfurt Germany: ELMOS Semiconductor AG, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research, Infineon Technologies AG, Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH, Institute for Automation and Communication in Magdeburg, Metralabs GmbH Neue ­ Technologies und Systema, PLASMETREX GmbH, Roth & Rau – Ortner GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH, Schiller Automatisierungstechnik GmbH, Semikron Elektronik GmbH & Co.KG, Systementwicklung Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Austen GmbH, Dresden University of Technology, znt – Zentren für Neue Technologien GmbH France: Ion Beam Services Italy: L.P.E. SPA, Politecnico di Milano, Università degli ­Studi Pavia Portugal: Critical Manufacturing SA, Instituto de Telecomunicações – Pólo de Aveiro, Nanium S.A., Universidade de Aveiro

World Champion Austria Smart Cities

Smarter together One of the European Union’s largest smart city projects with more than 30 members of a consortium has its planning headquarters in Vienna. Innsbruck is trying to achieve smart primary energy savings of 40 to 50 percent.

Today, urban regions are responsible for about two thirds of ­energy consumption and three quarters of total CO2 emissions.

This shows how important it is to make our cities sustain­able, energy efficient, and smart. The “Smarter Together” project is one of the biggest and most important projects of the Euro­pean Union in this field, with funding of 24 million euros and 31 consortium partners. AIT was significantly involved in bringing this showcase project to Austria and also provides scientific support in the form of evaluation and monitoring. The project involves implementing innovative solutions for smart urban development in selected districts of Vienna, Lyon and Munich by 2020. The aim is to achieve energy and climate protection targets and to ­improve the quality of life of the urban population using new technologies.

AIT supports Vienna in planning and implementing a whole range of measures in the district between Simmering Hauptstrasse and Ostbahn. They range from waste heat utilisation and solar thermal energy to photovoltaics and feeding the local renewable energy into the district heating network. Refurbishing buildings with a total surface area of 75,000 sqm should achieve substantial energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions by half.

New mobility strategies will focus on increased electric mobility, including car-sharing and bike-sharing schemes.

This holistic approach leads to complex interactions and increases the challenge to assess the effects of the measures taken in a clear and objective way. AIT has gained substantial expertise in this area in earlier EU projects and is thus responsible for monitoring and evaluating the “Smarter Together” project. ­

The Austrian members of the consortium: c AIT Austrian Institute of Technology c BWS Gemeinnützige allgemeine Bau-, Wohn- und ­Siedlungsgenossenschaft reg. Gen.m.b.H. c Kelag Wärme GmbH c Magistrate of the City of Vienna c Austrian Post c Siemens Austria c Sycube Information Technologie GmbH c Viennese Public Utilities

­ pecially developed methods are used to assess and document S the effects of the measures, and to identify the success factors and obstacles in the implementation process.

Widespread impact on the whole of Europe The importance of this scientific support is illustrated by the fact that a two-year evaluation phase is planned after the end of the three-year implementation phase. This final evaluation is designed to determine whether the goals of the large-scale demonstration project have been sustainably achieved. “After all, the ‘Smarter Together’ project focuses not only on the development of theoretical concepts, but also on concrete implementation – and on creating a role model,” says AIT Project Manager Hans-Peter Neumann.

Credit: PID

70_71

Smart City Vienna: A sustainable economic development in combination with an optimal techno-political positioning provides the city with numerous new jobs.

The successful measures identified in the evaluation phase will be implemented in other Vienna districts, in the follower cities Venice, Sofia and Santiago de Compostela, and finally also at a European and international level, such as in Kiev and Yokohama, which have joined the project as observer cities. This ensures a widespread impact on the whole of Europe, thus ­ ­contributing sustainably to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions and raising the quality of life in our cities.

SINFONIA and “Energy Systems of the Future” A special challenge for European cities is to pursue reconstructions and renovations of existing buildings without any constraints for their inhabitants and to respect historic city structures. One example is the project SINFONIA (“smart initiative of cities fully committed to invest in advanced large-scaled energy solutions“), which aims to use extensive, integrated and multipliable energy solutions in mid-size European cities.

The Tyrolean capital Innsbruck, for example, wants to reduce primary energies by 40 to 50 percent and to increase the share in

renewable energies by 20 percent as part of the SINFONIA ­project. The city plans to reach these goals with a number of measures, which combine the reconstruction of 100,000 sqm of living space, the optimisation of the electricity grid and solutions for heat and cold grids in urban areas (www.sinfonia-smartcities. eu).

The Austrian Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Tech­ nology has been investing intensively for years into innovative energy technologies particularly in urban areas with programmes such as “House of the Future”, “Energy Systems of the Future” and the energy research programme of the Climate and Energy Fund. Therefore, Austria is in a very good position in the fields of solar, wind and environmental heat in environment-friendly buildings and smart energy systems compared to other countries.

For people living in cities, smart energy means mainly a higher quality of life because energy systems backed by fossil fuels can pose a threat to the population in growing conurbations, e.g. due to fine particles. The intelligent use of renewable energies such as biomass, wind, solar and hydropower can reduce harmful emissions and decrease the total energy consumption. u

World Champion Austria Innovation Champion

Permanent Innovation Austria depends on its numerous clever – and always new – ideas.

Currently, the best one comes from AMS AG, which has been awarded the State Prize for Innovation 2016. But there are a few more equally ­impressive ideas.

AMS received the State Prize for developing an optical sensor family for contactless gesture recognition, which takes the interaction between humans and machine to a new level of intuition.

“With more than 2,000 analogue sensor patents worldwide our company has a solid foundation for innovation that enables us to be highly competitive. Winning this prestigious innovation award is yet another recognition of our creativity and ingenuity being market leader in light sensors,” said Alexander Everke, CEO of AMS. The intelligent gesture sensor family accommodates a wide range of device gesturing requirements from simple two-orfour-direction gestures (such as north-south-east-west gestures) to more complex gesture events like directional tap and diagonal gestures. The combination of hardware and software allows for the recognition of 13 different gestures.

The solution comes in a standard footprint and is highly integrated with a 5-in-1 gesture module that includes gesture detection, colour, ambient light, proximity sensing, integrated LED and e-commerce/Mobeam Barcode emulation functionality. All this comes in an ultra-small 7.9 sqmm sensor module that is ideally suited for operation behind dark glass. As consumer electronics – from smartphones and wearables to home automation and control – offer greater functionality, the ability to interact with these systems will be greatly enhanced, as these space-constrained devices are able to recognise and respond to the user without the need to handle the device.

AMS’ new sensor convinced the jury and scored highly in all the relevant criteria: Innovation, entrepreneurial achievement, market opportunities, benefit for customers and the general ­public. The State Prize is AMS’ latest addition to a number of

awards: In November, the company was crowned Austria’s “Best Factory” and received the Styrian “Fast Forward Award.” Internationally, AMS won the “Elektra Award” in London for the new sensor as “best analogue product” and a prize “Company of the Year.”

Environmental technology and linear LED modules Five more great innovations were nominated for the State Prize: c Andritz AG for “PYROMARS + ZEMAP”: A new and a seasoned technology almost fully regenerate the leftovers and waste­ waters that occur during the production of steel and thus ­reduce environmental pollution. c FunderMax GmbH from Wiener Neudorf for “m.look”, a new panel from high-pressure laminate that allows for unlimited architectural ideas while being fire-resistant and weatherproof. c GE Healthcare Austria GmbH & Co KG from Zipf for their “Electronic 4D Technology”: The world’s first curved matrix electronic 4D probe offers detailed colour images of an unborn child. c Bilton International GmbH from Saalfelden for “printed electronics in the manufacturing of LED modules”: A new printing procedure for circuit boards that allows for the large batch production of e.g. flexible LED foils for car lights. c Palfinger AG from Bergheim for the “Assistance system P-FOLD”, which makes both the folding down and unfolding of cranes easier.

Truly clean rooms During the State Prize gala Christoph Leitl, President of the Austrian Economic Chamber, awarded the special prize ECONOVIUS to a particularly innovative company, Ortner Reinraumtechnik

Credits: APA Fotoservice/Thomas Preiss

72_73

The AWS team with Mario Manninger, Alexander Everke (CEO) and Josef Kriebernegg, head of the jury Martha Mühlburger, Vice Dean at the University of Leoben, President of the Austrian Economic Chamber Christoph Leitl, Christian Buchmann of the Styrian provincial government.

The BioEnergy team with chairman Edgar Ahn and Peter Pucher (Head of Research & Development), Nikolaus Schwaiger (University of Graz) and Verbund boss Wolfgang Anzengruber.

GmbH from Villach. The Carinthian business deals with cleanrooms that need to be free of germs and particles. Such environments demand a lot of discipline from every person involved. For example, it is essential that they change their clothes every time they enter or leave the room. This is of course costly and needs time – and this is where Ortner comes into play with their latest invention.

The novel Photodynamic Disinfection Technology uses light to create singlet oxygen that destroys the protein shell of germs and viruses. Used in medical applications this technology has been adapted to work on the surface of textiles. The removal of particles and the microbiological decontamination process of a gown while worn allow gaps in sensitive areas to be closed. This does not only makes laboratories, food processing companies and hospitals more efficient, but also safer.

Five more companies had been nominated for the ECONOVIUS Award: c Bilton International GmbH c FLKeyse.U. from Vienna c Insort GmbH from Kirchberg an der Raab, Styria c Loxone Electronics GmbH from Kollerschlag, Upper Austria c Technische Informationssysteme GmbH from Rankweil, Vorarlberg

and the University of Graz, BDI has developed an innovative Biomass-to-liquid technology.

During the “BDI bioCRACK process” solid biomass and a high-boiling by-product of mineral oil refineries are converted into diesel fuel with more than 10 percent biogenic content. This ­diesel fuel complies with the European diesel-quality standards and can be deployed in diesel engines without any adaptations.

The technology’s patent is pending and allows refineries to use a simple, cost-efficient technology, which results in a reduction of greenhouse gases by more than 80 percent by using only feedstock that does not conflict with the food industry. The ­company has successfully completed the pilot stage and is now looking internationally for a suitable strategic partner for a techno­logical application, mainly for the construction of a demo plant.

Three more companies were nominated for the VERENA Award: EnergieAG Upper Austria from Linz has developed a smart system to increase energy efficiency. Herz Energietechnik from Pinkafeld created a CO2-neutral biomass and heat pump system, the BIOWP hybrid technology plant, and Kälte- und Systemtechnik from Freundorf came up with a combination of a tiled stove and a heat pump to heat entire houses.

VERENA has been awarded for the 14th year running by the leading Austrian electricity producer Verbund for innovative projects in the field of energy efficiency, energy management and smart grids, electromobility and electricity from renewable sources. VERENA spurs businesses and researchers to cooperate for the implementation of future-oriented measures. It has been awarded with the special prize of the State Prize for Innovation since 2012. ◆

A worldwide unique procedure The VERBUND-E-Novation Award 2016 – in short VERENA – went to Styrian BDI BioEnergy International AG and the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology at the University of Graz for the project „BDI bioCRACK”. After years of research and in close cooperation with OMV Schwechat Refinery

World Champion Austria Research

World-class Research The Houska Prize goes to innovative research projects from Austria.

For the first time in 2016, SMEs were also awarded and not just universities. The University of Leoben and the company Marinomed won the main prizes.

Austria’s best research projects were awarded the Houska Prize of the B&C Private Trust in April 2016 at a festive gala at the Museum for Applied Arts in Vienna.

The winners in each of the two categories “University Research” and “Research & Development in SMEs” received prize monies of 150.000 euros each. The four remaining nominees per category received 10.000 euros and an award each as recognition of their efforts.

In the end, they worked out a new method, which has already been put to practice. It allows for a much shorter heat treatment of the alloy and at the same time improves its characteristics. “We are very happy to win the Houska Prize and receive public recognition for our research results,” Pogatscher says. “We are proving with our project that a cooperation of research facilities and business partners leads to practical results.”

University research 34 projects from universities all over Austria applied and in the end Stefan Pogatscher of the University of Leoben come out on top, winning the main prize and 150.000 euros. His research team managed to describe fundamentally the atomic reactions in the early phase of aluminium alloys’ hardening, deducing a new alloy design.

Recognition awards for university research c Adaptive video streaming via http protocol (University of Klagen­furt): The rapidly growing increase in video streaming is overloading networks. Researchers developed a software tool with a sophisticated algorithm that allows for efficient switching between different video qualities during streaming, guaranteeing smooth transmission.

Left: Winner in the ­category University ­Research: Stefan Pogatscher and his team.

Credits: B&C Privatstiftung/ APA-Fotoservice/Preiss

Right: Marinomed GmbH, Eva Prieschl and her team (winner in the category “SMEs”).

74_75

The Lightglass ALED technology turned on and off.

Credit: LightGlass

c Flow chemistry (Christian Doppler Laboratory, University of Graz): Right now, flow chemistry is highly topical in the field of organic chemistry, which occupies not only academic laboratories but also researchers and users in the chemical industry. In flow chemistry, a chemical reaction is run in a continuously flowing stream rather than in batch production. In other words, pumps move fluids into a tube, and where tubes join one another, the fluids contact one another. This method is more environment-friendly as it uses less solvents and energy because e.g. the complicated cooling process is no longer needed. c HOBBIT – Robot help at home (Vienna University of Technology): The world’s first robot that helps older people with everyday tasks at home. While similar robots with set tasks have been tested in apartments before, HOBBIT’s concept is based on mutual help. I.e. users can help the robot while the robot helps them. Due to a touchscreen, voice and gesture recognition, even people with no computer knowledge find it very easy to use. c Microparticles for bioprocesses (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna): At the moment, on an industrial level the cleaning of pharmaceutical proteins is done mainly with chromatographic methods. The University of Natural ­Resources in Vienna managed to create new microparticles that optimise significantly the treatment and cleaning processes of pharmaceutical proteins in terms of time and costs.

Research and development in SMEs 28 research teams were in the running for the new prize in the category for small and medium-sized enterprises. Viennese company Merinomed Biotechnology GmbH emerged as the winner and received the main prize and 150.000 euros. Marinomed managed to develop a new therapy against colds and influenza. The innovative ingredient from red algae targets specifically those viruses that infect the airways.

The recognition awards: c Fusion of glass and light (Lightglass Technology GmbH) The Vienna-based company turns glass from a building material

into an application with functions and characteristics for inter­ national industrial corporations. Visionary smart glass techno­ logies allows for a fusion of glass and light, such as self-luminous glass with the quality of daylight or glass with integrated technical modules. c Photodynamic Disinfection certified Technology – PDcT (Ortner Cleanroom Technology GmbH, Villach) Research results facilitated a new process for safe disinfection of clothed people. Changing work and protective clothes in high security zones is no longer necessary. This is extremely important e.g. in the fight against highly resistant germs in clinical areas.

One result of the project is an air shower for people with photodynamic disinfection. c Revolutionary cooling technology in metallurgy – ILTEC (METTOP GmbH, Leoben) This newly developed cooling technology bans the danger of explosions during cooling processes in metallurgy. Water, which can lead to a massive explosion in case of a leakage in the cooling system, is replaced by an ionic liquid. It falls apart into its components and thus specifically prevents explosions. u Carbon storage in soil and substrates (Sonnenerde – Gerald Dunst Kulturerden GmbH, Riedlingsdorf) Storing carbon in soil and substrates was made possible with an innovative process that reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Sonnenerde developed the world’s first plant-carbon production plant, which makes this high-quality coal from industrial waste. u

World Champion Austria Packaging

Like a Honeycomb Alpla reduces material consumption considerably through the technology of foaming while maintaining a product’s functionality and recyclability.

Credit: elipso

Alpla, the world‘s leading specialist in plastic packaging, has been working for about four years to develop foaming technology in extrusion blow moulding (EBM). In microcellular foaming technology, a gas is injected into the middle layer of the bottle wall.

This creates bubbles in the material, similar to the structure of a honeycomb. Plastic consumption and weight are reduced by up to 15 percent.

The successful application of foaming technology in the production of EBM plastic bottles is the result of years of research and cooperation between Alpla, Unilever and MuCell. Using this procedure, Alpla is producing shower gel bottles in Lübeck for Unilever for the European market – and Unilever will save up to 275 tonnes of plastic per year across Europe for this product line. This technology will be installed in other Alpla sites soon for customers in the body care and household products ­industries.

The PackTheFuture Award for Alpla raises the recognition of the company’s innovation potential and the sustainability of plastic packaging across Europe.

World market leader Alpla is one of the leading companies in the field of packaging solutions and is renowned throughout the world for producing plastic packaging of the highest quality. Around 16,500 employees at 159 locations across 42 countries produce high-quality packaging for brands in the food, beverage, cosmetics and cleaning industries. Alpla celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2015.

Purely physical and fully recyclable The process is a purely physical one and does not require any chemical additives; the bottles are therefore fully recyclable.

“The material’s thickness is reduced, but the strength of the packaging remains the same,” explains René Plattner, Head of Packaging Management at Alpla. “The bottles therefore have practically the same high level of functionality in the bottling plants, during transportation and handling as conventional EBM bottles.” To the end user, the bottles look and work the same.

Alpla recently received two major international awards for this sustainable technology: the PackTheFuture 2015 Award (in Paris) in the Ecodesign Category and the prestigious WorldStar Award from the World Packaging Organisation in the Health & Beauty Category. “These industry awards highlight the potential of foaming for more sustainable packaging solutions,” a pleased Alpla CEO Günther Lehner says about this international recognition. Previously, Alpla had won the Special Prize from ARA (Altstoff Recycling Austria AG) as part of the Austrian “Smart Packaging” State Prize. ◆

World Champion Austria

76_77

Companies introduce themselves

Accenture: Austria’s Top100 – ready for the Digital World?

For the fifth time in a row, Accenture surveyed the level of ­digitization of the Top100 Austrian companies. The result: They keep dwindling and there is a lack in digital strategies and business models. The top businesses from Germany and Switzerland, however, are on a course of growth. The study “Demystifying Digitization – How Austria’s Top100 overcome digital hurdles” shows 13 growth champions who grow significantly quicker and are more profitable than the Top100 average. One company stands out at the top: In all five evaluations so far, Red Bull has been among the particularly successful corporations. “Companies like Red Bull have a high level of innovation and know how they can attract new customers with new products and services,” says Michael Zettel, Country Managing Director at Accenture Austria.

Overcoming digital hurdles Accenture used its Digitization Index to measure the extent of transformation in the Top100 companies. The financial sector was the most digitised, followed by logistics and transportation.

Credit: Accenture

To date, many Austrian companies have not yet developed a structured digitization plan.

“Only if we use digital technologies ­strategically, Austria will remain competitive as a business location.”

MICHAEL ZETTEL, Country Managing Director at Accenture Austria

Facts & Figures Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations.

Here is the download link for the study “Digitalisierung entzaubern. Wie Österreichs Top100 digitale Blockaden lösen”. http://www.accenture.at/wachstum Accenture GmbH Schottenring 16, 1010 Vienna Tel. +43 1 205020 www.accenture.at

The Austrian industry is among the latecomers. Most companies lack a structured schedule for the digital age. The managements of large businesses have realised the significance of digitization but many still have a few hurdles to overcome. The biggest ­obstacle in digital transformation is to develop new customer-­ focused business models. Investments into digitization will only lead to success if they target both internal processes and customer experiences.

In the study, Accenture analyses the five biggest hurdles that companies need to overcome in order to progress more quickly on the path of digitization and also gives examples of particularly dynamic business models. “Only if we use digital technologies strategically, Austria will remain competitive as a business ­location,” concludes Michael Zettel.

World Champion Austria Transport and Logistics

World-class Logistics If there were a world championship for the logistics and transportation sector, Austria would surely get very far.

The study’s most important results: Logistics and transportation are highly multi-faceted and exciting topics. But its common denominator is the international success c Each employee in the Austrian logistics sector secures up to of Austrian companies in this sector. They keep constantly react3.5 jobs in the national economy. ing to the increasing demands in the field of transportation and c Each euro that domestic logistics companies turn over secures mobility with research investments and the optimisation of proup to 3.88 euros turnover in the national economy. duction processes. c Each euro in added value of the Austrian logistics sector seCable cars, rolling stock and services in this area are provided cures up to 4.11 euros in added value in the national economy. by highly specialised and export-oriented producers. There are also Austrian providers of signalisation systems, traffic control systems and other technical equipment, who deliver high quality, High added value for Austria’s economy reliable products. The Austrian service providers in the trans“The multipliers that were calculated in this study clearly show port and logistics industry are customer-oriented and have how important and value-adding logistics is for our flagship many years of experience companies and thus for the ­ meeting demanding chalbusiness location Austria,” exlenges in freight and haulier plains Wolfram Senger-Weiss, The top 10 in logistics services.

Member of the Board at 1. Austrian Railways (ÖBB) ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5,270.10 The head of the Institute ­Gebrüder Weiss and President 2. Austrian Post ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2,370.50 for Industrial Science (IWI), of the Central Association of 3. Austrian Airlines ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2,164.30 Herwig W. Schneider, conForwarding and Logistics since 4. Rail Cargo Austria ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2,073.10 cludes from one of his stud2012.

5. LKW Walter Internationale ies on the impact of logistics More than 90 percent of Transportorganisation ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1,710.00 on the entire national econocompanies surveyed in the 6. Schenker & Co ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1,525.00 my: “Employment in the study are convinced that logis 7. Kühne + Nagel Eastern Europe ������������������������������������������������������������������� 1,343.80 logistics sector secures a tics will gain in significance for 8. Cargo-Partner Group Holding �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 579.00 number of jobs. Each euro the national economy. A quar 9. Wiener Linien �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 494.80 invested returns multiplied ter said that logistics has a 30 10. Augustin Quehenberger Group ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 485.00 as added value and has percent share in their compaThe ten largest Austrian companies in the transportation thus the potential to nies’ success. and logistics sector, ranked by their net turnover (in million strengthen the business Businesses in the logistics euros). ­location Austria in a sustainsector saw constantly increasSource: www.trendtop500.at able way.” ing employment right up to the

78_79

A cleanroom at Infineon Villach.

Credit: ThinkstockPhotos

financial crisis of 2008. The order situation went temporarily down due to the recession in the automotive sector, parts of the trading sector and the industry in 2008 and 2009. But since 2012, turnover both domestically and in the export business went up, increasing the orders for the logistics sector once again. “The companies in the logistics sector are not only generally attractive for our business location, they can also count on increasing orders in the years to come, which in turn will result in a noticeable rise in employment,” explains Johannes Kopf, head of the Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) job centre.

“In particular skilled employees such as operational logisticians, forwarding logisticians and forwarding merchants will benefit from this rising demand.”

Facts & figures c Number of companies in the Austrian transportation sector: 35,520 Thereof new businesses: 1,593 Employees: 194,143 c Density of the motorway network in Austria: 20.5 km per 1,000 square kilometres (EU average: 16.3 km per 1,000 square kilometres) c Railroad density in Austria: 58.3 km per 1,000 square kilometres (EU average: 49.2 per 1,000 square kilometres) c Planned investments into telematics applications for the Austrian traffic system by 2010: 1 billion euros

When it comes to qualifications, the entire occupational field shows that service orientation and communication skills are among the most important requirements. Apart from the specialist qualification, a knowledge of languages and IT skills are in high demand. In senior management intercultural skills are needed due to the rising internationalisation, says Kopf. On top of that, the logistics sector also has the potential to offer jobs to less skilled workers and not only highly trained specialists.

That’s how it’s done A smooth transportation and logistics process is the key to success in practically all economic sectors – and all of Austria’s forwarders have fleets that can cover all transportation needs. The Augustin Quehenberger Group, for example, does not only offer its services in Europe; it has a global forwarding network.

The company Drautrans is located in the border triangle of Italy, Slovenia and Austria, and offers both conventional full truckloads but also combined road-rail services between Austria and Western Europe. The main business of Spedition Condor is full truckloads, foremost from and to Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey and Central Asia.

World Champion Austria

Credit: ÖBB

Transport and Logistics

DB Schenker invests in Austria The international logistics service provider DB Schenker employs about 2,000 people at a dozen offices in Austria. On top of that, the Schenker & Co AG in Vienna operates as the Cluster Head Office for South-East Europe. How important the business location Austria is to DB Schenker is shown by the company’s major investment projects in Kufstein and Graz. A new integrated terminal will be erected in Langkampfen (Tyrol) at a cost of eleven million euros. It will comprise a 10,000 sqm big logistics space and an office building with 350 sqm. The new location will be up and running by December 2016.

DB Schenker is also investing 25 million euros in its new logistics centre in Graz; the company will thus double its logistics space in Styria and creates a capacity for 250 new jobs. Construction of the new centre will transform the two existing DB Schenker facilities in the Graz region into a modern integrated logistics terminal.

Along with state-of-the-art IT solutions and the latest safety standards, the new facility will also offer solid environmental benefits. For example, the entire centre, including the transshipment section, will be equipped with LED lighting systems that adapt to ambient lighting conditions. A temperature of between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius will be maintained over an area of 8,000 square meters at the facility. All in all, the new facility in Graz will be the most modern freight logistics centre south of the Alps.

Opportunities for Gebrüder Weiss The Vorarlberg-based family business Gebrüder Weiss is actively promoting careers: The company trains the majority of its senior management inhouse. But newcomers and young graduates with special skills are also welcome to contribute to the success of Gebrüder Weiss with their skills, ideas and passion. “Our hierarchies are open enough to offer all types of people the possibility to express their personalities and to develop their potential and personal interests,” promises Wolfram Senger-Weiss. The basis for this is a comprehensive apprenticeship, a special trainee programme or the lateral entry from a different job.

The transportation and logistics company from Lauterach is happy with its business year: With an increase of three percent, the Corporate Group recorded a provisional net turnover of 1.28 billion euros (2014: 1.24 billion euros). At 56.7 percent, the equity ratio rose slightly, guaranteeing the company substantial independence from credit institutes (2014: 54.3 percent). In addition to expanding locations in Central and Eastern Europe, Gebrüder Weiss intensified its operations in Asia, thereby strengthening its position as an international logistics provider. The total volume of investments in 2015 amounted to 53.75 million euros (2014: 56.4 million euros).

The logistics specialist responded to the steady growth in online business by expanding its established eFulfilment solutions in a number of countries in Central and Eastern Europe. In this context, Gebrüder Weiss also added two-man handling and furniture assembly to its home delivery services (B2C), advancing to the position of market leader in Austria. Furthermore, DPD‘s network in Austria grew to over 1,000 parcel shops. The Gebrüder Weiss parcel service (GWP) is a shareholder in DPD. In addition, Gebrüder Weiss made key strategic decisions re-

80_81

Credit: ÖBB/ Peter Rigaud

garding its development in the area of global supply chain management. “In order to fully exploit optimisation potentials for our customers, we need to consider the complex value creation chain in its entirety and provide support through efficient consulting, planning and logistics expertise,” explains Wolfgang Niessner.

In 2016, Gebrüder Weiss intends to strengthen its leading position in Central and Eastern Europe and along the former Silk Road toward China and in other overseas markets. “We will continue to align our products and processes to the requirements of our customers and develop innovative solutions in order to keep up with the growing pace of digitisation,” says Wolfgang Niessner. “In doing so, we will continue to place our faith in our highly trained and dedicated workforce, whose commitment to Service Excellence is enthusiastically welcomed by our customers.”

DHL: More than 100,000 business customers in Austria The market leader in international express shipping DHL is also on a course of growth and celebrated its 35-year-anniversary in Austria last year. DHL Express Austria was founded in 1980 in Vienna with three employees and an on-board courier who transported 50 documents a day between Vienna and Frankfurt. Ten years later, DHL already had offices in all Austrian provincial capitals and counted international organisations such as the United Nations, OPEC and the European Parliament among its customers. In 2016, more than 10,000 business clients in all of Austria trust in the expertise and (global) service of DHL Express.

DHL Express is continuing its course of growth and has been investing in several infrastructure projects over the past few years. In 2011, the production site and headquarters of DHL Express Austria in Guntramsdorf was expanded and a new service centre in Peggau (Styria) went into operation. “But investments into our infrastructure are only one measure to keep operating successfully,” says Managing Director Ralf Schweighöfer. It is

equally important to invest into know-how and the employees’ service orientation.

This seems to be successful as DHL Express received the seal of approval “Austria’s Best Companies” at the European Service Awards. In June 2016, the company also received the seal of quality “Top Service Austria” with the best overall score.

Rail Cargo’s environment-friendly transports Speaking of sustainability: Every year, the Rail Cargo Group ­implements high-performance logistics solutions for over three million tonnes of agricultural products and provides for comprehensive security of supply – and all that by environment-friendly rail. For this, the Rail Cargo Group of the Austrian Railways was presented with this year’s Agrana Sustainability Award. With a turnover of 2.1 billion euros and 8,100 employees, the Rail Cargo Group is one of the leading logistics and transportation specialists in European rail freight transportation. Starting from the home markets Austria and Hungary, the Rail Cargo Group offers tailor-made rail logistics solutions between the North Sea, ­ Black Sea and the Mediterranean. With companies in 18 countries in Central, Southern and Eastern Europe and a high-quality partner network, Rail Cargo Group ensures safe and reliable ­ transportation on the environment-friendly railway. The con­ trolling legal entity of the Rail Cargo Group is the Rail Cargo Austria AG. Around 1.6 million tonnes of sugar beet is transported by rail each year for Agrana. Thanks to the dense decentralised rail network with over 400 loading points in Austria, support is provided for small and medium-sized regional enterprises and domestic production, and the Austrian business hub is reinforced.

In the process, rail transport causes less CO2 emissions compared to road – with the consignments for Agrana, emissions were avoided by around 900 percent.

All in all, this proves to be a very positive outlook for the business location Austria thanks to the domestic logistics and transportation sector. ◆

World Champion Austria Companies introduce themselves

Rail Cargo Group: Simply GOOD by rail High performing and competitive railway companies are the basis for meeting the increasing demand in mobility, both in passenger traffic and commercial transport. It is our aim to be a trailblazer in customer satisfaction, efficiency and in being a great employer.

We consider it therefore natural to not only keep our promises but also to offer customisable modular logistics systems. Thus, we can provide Europe-wide one-stop connections.

Vienna Ferris Wheels, 400 Eiffel Towers, 200 Berlin TV Towers, 100 Empire State Buildings and 10 Great Pyramids of Giza.

Each sector and each customer has specific requirements in their logistics. The Rail Cargo Group offers future-oriented and individual logistics and transport solutions from a single source thanks to the know-how of our experts and the latest transportation technologies.

And all that is done wherever it is needed. We have the competence to keep the industry’s engine running thanks to our end-to-end services. Together with our customers, we develop industry-specific, custom-made rail cargo solutions in Europe.

Transporting buildings Over the course of a year, the Rail Cargo Group transports more than 109 million tonnes of goods across Europe. In other words, we shift the following world-famous buildings annually: 1,000

Around the world Every year, the trains of the Rail Cargo Group travel 46 million kilometres to deliver goods to their destinations.

This equals going 1,155 times around the globe.

The Rail Cargo Group’s locations across Europe and beyond guarantee an optimal network and allow for a customer-oriented range of products. To us, being close to our customers means being close to success. Starting from our home markets Austria and Hungary, the Rail Cargo Group is a competent partner for railway cargo between the North Sea, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The international network of the Rail Cargo Group is the ideal basis for railway logistics in Europe and beyond.

82_83

Right o for th n track – e env ironm ent!

Environment-friendly mobility We carry more than 82 million tonnes of goods per year in and through Austria. Rail transport thus saves the environment from one million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. That way, we protect the environment from what would be a long queue of trucks that goes twice around the world.

As a competent partner for railway freight transports and as an economic driver the Rail Cargo Group focuses on economic, environment-friendly and social aspects. If you want to protect the environment, you have to use the railways as the cleanest means of transport. Rail transport emits 18 times less carbon dioxide into the environment compared to road transport. But the Rail Cargo Group is not only “green” in Austria: We already conduct 70 percent of our total transportation services in cross-border traffic.

Every minute The Rail Cargo Group operates every year more than 511,000 trains. In other words, every minute we put a train for one of our customers on the tracks.

Our high-quality network is a decisive advantage in our success.

Our international know-how lays the ideal foundation for railway logistics in Europe and beyond. Single cars, large containers or block trains – we connect markets and important business centres, and are present wherever our customers need us. They benefit from our great network in Europe and our railway connection to important centres, ports and terminals – all around the clock, every day, every season.

Transporting success together The Rail Cargo Group is one of the leading specialists in logistics and transportation in the European rail cargo business with more than 8,200 employees and a turnover of 2.1 billion Euros. We operate businesses in 18 countries in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and a tight network of partners that ensures safe and reliable transport on the environment-friendly railways. This allows customers in Europe to enjoy pinpoint solutions in logistics.

Your export-dynamic line to the Rail Cargo Group: Am Hauptbahnhof 2 1100 Vienna, Austria Tel. +43 5 7750 kommunikation@railcargo.com railcargo.com

World Champion Austria Great Place to Work

World-class soft Skills Recommended by staff and therefore perfectly presentable: “Austria’s Best Workplaces 2016”

Since March, more than three dozen companies may officially call themselves “Austria’s Best Workplaces 2016”. In total, 73 businesses – that is more than ever before – participated in the benchmark study Great Place to Work. The results represent a grand total of 35,000 staff. The impressive list contains successful Austrian companies of different sizes and sectors, and which showcase an excellent working culture. 90 percent of those ­surveyed said that they are completely happy with their workplace.

Apart from the evaluation of human resources policies, the survey of staff opinions accounts for two thirds of the final rating. “This means that it is mainly the staff who decide whether a business will be awarded the title of ‘Best Workplace’ or not,” explains Doris Palz, Managing Director at Great Place to Work.

Jobs with a special significance The distinguished companies achieve high scores across all surveyed questions. They have a pronounced culture of trust, which is reflected by a high team spirit and the staff’s pride in their work. More than eighty percent of all employees say they trust the companies they work at.

“Austria’s Best Workplaces 2016” can be particularly proud of their staff’s attitude towards their tasks. 84 percent consider their work not just ‘any’ job but value it greatly. One of the comments said: “Every day I am 100 percent convinced of this company and I am very proud to be working here.”

The desire to change employers is almost non-existent within these companies. Nine out of ten employees say that they want to remain at the companies for a long time. The distinguished

companies have a considerably lower fluctuation in staff on the one hand, and on the other hand, they get ahigh number of ­applications when they advertise for jobs. On average, 48 candidates apply for one job at “Austria’s Best Workplaces”.

New employees receive a particularly warm welcome at such companies. Already on day one the newcomers feel valued, learn about corporate values and sense a togetherness. 92 percent of those surveyed confirmed this and said things like: “It is noticeable that a new member of staff is accepted immediately and everyone is extremely nice. I also see this with the four new colleagues I got in the past two years. It really is a great feeling from the first day on.”

Excellent training programmes A workplace environment that is praised by the staff is the perfect place to strengthen innovative capacity and economic growth, says Anna Maria Hochhauser, Secretary General at the Austrian Economic Chamber: “I am delighted by the excellent achievements of our businesses. This applies in particular to apprentice­ships and training programmes. I am therefore very happy that we have a Special Award for this field and from next year on there will be a special certification called Great Place to Start.”

Great Place to Start aims to highlight excellent training programmes and companies in Austria that have been recommended by apprentices. This certification serves to help companies that train apprentices in order to have a head start in the race for the best apprentices. The title “Austria’s Best Apprenticeships” will be awarded through a special certification programme that reflects both the company’s apprenticeship concept and the ­

Credit: GPTW 2016/Daniel Nuderscher

84_85

f­eedback from apprentices in equal parts. The Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy (BMWFW) and the Austrian Economic Chamber are partners in this new certification.

“The Austrian in-firm training system is a role model in Europe and allows youths to prepare themselves for their working life,” says Alexander Hölbl, head of the department for in-firm training at the Ministry of Science. “Publically well-known certifications of companies that offer excellent professional training make an important contribution to the further development of the successful Austrian system of apprenticeships.”

(Even) better social structures Another major concern of the Great Place to Work Institute is to create awareness for socially important issues. Founder Robert Levernig strived actively for the further development and improvement of social structures. Therefore, Great Place to Work also issued special awards in three different categories in 2016: c Best Workplace for new Working Environments and Quality of Life: Biogena Naturprodukte GmbH & Co KG c Best Workplace for Diversity & Inclusion: OMICRON c Best Workplace for the Advancement of Apprentices: KLIPP Frisör GmbH

◆

Austria’s Best Workplaces 2016 Small (20 to 49 staff) 1. currycom communications 2. G reat Lengths Haarvertriebs GmbH 3. VBV – Vorsorgekasse AG 4. DANONE GmbH 5. Ranorex GmbH 6. S oftware Quality Lab GmbH Medium (50 to 250 staff) 1. w illhaben internet service GmbH & Co KG 2. NetApp Austria GmbH 3. B iogena Naturprodukte GmbH & Co KG 4. runtastic GmbH 5. E MC Computer Systems ­Austria GmbH 6. I NG-DiBa Direktbank Austria 7. Q uintiles Eastern Holdings GmbH 8. AbbVie GmbH 9. M undipharma Gesellschaft m.b.H. 10. J anssen-Cilag Pharma GmbH 11. a ddIT Dienstleistungen GmbH & Co KG

12. B ristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH 13. J ohnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH 14. VTU Engineering GmbH 15. Tech Data Österreich GmbH 16. AV Stumpfl GmbH 17. B inder Grösswang Rechts­ anwälte GmbH 18. Compax 19. u nit-IT Dienstleistungs GmbH & Co KG Large (251 to 500 staff) 1. OMICRON 2. Worthington Cylinders GmbH 3. Salomon Automation GmbH 4. Rhomberg Bau GmbH 5. BESTSELLER Österreich 6. Sto Ges.m.b.H. X-Large (more than 500 staff) 1. Attensam 2. Magna Steyr Standort Graz 3. Lidl Österreich 4. FRITZ EGGER GmbH & Co KG 5. KLIPP Frisör GmbH 6. H &M Hennes & Mauritz GesmbH

World Champion Austria Radar

Austria has a lot of Potential “We have to focus on sunrise industries and innovative issues,” says Bernhard Gröhs, managing partner at Deloitte Austria, in an e ­ xclusive interview with Paul Christian Jezek.

tries such as Switzerland and Sweden who lead the Deloitte ranking.

On the other hand, there are positive signs among specific indices: For the second year in a row, Austria improved in the Global Innovation Index and the Corruption Perceptions Index. The innovative capacity among Aus­ trian business is steadily rising and the state set the right impulses with an increased research promotion, among other things. When we speak to our clients, we notice a lot of positive energy and desire for change. I am convinced that Austria sells itself short at the ­moment.

Credit: apa-fotoservice-hinterramskogler

In spring 2016, Deloitte published the Deloitte.

Radar for the third time. The meta study analyses and evaluates the attraction of the business location Austria. The total result offers little satisfaction and is rather sobering overall: The downward trend in competitiveness continues for a third consecutive year. The good news is though, that Deloitte sees the first signs of a trend reversal. Bernhard Gröhs, managing partner at Deloitte Austria, explains the current situation of the business location Austria and what is needed to be on the up again.

What is the verdict of the Deloitte.Radar 2016?

What are the reasons for Austria’s less than satisfactory ranking The latest analysis gives an ambivalent picture. On the one hand, in the business location index?

Austria fell further off the pace in major global rankings such as At first glance, the bad overthe Global Competitiveness all result for Austria seems Index and the World Com­ ­bizarre because there is a lot of petitiveness Index. We have “I am convinced that Austria sells itself short potential: There are many to acknowledge that at the at the moment.” great minds, innovative entremoment our business locaBERNHARD GRÖHS preneurs and generally comtion cannot keep up in the mitted people. In order to global competition with coun-

Deloitte.Radar 2016: Factors for attractive business locations

Political and macroeconomic environment Austria faces currently one of the lowest economic growth rates in Europe, falling investments and a high national debt. The good employment rate is tarnished by a continuing increase in unemployment. The rating is lower than the previous year – in the short term an improvement is unlikely.

Political and macroeconomic environment previous year

prognosis

Business infrastructure and environment

Business infrastructure and environment previous year

prognosis

Regulatory framework The regulatory demands are seen as the biggest entrepreneurial risk and investment hindrance. In Europe, Austria stands out with a continuing high amount of bureaucracy, many individual regulations and comparatively low flexibility. Change cannot be expected any time soon.

Innovation, research and technology Austria is among the above-average research and innovation locations in Europe. In the last few years, the innovative efficiency increased continuously. A reduction in bureaucracy and the promotion of a stronger private equity culture are essential.

Regulatory framework previous year

Illustration: Deloitte.Radar

Austria is among the highly developed locations with its well-developed general infrastructure. But considering the quick technological progress and the necessary IT infrastructure Austria needs to stay on the ball and catch up with the leading innovation locations.

prognosis

Costs

Costs previous year

prognosis

Austrian fiscal policy receives bad marks compared to other countries with regard to the high level of taxes and duties as well as the evaluation of the effects of regulation.

The tax reform was a first step to relieve the factor work but is mainly counter financed by revenues.

Innovation, research and technology previous year

prognosis

Availability of workforce previous year

prognosis

urgent need for action need for action good basis for necessary improvements advantage of the location with potential for improvements clear advantage of the location

Quality of life previous year

Availability of workforce For years, a rising unemployment among little qualified and older workers was offset by shortages in highly qualified and skilled workers.

Austria has to master the big challenge of creating new jobs and raising the education levels.

Quality of life Material wealth and the quality of life are clearly above average.

However, Austrians consider their subjective wellbeing and future possibilities worse than in comparable countries, which puts the perception of a high quality of life in danger.

Austria’s competitiveness continued to decrease in 2015: The index value of the seven location factors that Deloitte evaluated fell from 3.00 in 2014 to 2.86 of a maximum of 5 points. This is due to a deterioration of the macroeconomic environment.

prognosis

86_87

World Champion Austria Radar

Global Business Location Index in the top 10

in the top 20

Switzerland

Japan

Sweden

Ireland

United States

Australia

How can Austria get the rising unemployment rate under Iceland Denmark control?

Belgium Finland Unemployment is increasAustria Singapore* ing despite an increasing employment rate – that is food for U.A.E.* Germany thought and raises a few Qatar* Netherlands questions. You have to wonTaiwan Great Britain der whether we haven’t been preparing young people for Malaysia Norway the job market for years; Korea Canada whether we should promote France Luxembourg entrepreneurial spirit much Spain Hong Kong* earlier; and how we can solve the challenges of immigration New Zealand in terms of employment.

Both short-term and long*not evaluated for the OECD Better Life Index term measures need to be Source: Deloitte Austria Illustration: APA/Deloitte Österreich APA GRAPHICS taken to change the current ­ situation.

The employment market is no zero-sum situation where somebody takes away a pre-defined ­explain why the ranking has been so bad for years we have number of jobs from someone else. Jobs can be developed just to take a closer look at the business location factors. And here like material invest­ments. In order to calm the situation we need we see clearly that something needs to be done in several first a direct investment in new, subsidised jobs for youths. This areas. investment will be a significant psychological impulse, especially in the short-term. Also, we need to be aware that in future all One of the factors that you analysed was the political and jobs will be influenced by technological competencies. Therefore, macroeconomic environment. Why does Austria not receive good we have to invest specifically in sunrise industries and business marks here? models in the medium run. In the long run, there is realistically Rising unemployment, little economic growth, falling investments only one measure for a sustainable positive effect on the job marand a high national debt are the main factors why Austria did not ket: direct investment in education. receive good marks for its political and macroeconomic environment.

Which roll do the provinces take up in the Deloitte.Radar?

The regulatory requirements in particular are an undisputable The provinces and communities play an important role, in pardisadvantage for the business location, which drives up costs and ticular when it comes to subsidies and grants: They contribute curbs investments. In the international comparison, the high tax massively to the lucrative subsidy policies. Over the last years, rate is a burden that makes it harder to keep up with competitors. there were more and more demands for more transparency when And then there is the problem child that is the job market: The it comes to subsidies and expenditures. The idea of independent unemployment rate keeps going up despite more jobs being taxation in the provinces is also coming up time and again. In available.

88_89

“Austrians have to face the big challenges with courage and keep looking forward.” politics, federalism plays an impor­tant role. The fiscal equalisation scheme between the ­federation, the provinces and the communities is much discussed.

Some people may be critical towards that. But for the business location Austria the diversity of the provinces is an asset: All regions contribute significantly to the country’s success with their different strengths.

The leading position that Austria takes up in quality of life is also an asset when it comes to ­ promoting our country abroad. But I’m actually critical of this. A high standard of living can be a stumbling ­ block for urgently needed changes. Austrians often focus on preserving what they’ve achieved in the past. But that will not be enough. To the contrary: If you don’t go forward, you are going backwards.

BERNHARD GRÖHS

Are there any provinces in Austria that score higher than So what does Austria need to do in order to change course and others? to get back to the top?

Our study found that the various provinces have very different Austrians have to face the big challenges with courage and keep individual strengths – and that’s what makes Austria so special. looking forward. Austria must not rest on its laurels in areas For example, Vorarlberg stands out with the highest GDP growth, where it had been strong for years and was at the top. InfrastrucTyrol has the lowest public debt and Salzburg has the lowest ture is a good example: Austria is among the highly developed unemployment rate. Upper Austria is the leading industrial locabusiness locations with its well-developed infrastructure. But tion and Vienna has the highest gross domestic product per due to the quick technological progress and the necessary IT capita of all provinces.

When it comes to research and development, Styria is on top. Carinthia has the highest success rate in terms of school leaving examinations.

Burgen­land is in the lead in childcare and Lower Austria has the highest spending power. But of Austria’s competitiveness over time course, the provinces have different weaknesses Indices 2015 that need to be tackled. Keeping the strengths in mind, they have to work hard to find the right solutions.

Which are Austria’s strengths and where is more work needed to regain the business location’s attraction?

In Austria, there is potential in many areas. Research and development, for example, is one of our strengths. Therefore, it is correct to set the bar for our goals high, like the government did with the Digital Roadmap, wanting to re-establish Austria as an innovation leader in Europe. The higher research promotion sets important impulses but we need to increase our efforts in the field of education significantly.

Source: Deloitte Austria

Illustration: APA/Deloitte Österreich

APA GRAPHICS

World Champion Austria

_90

Radar

“We have to recognise the potentials and make courageous investments.” infrastructure Austria still needs to catch up with the leading innovative locations. If we don’t stay on the ball we will be left behind in the long run.

The business location has been ailing for several years. Why has it not been possible to reverse this trend?

The Deloitte.Radar clearly shows that there is no lack in ideas for a trend reversal. There are many reasonable approaches on how to return Austria to the top. But people still have a sense of standstill and insecurity. This causes a hesitant and pessimistic undertone, which in turn blocks real reforms and truly courageous steps. But each trend reversal starts with a change in expectations. We need a fundamental change in our minds. Only an ambitious mind-set among all of us will lead to true change. But we need one thing foremost, and that is courage.

The media also needs to have more courage for positive news. There is a reason why in challenging times like these the term “constructive news” is on everyone’s lips. We will only achieve a positive mind-set if positive examples from our society are put in the spotlight. Only then entrepreneurs will show their courage by continuing to bank on the business location Austria and by increasing investments.

BERNHARD GRÖHS

Do you see any positive impulses at the moment?

In the last year, Austria already managed to set important impulses in a few areas. A courageous first step, for example, was the tax reform to relieve the pressure on employment. A fly in the ointment, however, is its counter financing, which is mostly taken from the state’s income. Reforming the administrative jurisdiction is another courageous step towards a simpler and leaner administration as well as the creation of more streamlined structures.

The increased research promotion is very helpful in the field of What do we need in particular to show our courage? research and development. And the non-profit law has set imporWe all need to pull together to have courage. On the one hand, tant impulses for economic and social innovations. politicians need to have the courage to introduce necessary reBut we need to continue forms: Important framework along this path. The already conditions, especially for innoimplemented reforms need to vative entrepreneurs, have to “There is no lack of ideas for a trend reversal. be extended, and new, innovabe drawn up quicker and for There are many reasonable approaches on how to tive ideas and projects have to this we need a deregulation be put forward. reform. return Austria to the top.”

The focus has to be on sunOn the other hand, teachBERNHARD GRÖHS rise industries and innovative ers need to abandon the existissues. We have to recognise ing culture of focusing on erthe potentials and make courors and need to develop an rageous investments. One specific example is e-mobility. A lot environment that advances young talents. Many individual, will happen in this field over the next few years and Austria could courageous initiatives have been developed by teachers and set important impulses and be a trailblazer. members of the public, and they have spurred some justified optimism. The education reform is also making its first steps for Will Austria have enough courage for a trend reversal? a new future.

Yes, I am convinced. Austria has a lot of potential: Innovative The public needs to stay courageous to master the big social entrepreneurs, well-educated citizens, a solid economy and many challenges. Last year people showed impressively how to deal committed people. Altogether we can manage to reverse the with the refugee crises in a constructive way. But we will need a trend – but only if we all pull together and put our individual lot of patience and must not allow ourselves to be paralysed by ­interests on the backburner. u irrational fears.

corporAID advocates business, development and global corporate responsibility.

eye-opening

developmen global sustainable

eye-opening

unique

Partners of the corporAID Platform

responsible

sustainable www.corporaid.at

World Champion Austria Best of Austria

Vivid Culture of Innovation With “Best of Austria”, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, ­Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW) has put its annual focus on export orientation and started a sustainable internationalisation offensive.

Credit: BMLFUW/Alexander Haiden

“We face great challenges at the moment – economically, politically and socially,” says says Federal Minister Rupprechter in an exclusive interview with “World Champion Austria”. “But at the same time, great opportunities await us. Products and know-how from A ­ ustria are well-known all around the world for their high ­quality.”

Going by the motto “Innovative at home, successful in the world,” the BMLFUW puts aspiring Austrian entrepreneurs in the spotlight. “We want to develop a modern model for Austrian top achievements and raise awareness for what our country has to offer in terms of sustainable products and services!”

Andrä Rupprechter, Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and ­Water Management.

What makes Austrian export products stand out on the world market?

Minister Andrä Rupprechter: Our businesses adhere to high standards and are particularly innovative. That is how they can score points on the world market. Time and again, Austria keeps setting new international benchmarks when it comes to sustainable development: We produce top quality agricultural products and services with the highest ecological share in Europe and are investing successfully into renewable energies, intelligent resource management and the latest environmental technologies.

All of this is the result of a vivid culture of innovation, for which we have to thank the great commitment of many people in rural areas. “Best of Austria” aims to present these people, their ­concepts and ideas, to inform others about their achievements and to promote networking. That way we will manage to open up new markets and to create a stable environment in times of international crises.

Since when does the initiative, “Best of Austria” exist? What has already been achieved and who participates?

We started the initiative this January, but “Best of Austria” is not the Ministry’s first export initiative. We developed a proven ­concept further. In the previous year, we managed to increase our agricultural and food exports by three percent despite the trade embargo on Russia.

This year, there is a new media campaign to raise public awareness for this important issue. The number of supporters keeps growing and the initiative is also very successful on social media.

On Facebook, more than 23,800 fans are kept up-to-date on ­export. On the one hand, users participate in interactive content such as quizzes and competitions, on the other hand, Austrian

businesses have the opportunity to introduce themselves to a large audience. We give sustainable impulses that further increase the propensity of Austrian companies to export.

Credit: BMLFUW/Bernhard Kern

92_93

Credit: BMLFUW/Alexander Haiden

Which are the particularly attractive markets and how can you gain access?

As part of “Best of Austria”, I have ­already visited many countries where we successfully opened up new markets.

Austrian entrepreneurs accompany me and can gain valuable contacts. My trip to Russia in April, for example, resulted in very constructive talks that we want to continue as soon as possible.

During my trip to Iran in late February, we signed a so-called memorandum of understanding that will intensify our cooperation in the field of nature and environment protection. Our knowhow is an important export good: A twelve people strong delegation from Iran has already visited our national parks in order to learn from us for their ranger training. We have planned another trip to China for 2016 with an economic delegation, and we will visit many international fairs and conferences. Together with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Agricultural Chamber and the Economic Chamber, we are also working on an export service point, which will support our businesses when they face export hurdles in terms of veterinary issues.

Which topics does the initiative include? Are there any limitations?

The initiative consciously covers a wide range of topics. This is mainly due to the diversity of our export hits: In Iran, the interest in innovative Austrian environment technologies is very high. But Austrian companies can also score when it comes to agriculture in terms of agricultural engineering, export of bred cattle and ­irrigation technologies. Russia on the other hand is interested in know-how in the fields of cattle breeding, ecological agriculture and viniculture. But companies in forestry, the timber industry and environment technologies are also very successful with their projects in Russia.

Which “Best of Austria” examples stand out or are very successful? And why is that?

Environment-friendly passive houses, high-quality foodstuffs, modern water infrastructure, innovative timber construction, sustainable waste and resource management and more – we have numerous outstanding examples from all areas of my ­department. It is impressive to see how many Austrian entrepreneurs are globally successful with ambitious ideas.

Which not so well known Austrian products, facts or services do you consider so world-class that they deserve (even) more ­popularity?

There are very many in Austria. It is my great desire to highlight the diversity of Austrian top achievements. For example, we regularly present a “Company of the Week” on our “Best of ­Austria” website and on Facebook. You may find yourself surprised by how many exciting products and services our country has to offer! ◆

_94

World Champion Austria Vienna keeps growing

The QBC is becoming world-class Quartier Belvedere Central, abbreviated QBC, is an area between the Gürtel road and the new Central Railway Station that keeps on growing.

The first building phase will be finished by May 2017.

Credit: Mikes

with a total of 577 rooms will The whole project will be finensure a social mixture of peoished in early 2019 and add a ple in the new quarter. modern urban space to Vienna.

This combination of differ“Thanks to the mild winter the ent forms of use guarantees a building works are taking place lively atmosphere and the faster than we expected,” says area’s proximity to the city ­ Karl Bier, CEO of developer centre and the Central RailUBM Development. It is the way Station ensure its amenilargest project in the Viennese ty. “The architectural diversity company’s 143-year-old history. contributes significantly to Since the QBC is a building proKarl Bier, CEO at UBM, and architect Heinz Neumann. making the utilisation concept ject of massive proportions, the work,” says renowned architect Heinz Neumann. Apart from his UBM chairman is delighted to remain within the budget and the own firm Neumann + Partner, architects Jabornegg & Palffy set time frame – as this is not always the case with such large Architekten, RLP Rüdiger Lainer + Partner and Behnisch ­ construction sites, even for such a successful company. In total, ­Architekten are responsible each for a construction stage. “The more than 300 million euros have been budgeted for the 25,000 desired diversity has the necessary authenticity thanks to the sqm big building plot and the construction of 130,000 sqm gross different creative heads behind it,” Karl Bier says on the rather floor area. unusual decision to employ several architect firms for a single The urban impulses are as big as the amount invested. The project. But there is also one element, which connects them all: old Südbahnhof railway station stood in the city like a barrier and an arcade that stretches across all buildings and that will define the new quarter will create a connection between the neighbourthe project’s look. ing districts of Wieden, Favoriten and Landstraße for the first Being one of Europe’s biggest urban development projects, time. the QBC represents a holistic process that also takes social aspects into consideration. Sustainability and energy efficiency play Working, living and r­ elaxing a major role too in this innovative concept: All buildings are erectThe QBC will be a lively corner of the city. Numerous restaurants, ed according to the criteria of the Austrian Sustainable Building pubs and bars will open so the area won’t suffer the same fate Council ÖGNI for Blue Buildings according to the Leadership in that befalls many commercial districts after hours: being empty Energy and Environmental Design LEED. ◆ and deserted. In addition, apartments, a Novotel and an Ibis ­hotel

t n e m n e t h g i g l n n u E r ä w l e k f N u A e u e a16 f e h N c # a g| Alpb ach.or rum w.alpb o F w an w e | p 6 o Eur 2.9.201 – 17.8.

It’s time to break new ground.

Get a glimpse into Europe’s future together with renowned speakers from across the world.

Register now: www.alpbach.org

World Champion Austria Furniture and Design

Austria keeps refurbishing Austrian furniture is known internationally for exclusive design, traditional craftsmanship and high quality.

in domestic furniture is currently at almost forty percent. By comparison, in Germany almost two out of three pieces sold ­ ­domestically come from abroad, according to the Association of the German Furniture Industry. Imports from Asia and Eastern Europe show that low prices are increasingly an incentive to buy for Austrian customers. “That is another reason to make the strengths of medium-sized businesses, such as individual achievements, design, functions and technology but also eco­ logical and social sustainability more transparent,” stresses Emprechtinger.

Credit: Team7

Last year, the Austrian furniture industry earned 829.5 million euros from exports only, which is an increase of almost five percent compared to the previous year. Imports rose be 0.7 percent to 1.69 billion euros. “In the end, the Austrian furniture industry managed to stabilise the decrease in production to less than one percent. Total revenue was 1.84 billion euros, which puts the furniture industry in a great position and sends out positive ­signals,” explains Georg Emprechtinger, Chairman of the Association of the Austrian furniture industry. And he defines a clear goal: “In future, we want to push exports to an even higher level.”

The balances from the last years reflect its potential: Up went the exports to Germany (+3.8 percent), to Switzerland (+4.7 percent), to Poland (+9.1 percent) and Italy (+13.1 percent).

At the same time, deliveries to Portugal tripled and doubled to Greece, while the Spaniards bought almost a quarter more furniture from Austria compared to the previous year. ­Austrian companies also managed to sell forty percent more furniture in North America, mainly in the United States and in Canada.

In Austria, the market share

Continuing the expansion A glance at the first quarter 2016 shows that the Austrian furniture industry is staying on its course of growth. “The development of the order situa­ tion and the amount of exports increased once more compared to the end of the last year. The production capacities also went up. Furthermore, companies believe in a higher employment,” Emprechtinger confirms.

In order for the individual companies to utilise their market opportunities more efficiently, the Austrian furniture industry and the European fur-

Credit: Laura Fantacuzzi & Maxime Galati-Fourcade

96_97

niture industry EFIC are looking to permanently improve the important framework conditions for trade on the European market. The EFIC, for example, is supporting the initiative “Compulsory E1” of the European Panel Federation (EPF). The high level of quality of Austrian furniture is a door opener for domestic companies on the world market.

Materials for healthy living The company ADA with its main production site in Anger, for example, stands out with its sustainable furniture collection ­Terra, which consists of several upholstered suites and beds. It has been designed in cooperation with Austrian designers and radiates an air of cosiness and harmony in the living room with its massive exposed wood elements. Befitting the trend of open living areas, ADA also offers modern dining room furni­ture with matching sitting room suites from its factory in Körmend.

Joka also took up the trend of health living materials: The company for living and sleeping systems impresses among other things with its premium brand ProNatura, which stands for innovative and healthy sleeping. All materials are 100 percent natural and are processed in a way that sets ergonomic and aesthetic standards. The offer ranges from ergonomic natural sleeping systems, natural matrasses, slatted frames and toppers, to beddings and beds such as the arolla pine bed and the model Woodspring by ProNatura, a box-spring bed with a wooden frame.

There are also ergonomic natural sleeping systems, an upholstery from sheep wool and selectable cover fabrics such as flat fabric, linen or loden in many different colours.

Three designs by natural wood specialist Team 7 have already won the Iconic Award. Among them is the multi-talent Sol by designer Sebastian Desch, who takes up the trend of flexibility brilliantly. No matter whether it is a desk, a console or an elegant make-up table – Sol adapts flexibly to rooms and people. Two interlocking, extendable frames, one from natural wood, the ­other from leather, are the basis behind this smart idea. This can be turned into three individual variants: hanging at any desired height, standing on two or four legs, or even standing freely in the room, Sol can be installed in many different ways.

At company Wittmann a new design by Marco Dessi combines highest sitting comfort with intelligent design, which impresses with the sophisticated use of modern elements: The forms are

World-class design in Milan Every year in mid-April during the “Salone Del Mobile” Milan becomes the international hot spot of furniture design.

The Austrian furniture industry participated again when thousands of design fans made the pilgrimage to the Italian metropolis in April 2016 in search of inspiration and new trends. Team 7, Wittmann and ADA with Rosenthal are some of those represented amongst the exhibitors at the trade fair and EuroCucina.

All attention focused on Austria’s design competence in Milan with the “Back Ahead – New Design Perspectives” exhibition in the Villa Necchi Campiglio. With the motto “Ohne Herkunft keine Zukunft” (No future without origin) the Austrian furniture industry organised the constantly well-visited creative show for the seventh time as a collaborating partner of Advantage Austria. The curator was the Tyrolean designer Georg Oehler, who lives in London.

Amongst the objects on show were exhibits from the member enterprises of the Austrian furniture industry – Braun Locken­haus, Conform bathroom fittings, Haapo 1910, Neudoerfler Office Systems, Team 7, Vito and Wiesner-Hager.

soft and rounded, yet there are clear edges that feature an ­exciting mix of materials from wood, fabric, stone, glass, leather or marble. It features flexible shelf spaces and integrated compartments, which can be furnished with electric sockets.

Another novelty is an armchair from the Mono series with a matching sofa in two widths. It can be used for many different purposes such as seating in a lobby. This also applies to Oyster II, a version of last year’s German Design Award winner updated

by Jörg Boner. The compact chair combines traditional crafts­ manship and Wittmann’s quality in a timeless and unmistakable way. ◆

World Champion Austria Office of the Future

The World’s first 3D Office Upon invitation from the Dubai government, office furniture expert Bene fitted the world’s first office building and a future-oriented innovation room with innovative furniture using 3D printing.

For the working environment of tomorrow The world’s first ever office building produced using a 3D printing Bene was able to win the client over as a partner for the interior process was opened at a glamorous ceremony in Dubai in the design of the ambitious building with an innovative concept that presence of about 50 invited guests and partners, including His precisely met the client’s requirements, is futuristic and promotes Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs & completely new work processes. It is where creative individuals are the Future in the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirable to develop and implement their ideas. Equipped with a highates, Mr. Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, and ly intelligent and inter­active media wall, the IDEA WALL, as well other prestigious guests. Bene was responsible for the interior as settings from the PARCS and TIMBA design lines that create design and concept development at the “Office of the Future”. the spaces required for exchange, discussion and retreat, the The international office furniture expert furnished the building at Bene IDEA LAB enables unfettered creativity in the form of brainthe invitation of the Dubai government with innovative furniture storming sessions, presentations and focused individual work. and a futuristic innovation area, the Bene Idea Lab. The furnished premises will be used as a temporary office for The “Office of the Future” is the first major project by the the team at the Dubai Futures Foundation during the construcDubai Futures Foundation, a government initiative aimed at tion of the “Museum of the Future”. Bene therefore also placed ­promoting pioneering and innovative projects and partnerships. teamwork and communication The project forms part of a at the centre of its office concomprehensive strategy that cept. The Bene IDEA LAB presents novel solutions to forms the centrepiece of the meet the challenges of the 21st building as a workshop room Century, and which places the with intelligent media techfuture of real estate, con­ nology that promotes creative struction and design at the processes. The building also heart of its research activities. provides space for exhibitions “Not too long ago, 3D printing and events. was just a dream. Now this dream is becoming a reality.

Inspiring office and We are set to achieve a new working environment milestone in construction and “Bene scored points with the real estate with the world’s strength of its innovation in first ever 3D office and a forthis exciting project and was ward-looking, fully-functional able to make a statement in 3D building,” says Mohammed The glamorous opening of the world’s first office building made with 3D printing the interior with essential de­processes.

Al Gergawi.

98_99

The world’s first 3D office – the interior was made by Bene.

Credits: Bene

rises the significance of the 3D printing as follows: “We view this project as a reference point in the development of 3D technology, which will be of major significance for governments, as well as for international research and development centres. We are ­documenting our experiences with 3D printing over the course of the project and want to build on our experiences so that we can develop the technology even further.”

Bene is of course using the Office of the Future as a platform to offer architects, designers and customers in the Gulf region a look at the latest office trends. Furthermore, regular events for knowledge transfers are planned. ◆ sign features“, says Michael Fried, Managing Director for Sales, Marketing and Innovation at Bene regarding the high level of appreciation shown by the government in Dubai, adding: “With our contribution to the Office of the Future, Bene has once again positioned itself as an international provider of inspiring office and working environments, and shown that investments in futuristic and innovative working environments can have a decisive influence on a company’s economic success.“ As the world’s first building produced using 3D printing, the Office of the Future is a fully functional building featuring electricity, water and telecommunications and air-conditioning ­systems. The model was printed over a period of just 17 days using a printer that was 6 metres high and 45 metres long. His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai summa-

World-class inspiring offices Bene is a leading international specialist in the design and furnishing of inspiring office and working environments.

Bene defines the office as a living space and its concepts, products and services turn this philosophy into reality. It combines a tradition of quality stretching back 225 years with innovation and award-winning design. The corporate group has its head office and production facilities in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Austria, and is active in more than 40 countries. As a full-service provider, Bene implements office concepts, and thereby contributes to its customers’ corporate success. www.bene.com

World Champion Austria Smart Region

Smart Specialisation Mechatronics, plastics, internationalisation – many of today’s successful initiatives in the Upper Austrian economic and research policy started out as an idea in a strategic programme.

Cluster. Including various net­ Since 1998, Upper Austria has works, another eleven followed used a strategic policy for ecosuit with the IT Cluster being the nomics and research. At the molatest to come to life in 2013. Right ment, the fourth programme “Innow, the province is switching its novative Upper Austria 2020” is in attention to initiatives across place. It focuses strongly on the ­sectors and thus across clusters: principles of smart specialisation Upper Austria is facing the future and covers the areas of industrial with topics such as connected production processes, mobility & logistics, health & an aging socie- Werner Pamminger (MD at Business Upper Austria), Angelika Sery-Froschauer mobility, lightweight construc(VP at the Upper Austrian Economic Chamber), Dominique Foray (Swiss Fedetion, smart plastics, generative ty, food & diet as well as energy. ral Institute of Technology in Lausanne), Provincial MP for Economic Affairs In 2015, the strategic pro- Michael Strugl, Axel Greiner (President at the Federation of Austrian Industries) production and MedTech meets IT. On top of that, there is digitalisagramme implemented about 1,500 tion: IT is a key technology for the future of any business location. projects with a total volume of more than 360 million euros.

In this area, Upper Austria as a traditionally strong production Among them is the Platform Industry 4.0, the development of the location has bet early on smart production and can use its MedTech location Upper Austria, business parks all over the strengths in mechanical engineering and mechatronics in order province, a funding project for smart mobility, the Upper Austrian to come out of this transformation process even stronger. founder strategy and the initiative Service Innovation. All these Innovative services have a huge potential for the capital goods measures have one common goal: Making Upper Austria one of sector in particular: Studies show, that in future services will the leading industrial regions in Europe by being a technological account for at least one third of business. The programme “Innoleader. Pooling the resources in the fields of economy, education vative Upper Austria 2020” focuses on new production systems and research in the sense of smart specialisation creates a strain connection with new knowledge-based services as part of its tegic competitive advantage that sets Upper Austria apart from core strategies. other regions.

Linking up and digitalising businesses and regions The example of business clusters shows the long-term development when it comes to the economic strengths of Upper Austria: The first cluster to be founded in 1998 was the Automobile

More innovation thanks to a clearer focus Upper Austria’s regional innovative capacity is excellent: There are numerous measures that support businesses in their quest for innovation, e.g. through the clusters and other innovative

100_101

Technological competence as a factor for the future: The smart region Upper Austria puts its trust in smart specialisation.

Credits: Land OÖ/Kauder

networking. The regional economy is characterised by a high amount of research companies, which is reflected for example by the high number of patents. Among them are production tech­ nologies, food, renewable energies, the automotive sector and industry-related services.

“Being located closely together and achieving a critical size are key factors for our region’s innovative power,” says Prof.

Dominique Foray of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, who is considered a mastermind of the European ­Union’s S3 strategy. He explains, why Upper Austria can improve its innovation performance with the S3 strategy: “The key is the even stronger specialisation in and concentration on a few strengths. That way you achieve in these areas a minimum ­required size and a close-knit know-how for the efficient use of networks.” In the opinion of the Swiss expert, industrial production processes are particularly suited for this.

The S3 concept sees smart specialisation for the determination of a country’s or region’s unique selling proposition and strengths, the use of competitive advantages and the mobilisation of regional players and resources as an excellent strategy for the future.

The EU uses smart specialisation as part of its cohesion policy as Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3).

“The international competition for business locations is becoming increasingly tougher and only those regions will survive that have clear strategies and that will also implement them consistently.

Our province is doing just this in an excellent way,” says Vice President of the Upper Austrian Economic Chamber, Angelika Sery-Froschauer. She is convinced of Upper Austria’s location strategy. The situation of small and medium-sized enterprises is held dear in the strategic programme and is tackled in all fields of action. Supporting founders and young entrepreneurs is another cornerstone of the strategy.

Internationalisation and industrial market leadership “Internationalisation is one of the core strategies,” Sery-Froschauer stresses. The Austrian Economic Chamber and the Province of Upper Austria have set further impulses with the Export

Center: The aim is to make better use of the export and inter­ nationalisation potential of domestic businesses by concentrating on future markets. In practice, the aim is to raise the number of Upper Austrian exporters by the end of 2020 from currently 9,000 to 12,000. The merchandise export rate shall increase from 57 percent to 65 percent of the Upper Austrian GDP. Overseas exports are considered particularly important and the goal is to raise them from 20 to 25 percent.

The initiatives in the field of Industry 4.0 are also exemplary.

The focus is upon lightweight construction – often in cooperation with the lightweight construction platform A2LT (Austrian ­Advanced Lightweight Technology). Upper Austria has competences across all types of materials and strengths in both economy and science when it comes to this future technology.

The international success of Upper Austrian businesses is based on innovative products and services. Many of these companies are hidden champions or market leaders in special niches, respectively. These strengths need to be built upon, but the focus is not only on technological progress but also on the further ­development of new business models.

“We have to adjust the existing infrastructure to the new challenges, improve our education system and most of all we need to intensify our research,” demands the President of the Austrian Federation of Industries Upper Austria, Axel Greiner.

“In order to achieve this we need to develop our research institutes, the university and college infrastructure and push technological education.” All these measures have to serve one goal: Improving the technological competences along the value added chains and thus the flagship companies in Upper Austria’s areas of strength. u

World Champion Austria ADVERTORIAL

Constant Innovation strengthens our world-class Business Location The Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) increases the market entry opportunities of Austrian companies around the world with a number of sustainable actions. Exportable and thus global innovations are at the fore, such as smart factories and automated vehicles or the cluster Silicon Austria.

France and above the EU average. These latest results also show, Innovations are important for the economic success of businesses among other things, that the measures for research promotion and a positive employment development. A study by the Austriare becoming more and more effective. One of the crucial factors an Institute of Economic Research (WIFO), commissioned by the for Austria’s better position is the increasing research ratio, which Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT) and was at more than three percent for the first time in 2015 (3.01 the Austrian Chamber of Labour, shows that innovative businesspercent, to be exact), and which will keep growing in 2016 aces grow on average about 2.5 percent more than companies, cording to prognoses. Expenditure for research and development which do not invest into research and development. Austria’s in the private sector also consistently went up in Austria over the economy and industry can only prevail with quality, a technologpast few years; by now, the Alpine republic comes fourth in this ical edge and innovative products in the global competition, the individual ranking of all EU member states. The cooperation of BMVIT concludes. The WIFO study was presented at the end of economy and science, such as joint research projects or co-publiJuly 2016 and it surveyed the effects of innovation and technocations, also received top marks and puts Austria in sixth place. logical progress for the first time in Austria. “Innovative businessFurthermore, Austria ranks fifth es increase their manpower when it comes to intellectual more than other, comparable properties such as patent regiscompanies. This indicates a EU frontrunner in rail investments trations. positive effect of innovation on When it comes to rail networks, Austria is at the top among the competitiveness,” says the all the member states of the European Union. Austria ranks Industry 4.0 keeps on growing study’s author, Helmut first with a per-capita investment of 192 euros per year in The platform Industry 4.0, Mahringer.

2015, followed by Sweden (177 euros per capita) and Denwhich was set up in summer Austria gained one place in mark (162 euros).

2015 by industrial companies, the latest innovation index of Austria’s industry is connected to Europe’s economic cenlabour representatives and the the European Union, the Eurotres thanks to a high-performing rail infrastructure. The BMVIT, keeps on growing pean Innovation Scoreboard, BMVIT invests about two billion euros annually into the strongly. Today, it has 28 memand, as of July 2016, ranks in expansion of Austria’s rail network and thus creates about bers, thereof three universities tenth position among all EU 40,000 jobs. and three colleges. A pilot promember states – ahead of

Credit: medianet-Archiv

102_103

ject in Vienna-Aspern is already up and running, three more will follow in autumn 2016. Roland Sommer, Managing Director at the platform, sees Austria in a good position when it comes to smart factories, which is another name for the concept of Industry 4.0.

Currently, nine task groups are working on various topics such as questions of standardisation or challenges in the employment law in terms of smart working.

In the factory of the future, machines will learn from their mistakes, redefine production just in time and give new developments a totally new identity – a digital one. Styrian powertrain manufacturer AVL List GmbH, for example, constructs the prototypes of new engines not from aluminium but from bits and bytes: The client receives a data package instead of a box with a motor inside.

Viennese consumer goods factory Henkel (see also page 26) has installed a fully digitalised supply chain, which allows the production of goods to be changed within 24 hours – and the labels for the new goods only arrive on location one hour before delivery. The aim is to triple the production efficiency thanks to Industry 4.0 by 2030.

Semiconductor manufacturer Infineon in Villach already has people and robots working hand in hand: Ion implementation takes place automatically in the Pilot Room Industry 4.0. All products are fitted with RFID chips in order to locate them at any time in the hall and the machine knows, which products are currently in which stage of production.

The BMVIT has conceived the “Plan of Action for Automated Driving” with the Federation of Austrian Industries and other partners, and will invest into technology development and test tracks.

Hearing aid manufacturer Neuroth banks on 3D printing instead of manual production. The template is the digital cast of the customer’s ear, which is scanned by a laser, digitally post-processed, printed and then perfected manually. Thanks to the existing data, further earpieces can be easily reproduced.

At Siemens’ bioprocess laboratory in Vienna, the sequences of a processing plant are simulated in order to make personalised medication. The idea is to minimise the side effects of drugs. IT specialist Tieto and the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) started the project “Cognitive Intelligence and Social Networks”, which aims to sort messages according to their importance. This is a big challenge when it comes to the expected flood of information in a smart factory.

World-class in automated driving When we speak about the future of mobility, automated driving becomes the main topic without fail. A higher efficiency, less

World Champion Austria ADVERTORIAL

Credit: Bosch

In future, automated driving will increase the safety and efficiency significantly. Austria’s expertise in this field is internationally recognised and in many ways exportable.

traffic jams, a reduction in noise and emissions and a higher traffic safety are a few advantages promised by automated ­mobility.

Austria’s expertise in semi-automated production, robotics, picture processing, sensor technology and artificial intelligence is excellent and internationally recognised. The competences are the basis for automated driving and are therefore on the rise in the automotive industry. Automation can increase traffic’s efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability, and will have long-term effects on future urban planning, settlement patterns and mobility behaviour. Test regions can take Austria to the innovative pinnacle and offer opportunities in terms of efficiency,

traffic safety and added value; already now, innovative domestic businesses and world market leaders from Austria supply the whole world.

Broadly speaking, automated driving can particularly benefit from one unique selling point in Austria compared to other countries: The digital infrastructure along the top-level roads of Austrian motorway operator ­ASFINAG is a clear advantage for the participation of the automotive industry in an Austrian test track or test environment, respectively. Over the next two or three years, the focus will thus be on centrally organising ­automated driving and on drafting a structured plan for test drives in cooperation with the respective road authority. This will make for an appealing offer for the automotive industry and at the same time will serve to further develop Austria’s inter­ national unique selling point.

Existing test tracks and pilot applications will be used for automated driving scenarios. Infrastructural test and validation structures will be established and test tracks will be equipped with sensors. In the following years, a corresponding test service and management will be introduced for these test tracks.

The automotive industry has announced the implementation of C-ITS components in its production vehicles for 2019. This is the latest date when further deployments and necessary actions

Excellent infrastructure projects in the heart of the EU The EU project Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) facilitates investments into important traffic infrastructure and subsidises the further development of European traffic networks.

Austria managed to generate subsidies for a number of infrastructure projects as part of the latest project call (MAP Call 2015). In July 2016, the CEF committee in Brussels passed 43 million euros for Austrian projects, which will meet the high international standards and which will have an effect beyond Austria’s borders.

The EU provides about half of this funding amount for the further expansion of a uniform European air space (European Single Sky) and the necessary SESAR Clusters in Austria, ­respectively. The project C-Roads Austria, which works on the linking-up and the direct communication of vehicles, receives

almost ten million euros. The project is part of the European Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), which aims to adjust the road infrastructure and in particular the traffic-control systems to the challenges of digitisation.

The expansion of safe parking spaces for trucks and a truck parking space information system along European corridors through Austria is subsidised with about 3.6 million euros.

1.4 million euros go into the expansion of the Rhine-Danube corridor. This money will be used for the planning of a second link-up of the cargo terminal Wels into the core network corridor. Constructing a second link-up will reduce the necessary shunting on location and this will in turn increase the handling efficiency at this access point to the railway corridor.

104_105

need to be re-evaluated. This serves the rollout of new systems and components for current requirements (day 1 use cases) and also the identification of further requirements in order to support day 2 services and automated driving. Therefore, the rollout of C-ITS is an important trailblazer for later large-scale test drives of automated vehicles.

The BMVIT already ensures today with ASFINAG and other domestic players that the implemented infrastructure and corresponding C-ITS services mesh with the neighbouring countries (for example in form of the C-ITS corridor Netherlands – Germany – Austria). Thus, the Austrian infrastructure will be of interest to the entire European automotive industry as a test region. Ultimately, the added value potential for Austria will increase.

Credit: AIT

The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) has become one of Europe’s top research facilities.

ing in the field of urban traffic-control and toll systems, such as pay and display systems. In Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco and other US cities, Kapsch has already implemented a system that shows drivers free street side parking spaces on an app thanks to sensors in the ground. This project was implemented with US company Streetline, among others, and which has been bought by Kapsch.

The BMVIT has been supporting these developments for years with the research programmes “IT of the Future” and “Mobility of the Future”. It pursues a clear vision for embedding new technologies into the overall traffic system, which can be seen in the IVS Plan for Action, the C-ITS Strategy Austria, the implementation plan E-Mobility and projects such as ECo-AT as part of the C-ITS corridor Rotterdam – Frankfurt – Vienna.

IT and mobility of the future The focus on digital infrastructure will be integrated step-by-step in cooperation with the established test tracks and test environments. A competence centre for digital infrastructures, specialising in implementation know-how, will be set up in a close cooperation of the operators of traffic infrastructure and telecommunications with support from research and industrial partners. This will ensure that the corresponding competences with regards to planning, financing and operation will be available to all operators of road traffic infrastructures in Austria, and that international “Silicon Austria” is on its way developments will also be taken into consideration.

Information technology is of major significance for the business Kapsch TrafficCom is a world-class company in terms of location Austria. Therefore, the ­automated driving. “In this field, country shall become an IT cenKapsch is technologically in a Broadband keeps expanding tre in the mould of Silicon Valley: very good position,” says CEO Smart energy grids, Industry 4.0 Georg Kapsch. Automated comThe last issue of the book “World Champion Austria” and cyber security will be promunication of single vehicles described the broadband expansion in Austria (see page moted in “Silicon Austria”. among each other and of vehicles 114), which went into its second phase in June 2016 with In the context of the European with the infrastructure is a presubsidies for ductwork. This way, the BMVIT offers commicroelectronics industry, Auscursor and an essential part of munities that execute construction work for energy, tria has a highly developed infuture self-driving vehicles, he water or long-distance heating pipes the opportunity to dustrial profile: There are three adds: “Automated driving is for improve their broadband infrastructure at the same time.

Integrated Device Manufacturers sure a growth industry for In practice, laying additional pipes (ductwork) that can (IDM) in Austria (Infineon, Kapsch.” The company could be later used for broadband internet is being subsidised. ­Austriamicrosystems, NXP), soon become a supplier of V2X This ductwork subsidy furthers the comprehensive exthereof two with local production and C2C modules for the automopansion of the broadband network in a cost-efficient way. sites. Furthermore, there are sevtive industry. “We are already in In the latest call, about 60 million euros were available, eral internationally leading supconcrete talks on this,” Kapsch out of a total of one billion euros for broadband networks. pliers, strong players in niche says. His company is also operat-

World Champion Austria

Credit: ÖBB

ADVERTORIAL

Austria is the EU leader in railway investments and can export world-class railway technologies.

the fields of microelectronics, embedded systems and smart sysmarkets in the fields of software and electronics, numerous small tems integration. The annual turnover generated by these comand medium-sized research centres and cluster organisations as panies amounts to more than 15 billion euros. well as a few specialised university departments. This scene is complemented by strong user industries (particularly in the auto­ AIT at Europe’s top motive industry, aeronautics and railways), which supports a The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) has become an intervertical integration of innovative microelectronic solutions in nationally recognised research facility over the past few years, highly developed value added chains. which shows that applied research in Austria is gaining in signifOver the past few years, several major international flagship icance. Since 2008, turnover from commissioned research went projects under Austrian coordination or with Austrian participaup by almost 50 percent. In tion were executed as part of the 2015, an above-average numEuropean large-scale research ber of projects in strategic, programmes ARTEMIS and The BMVIT supports the export efforts of co-financed research were ­ENIAC, which the BMVIT supAustrian technology companies concluded. ports strongly. The ECSEL Ausc T

he Ministry is paving the way for the Austrian AIT’s strategic aspiration tria Network (Electronic Compoindustry as a Research and Technology nents and Systems for European c Short-cutting of acquisition processes = easier access to Organisation (RTO) in Eu­ Leadership) encompasses forty decision makers at national level (responsible ministries rope’s upper echelons is companies with about 13,000 and planning authorities) based on a correspondingly employees in Austria and 25,000 c Access to bilateral project lists and “joint work groups” = big research infrastructure; in staff around the world. The turnthe possibility for officialised presentation + official interparticular, the laboratory inover generated by these core vention possibilities frastructure holds up best in a businesses amounts to about 4.6 c A

n information platform, simplified access to operator Europe-wide comparison. billion euros. If you include the know-how “Accordingly, we are underrelevant value added chains of c The development of tailored project solutions, which can taking very large investments the ECSEL Austria target group, also include training and operator know-how if necessary of more than twelve million between 65,000 and 85,000 peoeuros, whereof 6.5 million ple are employed in Austria in

106_107

The BMVIT’s “instruments”

­ uros got into new strategic core areas and 6 million euros will e be used for the necessary upgrade of the existing research infrastructure,” explains AIT Managing Director Anton Plimon.

The SmartEST laboratory, among others, will receive an upgrade. In addition to the already well-developed field of alternate current (AC), AIT will invest into new activities in the area of direct current (DC), making the laboratory ready for the challenges of the decade to come. By expanding the field of thermal ­energy with a laboratory for high temperatures, AIT will be able to work in future on corresponding industry applications in heat pump technology.

The business location in Ranshofen will get a new cold-chamber die casting machine for the business unit Light Metals Technologies. It will allow for the development of complex high-quality die casts for chassis and lightweight construction, and have a clamping force of 1,200 tonnes. By comparison, this is four times as much as the existing machine can apply. That way, AIT also gains access to the business area of structural components. Furthermore, AIT researches the industrial manufacturing process on a small scale in a new battery material laboratory with a test research plant to develop the battery of the future.

The microelectronics research cluster Today, Styrian and Carinthian electronics companies are doing research as part of the microelectronics cluster that was co-initiated by the BMVIT. The Silicon Alps Cluster makes better use of synergies and increases the international competitiveness.

Having a broad range of companies in the field of microelectronics and electronics in Carinthia and Styria, and highly specialised suppliers of e.g. clean room technologies, is the best condition for developing such a technology cluster: Hardly any aspect of our daily lives can do without products and components from the microelectronics, electronics and mechatronics sector. This is in turn a growth engine for the entire supply sector. The cluster serves as a platform, which offers suppliers the opportunity to establish new competences – it serves as a springboard for other sectors and markets.

The partners at the Silicon Alps Cluster in Villach are the industrial companies Infineon, LAM, Ortner Group, AT&S, AVL, NXP and EPCOS, the Provinces Carinthia and Styria and their local Federations of Austrian Industry, the Carinthian Economic Promotion Fund (KWF) and the Styrian Economic Promotion ­Society (SFG).

BMVIT promotes international technology transfer mainly in the following two ways c Infrastructure cooperation agreements: Administrative agreements on a bilateral basis between Austria and a target country in order to jointly identify technology projects and accelerate their realisation c Infrastructure technology platforms: Sectoral company clusters owned by banks, with industrial companies and operators as cooperative partners. Basically, a discussion forum on the joint processing of projects or countries.

Green light for trains The European Commission and the railway industry have introduced a research programme worth 920 million euros in order to give the railway industry a boost in its competition with other carriers. An Austrian consortium, run by the Graz-based research centre Virtual Vehicle, managed to land 21 million euros.

The 2011 Transport White Paper of the European Commission defined the goals for 2030 and beyond: The aim is to triple the network for high-speed trains, to connect central airports to the high-speed network, to make trains the most important cargo carrier in Europe and to half the number of conventionally powered vehicles. The European railway research initiative ­ ­Shift2Rail wants to achieve a few things already in the next six years: The Commission expects innovative surges for the railway industry and an increase in the railways’ capacities. “Foremost, the idea is to develop new technologies, which will then be ­integrated faster into innovative products for rail traffic,” explains Jost Bernasch, Managing Director at the research centre Virtual ­Vehicle.

19 European consortia were ultimately selected to participate in this large-scale project, which is financed in equal parts by the European Commission and the railway industry. Among them are also many businesses from Austria: The Virtual Vehicle Austria Consortium plus (VVAC+) includes twelve companies and was awarded an overall budget of 21 million euros. Austrian railways ÖBB and Kapsch CarrierCom take part in two further Shift2Rail consortia. The partners of VVAC+ are, among others, AVL List Gmbh, Voestalpine Railway Systems and Voestalpine VAE Gmbh, Wiener Linien, the AC2T Research Centre in Wiener Neustadt and the Materials Center Leoben. All partners are able to develop “not only partial solutions but innovations for the overall railway system”, Bernasch stresses. Various topics are being researched at VVAC+, such as developing maintenance-free turnouts. A concrete development target is to reduce the weight

World Champion Austria ADVERTORIAL

What the BMVIT strives to do

of goods wagons to better use their capacities, allowing for a ten percent increase in payload. At the same time, new braking and wheel slide protection systems will be researched, among other things, in order to have a higher payload and thus use the wagons in a more cost-efficient way. And last but not least, an improved track geometry, reduced driving noises and vibrations shall help to increase the travel comfort of passengers.

The hot topic of photovoltaics The BMVIT commissioned the University of Applied Sciences Vienna, the AIT and Joanneum Research to evaluate the effects of recent technological developments on the potential role of photovoltaics for Austria. This roadmap concludes that the share of photovoltaics in the domestic power supply can reach 15 percent by 2030 and 27 percent by 2050.

Austria currently has photovoltaics plants with a total output of about 1,000 megawatts, which covers almost two percent of its power demand; in the 28 EU countries photovoltaics contributes about four percent to the power supply. “The potential role of photovoltaics for Austria needs to be completely re-evaluated, mainly because of the cost degression of the past few years,” says Hubert Fechner, head of the Institute for Renewable Energies at the University of Applied Sciences Vienna. Inter­ ­ nationally, the possible share of photovoltaics in the global energy supply by 2050 was increased from “less than two percent” to “16 to 27 percent”. Surveys show that no other type of power generation enjoys such a high acceptance among the public like solar power.

The EU’s building guideline and its demand for nearly zero energy buildings from 2020 onwards is expected to result in more new buildings and renovations. This could help to turn building integrated photovoltaics into a mass product. The integration of solar panels into building surfaces should be prioritised in order to have as few impervious surfaces as possible. Various Austrian businesses cooperate with research and development companies – often supported by the BMVIT’s research programmes – to develop modules and systems for building integration. In particular, technical solutions for the use of locally generated power in combination with heat pumps, air conditioning, local storage systems and electric mobility offer opportunities for an optimum integration into energy systems. Today, there is already 230 square kilometres of surfaces available on buildings that can be used for photovoltaics. In order to reach the goals of the technology

These are the goals of international cooperation projects, of which Austrian SMEs benefit: c Technology exchange for mutual benefit c Increase in competitiveness via the implementation of innovative technology c Increase in added value – jobs can be secured in this way and even created c Know-how exchange in the field of technology in order to be able to mutually benefit from experiences c Cooperation projects in the field of training and education in order to bring about the best possible implementation of technology

roadmap 2050, only about 170 square kilometres are needed – and even less, if the efficiency of photovoltaics keeps rising as expected. Other surfaces (traffic infrastructure, agricultural dual use etc.) have additional potentials.

The Austrian photovoltaics technology roadmap creates a joint perspective in order to fine-tune possible decisions on the different levels of research, the economy and politics. If the outlined development paths of the photovoltaics roadmap become reality, about nine to ten billion euros in additional turnover may be generated by 2030 in Austria alone. Furthermore, there is considerable export potential, see for example page 40.

Austrian space technology for the European environment Innsbruck-based company GeoVille won a Europe-wide tender by the European Environment Agency to create a satellite-based environment information system. This will generate uniform environment information for 39 European countries based on the data of the Sentinel satellites from the Copernicus space programme.

GeoVille thus managed to bring 3.5 million euros – a large part of the available 8 million euros in the tender – to Austria. In order to fulfil the contract in time, 30 new high-tech jobs will be created in Austria. Earth observation is one of the most important focuses of the Austrian space strategy: The participation in the Copernicus programme of the European Space Agency ESA in particular has opened up numerous work and research fields for Austrian companies. In this programme, a fleet of satellites monitors continuously the Earth and documents environmental changes. Austria is investing about 25 million euros – that is 40 percent of the national space budget – into Earth observation technologies. Thanks to consistent subsidies, many Austrian business and research facilities have the opportunity to partici-

Credit: Schuller/NESS

108_109

pate in European projects and thus prove themselves in the high-tech sector of space technologies. (See page 36 for more on the world-class cosmic strategies.) GeoVille too received numerous subsidies from the ­BMVIT over the last few years.

The current project of the European Environment Agency aims to introduce a satellite-based information system that makes the environmental data of the different European countries available and also comparable. “We are proud to collect for the first time uniform environment information based on satellite data for 39 countries,” says GeoVille Managing Director Christian Hoffmann. “This data will be used for applications in the fields of infrastructure development, forest and water management and for disaster prevention.”

The project will create a unique Europe-wide information basis for the European Environment Agency, which immediately shows changes in the environment and which allows for taking the right counter-measures.

This is what the BMVIT has to offer Support given to Austrian technology businesses on location within their target market represents a logical continuation of funding activities by the BMVIT as well as of its close cooperation with the industry. In principle, all support offered by the BMVIT has the purpose of achieving the best possible infrastructure system decisions for partners and thus to provide “coaching” for Austrian businesses at the same time. This begins in the preliminary stages of a project (project design, project development) and carries on right up to the after-care stage following project implementation. The BMVIT offers accompanying, case-dependent, tailored support on a public level, the intensity of which can fluctuate greatly depending on the project status. Generally, accompanying support is greater in the run-up to carrying out a project and in the business development phase than during the implementation of a project.

Bilateral agreements allow basic general conditions to be created, which then provide sustainable support to local businesses in the technology sector to compete internationally. In this context, cooperation with Advantage Austria of the Austrian Economic Chambers as well as with different cluster structures and

political alliance organisations can be virtually deemed “worldclass”. This dynamic will without doubt also become apparent in numerous other new jobs; this is indeed demonstrated by the increasing number of exports from Austrian technology businesses. Evidently, the right measures have been implemented in Austrian research and technology policies, which have resulted in increased marketable technology products.

International cooperation agreements, which are concluded by the Republic of Austria with partner countries, form the basis of the BMVIT activities. Normally, the Ministry of Finance will be the first to go to a country and try to bring about international treaties. These will cover all areas from tourism to statistics in a fundamental way. Subsequently, the BMVIT then strives to identify and develop projects as well as to conclude any necessary agreements with the corresponding ministries in the partner country. As part of these administrative agreements, concrete and detailed project lists can be agreed upon. International treaties as well as agreements are mostly valid for five years and can be automatically extended. The technological expertise in the corresponding fields is important. In this case, it involves technology transfer in advance, seeing as the knowledge of how to realise a complicated and complex infrastructure issue is all part and parcel of what the BMVIT does.

To these purposes, the BMVIT also offers advice via public companies such as ÖBB, Asfinag or Via Donau. The next step involves creating tender documents, so that every consortium of companies can bid for a project. Working together with the ­BMVIT to this end is clearly of great advantage to Austrian companies, as if they were to do all this alone, such projects would be far more difficult to realise, if at all. ◆

Pages 102 to 109 were written in editorial cooperation with the BMVIT (Department for Technology Transfer and Security Research).

World Champion Austria Capital Market

Pioneers of the Stock Exchange Wienerberger won the Stock Exchange Award 2016, AT&S, OMV and ­Voestalpine conquered the other categories. BUWOG, Do & Co, Raiffeisen Bank International, RHI, S Immo, Strabag and Verbund also managed to step on the winner’s podium.

2015 was a good year for the Vienna Stock Exchange: The leading index ATX rose by an impressive 11.6 percent and if you include dividends, it even went up by 13 percent. Furthermore, almost a quarter more Austrian shares were traded than the year before.

The upward swing in the turnover of shares has been noticeable for more than two years; in 2015, the increase in the trade volume amounted to 24.27 percent. The market capitalisation of the ­Vienna Stock Exchange was at 86.28 billion euros, which equals a rise of 7.86 percent compared to 2014.

Company funding through bonds was also very popular: After a particularly strong 2014, there were 30 new corporate bonds with a total volume of 5.2 billion euros in 2015. By comparison, there were 39 bonds with a volume of 7.2 billion euros in 2014.

The largest new Austrian corporate bonds came from OMV (1.5 billion euros), followed by Strabag (200 million euros) and CA Immo (175 million euros). The Stock Exchange also introduced

a continuous trade of selected bonds, aiming to stimulate the secondary market and to make it more transparent.

25 years of ATX The ATX has been showing the chart development of Austrian blue chips in real time for a quarter of a century. This leading index was first introduced on 2 January 1991 and has gained 240 percent since then. Four companies have been with the ATX since its inception: OMV, Verbund, Wienerberger and RHI, then going by its old name Radex-Heraklith. The ATX had peaked on 9 July 2007 with 4,981.87 points and its all-time low came on 13 August 1992 with 682.98 points.

But the ATX also reflects contemporary history and is the business card, so to speak, of the Austrian capital market. This can be seen (or rather heard) on the double CD “25 Years of ATX”

The winners of the Vienna Stock Exchange Award 2016 ATX Award 1st place: Wienerberger AG 2nd place: Voestalpine AG 3rd place: BUWOG AG

Corporate Bond Award 1st place: OMV AG 2nd place: S Immo AG 3rd place: Strabag AG

Small & Mid Cap Award 1st place: AT&S AG 2nd place: S Immo AG 3rd place: Do & Co AG

Media Award 1st place: Voestalpine AG 2nd place: OMV AG 3rd place: Raiffeisen Bank International AG

25 Year ATX Distinction Wienerberger AG OMV AG RHI AG Verbund AG

110_111

The best players at the Stock Exchange The Vienna Stock Exchange and its partners were hosting the 9th Stock Exchange Awards on 20 June 2016 for the first time at Palais Niederösterreich. An expert jury of the Austrian Association for Financial Analysis and Asset Management (ÖVFA) evaluated the companies’ performances and chose a winner. This year, the Stock Exchange Award went to Wienerberger in the category ATX. The company stood out mainly with quality factors such as excellent investor relations, reporting and management. In the category Small & Mid Cap, AT&S came out on top, and the Corporate Bond Award went to OMV. The expert journalists of APA Finance, the financial desk of the Austrian Press Agency, awarded steelmaker Strabag with the prize for the best media relations. About 330 guests came to watch Austria’s most important award for businesses listed on the stock exchange being handed out.

Heimo Scheuch, CEO at Wienerberger, said: “Wienerberger looks back on a successful year 2015, in which we generated the highest revenues ever in the history of the company. With our share price up by 49.3 percent over the year, we were among the best performing companies on the ATX.” This pleasant devel­ opment is the result of a clear strategy and its consistent implementation, Scheuch added: “We are extremely happy to receive the ATX Award, which honours our active commitment to the financial market, our transparent approach in terms of strategy, corporate governance and financial reporting, as well as our commitment in the field of investor relations.” According to the Wienerberger boss, it is very important to personally meet investors in various countries in order to inform them about the business development. Moreover, annual reports are among the most essential instruments to showcase Wienerberger, he stressed.

“Being the central institution on the capital market, we consider Credit: Wiener Börse

by stock market expert Christian Drastil, who conceived the idea and went on to produce it. Drastil has been working at the ­Vienna Stock Exchange for almost three decades, running the platforms boerse-social. com, photaq.com, the financial literacy app rundplugged.com and printed monthly specialist magazines. Based on 32 interviews, the double CD “25 Years of ATX” runs for 110 minutes and tells of highlights in the history of the leading index. More information at www.boerse-social.com/25jahreatx

Credit: Wiener Börse AG/APA-Fotoservice Tanzer

The winners of the Vienna Stock Exchange Award 2016: AT&S, OMV, Voestalpine and Wienerberger (Heimo Scheuch).

World Champion Austria Capital Market

This is what’s needed The annual Vienna Stock Exchange Award is conferred jointly by Aktienforum, APA-Finance, Cercle Investor Relations Austria (C.I.R.A.), the Austrian National Bank (OeNB), the Austrian Association for Financial Analysis and Asset Management (ÖVFA), the Association of Austrian Investment Companies (VÖIG), the Vienna Stock Exchange, the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) and the Certificates Forum Austria.

The selection of award winners in the categories ATX, Small & Mid Cap and Corporate Bond is done by an expert Jury of ÖVFA. Fritz Mostböck, President of the ÖVFA and Head of Research at Erste Group Bank, explains the criteria that are evaluated for the ATX and the Small & Mid Cap Award: “Strategy and corporate governance, investor relations, financial reporting, sustainability and market-related factors are the essential areas of our evaluation.” When it comes to the Corporate Bond Award, Mostböck says, the annual report, information and communication policy towards analysts and the availability of a rating matter the most.

Significant criteria of the Media Award are among other things transparent and honest corporate communication, the preparation of press materials, the online presence, the annual report and of course the personal contact with journalists.

International large-scale investors are the biggest group Austria’s leading publically listed companies are very popular abroad: About 78 percent of their institutional investors come from outside the Austrian borders. The biggest investors in domestic flagship companies are from the United States with a share of 27.65 percent. Austrian institutional investors come second with 21.9 percent. Third place goes to institutional investors from Great Britain (15.7 percent), followed by those from Norway with 7.2 percent.

These results show clearly that international investors are aware of the value that Austrian companies have. The United States is one of the countries where investors are constantly increasing their share in Austrian companies. In 2015, US investors increased their share in ATX prime stocks significantly through focused buys. It is remarkable that the demand among US investors was not only driven by large investment firms but that investments in single stocks had a significant influence on the distribution. Apart from the big traditional investment firms passive fund managers also made major buys.

Alternative investors such as hedge funds and deep value investors were also responsible for additional liquidity. Passively managed funds are also on the rise among the different investment styles. By now, 15.3 percent of institutional investors assess through an index. But the top motivation for institutional investors in Austrian prime market stocks remain the growth-oriented (37.1 percent) and the value-oriented (33.8 percent) investment styles. ◆

Credits: Wiener Börse, Börse Stuttgart (Boschan)

it very important to put those companies in the spotlight that are pioneers on the Austrian capital market,” explained the new Chairmen at the Vienna Stock Exchange Ludwig Nießen and Petr Koblic. “We need a strong capital market for a flourishing economy,” said Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs

­ einhold Mitterlehner in his speech. “Therefore we need a trianR gle of an active stock market, top framework conditions and more awareness for the importance of domestic stocks. The Vienna Stock Exchange Award is thus an important help and form of orientation.”

The new bosses of the Vienna Stock Exchange: Chief Executive Officer Christoph Boschan, 38, Chief Financial Officer Petr Koblic, 45, and Chief Operating and Technology ­Officer Ludwig Nießen, 58.

AUSTRIAN MODEL COMPANIES

112_113

International

AME International GmbH Hoyosgasse 5, 1040 Vienna Tel.: +43 1 503 59 79 · Fax: +43 1 503 59 79-20 Mail: office@ame-international.com · Web: www.ame-international.com

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AT ITS BEST AME International GmbH is your partner for technology projects in the health sector with more than 20 years of international experience. As a full-service provider, we bundle know-how in the hospital sector and offer our customers holistic solutions.

We provide an overall concept and take care of our customers from the project idea through to the implementation. We offer: • Project developments – feasibility studies • Planning and consultancy • Implementation – project management • Supply of medical technology packages and e-health solutions • Know-how transfer We contribute significantly to the export development of Austrian technology businesses in the health sector by combining services with the supply of key technologies.

PROGIS Software GmbH Postgasse 6 · A-9500 Villach Tel. +43 (0) 4242 26 332 Email: office@progis.com · Internet: http://www.progis.com BING Orthophotos – Sentinel II – Land Register and INVEKOS

Eagle-eyes for growth control “WinGIS Lumen” is available: MS BING pictures + EU Sentinel II satellite pictures with NDVI growth index + land register + LPIS data Growth analyses of any areas – globally – every 5 to 10 days new!

PROGIS is a specialist in GIS for agricultural applications. The “Club of Ossiach” (PROGIS and GFAR/FAO/Rom) hosted the seminar “Continuum – rural area and city” – www.agrifuturedays.com – and discussed (1) technology integration, (2) stakeholder cooperation and (3) training.

PROGIS has solutions for businesses, industries, consultancy networks and entire countries.

Praher Plastics Austria GmbH Polytechnik Luft-und Feuerungstechnik GmbH A-2564 Weissenbach, AUSTRIA Tel. +43/2672/890-0, Fax: 890-13 offfice@polytechnik.at · www.polytechnik.com The Lower Austrian Company is one of the major suppliers of combustion technology systems for biogenic fuels and is renowned for the planning and supply of turnkey plants. Polytechnik offers these combustion plants with a range of performance of 300 - 30,000 kW. Warm water, hot water, steam and thermal oil are used as a heat transfer medium. The plants can be used to produce heating and process heat as well as to generate electrical energy (200 kW to 20,000 kW).

There are already more than 3,000 Polytechnik plants in operation all around the world; the export ratio amounts currently to more than 98%.

Poneggenstraße 5, 4311 Schwertberg, Austria Tel. +43 (0)7262 61179-0 · Fax +43 (0)7262 61203 office@praherplastics.com · www.praherplastics.com We are specialist for production of technical parts made of high-performance plastics in Schwertberg.

Two fields of competence in plastics distinguish our company: • manual and automated valves, pipes, fittings as well as comprehensive accessories for industrial piping systems.

• customized developments from resin formulation right through to the final product, with flexibility according to customer‘s needs.

Complementing both fields of competencies with speed in expediting and logistics, sets us apart as specialist in our field.

AUSTRIAN MODEL COMPANIES

ertex solartechnik GmbH Peter-Mitterhofer-Straße 4, 3300 Amstetten Tel. 07472/282 60 · info@ertex-solar.at · www.ertex-solar.at ertex solar is a well-established manufacturer in the field of building integrated photovoltaics. Facades and roofs with solar panels are planned und manufactured according to the architect’s wishes in Amstetten, Lower Austria. ertex solar is among the sector’s top companies with its 25 employees. Being a subsidiary of Ertl Glas AG, ertex solar benefits strongly from the parent company’s know-how and its 60 years of experience in glass construction.

The focus is not on standardised mass products but on high-quality solutions to make it possible to implement projects according to the customer’s ideas.

Thanks to various technological innovations and extensive expertise, ertex solar can either put photovoltaics to the fore in a futuristic manner or integrate it discreetly into a building.

Herz Armaturen GmbH Richard-Strauss-Straße 22 · A-1230 Wien Tel.: +43 (0) 1 616 26 31-0 Mail: office@herz.eu · Web: www.herz.eu

120 Years HERZ Armaturen In 1896 the company, known today as HERZ Armaturen GmbH, was set up through the establishment of the valve factory Gebauer & Lehrner. 120 years later, the owner-operated HERZ Group with its headquarters in Vienna includes 22 production sites all over Europe and more than 24 sales subsidiaries, operating through sales partners in about 100 countries around the world. HERZ is among the world’s largest suppliers of building technologies and is able to cover virtually all areas. With its approximately 2,400 employees, HERZ recently achieved a consolidated annual turnover of 260 million Euros – and rising.

PMS Elektro- und Automationstechnik GmbH 9431 St. Stefan, Wolkersdorf 46 Tel. +43 (0) 4352 366 88-0 · Mail: pms@christof-group.com · www.christof-group.com As one of the leading companies in the industrial sector, PMS Elektro- und Automationstechnik GmbH provides engineering, automation and project planning, hardware and software engineering, assembly, commissioning and monitoring as well as service and maintenance at the highest technical level under one roof. All electric, measurement and regulation technology services are tailored according to individual and technical requirements. In each particular case, clients benefit from extensive experience, comprehensive cross-sector knowledge and efficient project management.

HAIDLMAIR GmbH Haidlmairstraße 1 | A-4542 Nußbach | Austria phone: +43 (0) 7587 6001 -0 | fax: +43 (0) 7587 6001 -179 office@haidlmair.at | www.haidlmair.com

HAIDLMAIR has more than 35 years of experience in mould making and is the leading manufacturer in high performance injection moulds for all kinds of packaging and logistics solutions (beverage crates, folding boxes, plastics pallets etc.) and recycling containers. The highly skilled staff and the systematic investments into machinery and factory infrastructure over the past years allow for the manufacturing of moulds up to 80 tonnes in excellent quality. Many happy customers all around the world trust in this competence.

HAIDLMAIR – One Stop for Higher Productivity!

BREITES PRODUKTSORTIMENT WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS UND QUALITÄT AND HÖCHSTE HIGHEST QUALITY

Austria Email AG Das österreichische Unternehmen AUSTRIA Austriastraße 6 · A-8720 Knittelfeld EMAIL ist einer der führenden europäischen Tel.: +43(0)3512/700-0 · Fax: +43(0)3512/700-239 Hersteller von hochwertigen WarmwasserEmail: office@austria-email.at bereitern und einziger Speicherhersteller mit eigener Entwicklung und Fertigung von zukunftsweisenden Vlies-Isolierungen füris GroßThe Austrian company AUSTRIA EMAIL one und Pufferspeicher. of the leading European manufacturers of high-quality water heaters and the only one with an Jahre in-house development andEmail-Technologie manufacturing of 80 Erfahrung in der pioneeringfür fleece insulations for large heaters sprechen sich: and buffer cylinders.

Sunpor Kunststoff GmbH. Tiroler Straße 14, 3105 St.Pölten Tel. +43 (0)2742 291-0 · Fax +43 (0)2742 291-40 office@sunpor.at · www.sunpor.at · www.lambdapor.com Sunpor Kunststoff GmbH produces at its plants in St. Pölten about 230,000 tonnes of granulate for EPS plastics; 90 percent thereof are exported.

The main customers are the international construction industry (building insulation) and the packaging industry. Norwegian O.N. Sunde A/S owns 100 percent of the company.

Starzinger GmbH & Co KG Bahnhofstraße 1, 4890 Frankenmarkt www.starzinger.at

years of experience in enamelling technology n80 Marktführer in Österreich sowie speaks for itself: 37 Exportmärkten n• Market Umfassendes Produktsortiment leader in Austria and 37 export markets 400 Grundtypen und mehr • Aüber comprehensive range of products – als 1000than Varianten more 400 basic models and more than n 1,000 Überlegenheit der Produkte bei variants Service • SEnergieeffizienz, uperiority of productsQualität in terms und of energy efficiency, quality and service

STARZINGER

lity.

The Spring of Qua

BEVERAGE GROUP

Beverage Group Starzinger: Private label production of beverages of all kinds – standing out with top flexibility and the best service.

Energy drinks, mineral water, lemonades, functional and mixed drinks as well as beer and beer mixers in pet bottles, cans or glass – there are hardly any limits to our clients’ ideas. State-of-the-art bottling plants in three production sites in Austria, each with its own high-quality mineral water spring, are the basis for successful private labels. Our more than 100-year-long experience in producing beverages and our know-how on raw materials, packaging and transport make us one of the most competent and most successful beverage producers in the world. Customers in North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and in parts even Asia and Australia enjoy beverages made by Starzinger. To meet these high standards Starzinger stands out when it comes to customer-oriented flexibility and service.

Diamant Nahrungsmittel GmbH Maria-Theresia-Straße 41 · A-4600 Wels Registered at the Commercial Court Wels, FN 393065m Telephone: +43-(0)7242-41848-235 Email: office@diamant.at · http://www.diamant.at Diamant Nahrungsmittel is a well-known producer of baking ingredients and base mixes for baking bread, pastries, fine baked goods and confectionery for bakeries, confectioneries and industrial companies. Rich in tradition, Diamant currently offers more than 600 products and is both halal and eco-certified.

Our highest priority is to develop products that constantly maintain high quality, allow for the efficient production of a diverse range of bakery goods, save expensive working hours and open up new market opportunities for international clients.

©iStockPhoto/Jurisam

114_115

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

Major Stocks listed on the Vienna Vo n H E L G A K R É M E R .

Agrana Holding

Andritz

1020 Wien, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Raiffeisen-Platz 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 211 37-0, www.agrana.com

8045 Graz, Stattegger Straße 18, Tel.: 43 (0) 316 69 02-0, www.andritz.com

Agrana is a globally active processor of agricultural raw materials, turning them into industrial products for further processing in the segments sugar, starch and fruits. About 8,800 staff in 54 production sites across all continents recently generated a turnover of about 3 billion euros.

Agrana was founded in 1988 and is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1991.

The share of the Z&S Zucker und Stärke Holding AG in Vienna amounts to 86.2 percent of the capital stock; 6.5 percent belong to Südzucker AG and 7.3 percent of shares are in free float.

The Andritz Group is an internationally operating technology corporation and develops indus­ trial process solutions for the production of various standard products and highly specialised ­products. The group’s activities focus on hydropower plants (Andritz Hydro), plants for the ­production of pulp and paper (Andritz Pulp & Paper), rolling and strip treatment plants (Andritz Metals) and communal and industrial solid/liquid separation (Andritz Separation).

CEO: Johann Marihart Management Board: Stephan Büttner, Fritz Gattermayer, Thomas Kölbl Supervisory Board: Erwin Hameseder, Wolfgang Heer, Klaus Buchleitner, Jochen Fenner, Hans-Jörg Gebhard, Ernst Karpfinger, Thomas Kirchberg, Josef Pröll et al.

CEO: Wolfgang Leitner Management Board: Humbert Köfler, Joachim Schönbeck, Wolfgang Semper Supervisory Board: Christian Nowotny, Fritz Oberlechner, Jürgen Hermann Fechter, Alexander Isola, Monika Kircher, Kurt Stiassny, Georg Auer, Andreas Martiner, Isolde Findenig

Agrana Beteiligungs AG Business Year: 1/3 – 28/2 ISIN: AT0000603709 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 14,202,040 Volatility (3 months): 22.891 Last dividend: 3.60 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 8/7/2015 Market capitalisation: 1,313.26 mln euros P/E ratio: 16.065

Andritz AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000730007 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 104,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 23.112 Last dividend: 1.35 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 1/4/2016 Market capitalisation: 4,260.88 mln euros P/E ratio: 17.327

AMAG Austria Metall

AT&S

5282 Ranshofen, Lamprechtshausnerstraße 61, Tel.: 43 (0) 77 22-801-22 05, www.amag.at

8700 Leoben, Fabriksgasse 13, Tel.: 43 (0) 38 42 200-0, www.ats.net

Austria’s leading producer of primary aluminium and high quality casting alloy, rolling products that are used in aeroplane and automotive manufacturing, in the packaging and building industry, in ­machinery construction and for lighting and for sports goods. AMAG is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since April 2011. The company produces in Ranshofen high-quality casting alloy and rolling products. AMAG holds 20 percent of the Elektrolyse Alouette in Sept-Îles, Canada, which produces primary aluminium. The operative business consists of the divisions metal, casting and rolling.

Founded in 1987, AT&S is the largest manufacturer of printed circuit boards in Europe today, and one of the leading manufacturers of high-tech printed circuit boards. AT&S operates in the business segments Mobile Devices & Substrates, Automotive & Aviation, Industrial, Medical and Advanced Packaging. Being an international growth company, it has production sites in Austria (Leoben, Fehring), India (Nanjangud), China (Shanghai, Chongqing under constructions) and Korea (Ansan near Seoul). The AT&S Groups employs about 8,700 people worldwide.

CEO: Helmut Wieser Management Board: Helmut Kaufmann, Gerald Mayer Supervisory Board: Josef Krenner, Hanno Bästlein, Gerhard Falch, Heinrich Schaller, Franz Gasselsberger, Otto Höfl, Patrick F. Prügger, Sabine Seidler, Franz Viehböck, Max Angermeier, Robert Hofer, Günter Mikula, Herbert Schützeneder

CEO: Andreas Gerstenmayer Management Board: Karl Asamer, Heinz Moitzi Supervisory Board: Hannes Androsch, Willi Dörflinger, Regina Prehofer, Gerhard Pichler, Georg Riedl, Karl Fink, Albert Hochleitner Karin Schaupp, et.al.

AMAG Austria Metall AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT00000AMAG3 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 35,264,000 Volatility (3 months): 25.033 Last dividend: 1.20 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 20/4/2016 Market capitalisation: 1,082,60 mln euros P/E ratio: 26.442

AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG Business Year: 1/4 – 31/3 ISIN: AT0000969985 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 38,850,000 Volatility (3 months): 26.778 Last dividend: 0.36 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 30/7/2015 Market capitalisation: 417.44 mln euros P/E ratio: 7.951

116_117

Stock Exchange BUWOG

C-Quadrat

1130 Wien, Hietzinger Kai 131, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 878 28-1130, www.buwog.com

1010 Vienna, Stubenring 2, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 515 66 115, www.c-quadrat.com

The BUWOG Group, the leading German-Austrian full-service provider in the residential ­property sector, can look back on wide-ranging experience that covers nearly 65 years.

The BUWOG Group owns a high-quality portfolio of roughly 51,000 apartments (roughly one-half each in Austria and Germany). Through its development activities, it has been responsible for the construction of more than 35,000 apartments to date. With a new construction volume of roughly 500 apartments per year in the greater Vienna area, the BUWOG Group is one of the most active contractors and real estate developers in Austria.

C-QUADRAT is an international asset manager. Its fund managers in Vienna and London use both quantitative and discretionary absolute and total return strategies. The company was established in Vienna in 1991. It has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2006 and on the Vienna Stock Exchange since May 2008. Today, with offices in Vienna, London, Frankfurt, Geneva and Yerevan C-QUADRAT operates in 19 countries in E ­ urope and Asia.

CEO: Daniel Riedl Management Board: Andreas Segal, Herwig Teufelsdorfer Supervisory Board: Vitus Eckert, Oliver Schumy, Klaus Hübner, Volker Riebel, Jutta A. Dönges, Stavros Efremidis, Elisabeth Manninger, Markus Sperber, Raphael Lygnos

Management Board: Alexander Schütz, Roland Starha, Thomas Rieß Supervisory Board: Marcus D. Mautner Markhof, Franz Fuchs, Fritz Schweiger, Hubert Cussigh, Harry Ploemacher, Klemens Hallmann

BUWOG AG Business Year: 1/5 – 30/4 ISIN: AT000BUWOG001 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 99.773.479 Volatility (3 months): 24.996 Last dividend: 0.69 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 14/10/2015 Market capitalisation: 1,944.09 mln euros P/E ratio: –

C-Quadrat Investment AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000613005 Segment: Standard Market Auction Type of share: Common Number of shares: 4,363,200 Volatility (3 months): 70.583 Last dividend: 3.00 Euros per share Ex-dividend date: 13/5/2015 Market capitalisation: 266.24 mln euros P/E ratio: 10,214

BWT

CA Immobilien Anlagen

5310 Mondsee, Walter-Simmer-Straße 4, Tel.: 43 (0) 62 32 50 11-0, www.bwt-group.com

1030 Vienna, Mechelgasse 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 532 59 07-0, www.caimmoag.com

The Best Water Technology Group was founded in 1990 and is now Europe’s leading water technology company. BWT owes its prominent position to a plethora of revolutionary inventions, products and processes (e.g.OsmoVision). More than 3,600 employees have the goal of providing customers from private households, industry, trade, hotels and communities. BWT offers treatment systems and services for drinking water, process water, heating water, boiler water, cooling water and water for climate control systems as well as swimming pool w ­ ater.

The CA Immo Group divides its core activity into the business areas of letting investment ­properties and developing real estate. In both of these business areas, CA Immo specialises in commercial real estate with a clear focus on office properties in capital cities in the centre of Europe. Since March 2011, CA Immo is part of the ATX leading index, with a free float of around 74 percent and the O1 Group holding 26 percent. In April 2016, Immofinanz bought 26 percent of CA Immo, subject to antitrust approval. Next year, both real estate companies want to merge.

CEO: Andreas Weißenbacher Management Board: Gerhard Speigner Supervisory Board: Leopold Bednar, Gerda Egger, Wolfgang Hochsteger, Helmut Schützeneder, Ekkehard Reicher

Best Water Technology Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000737705 Segment: Standard Market Auction Type of share: Common Number of shares: 17,833,500 Volatility (3 months): 25,760 Last dividend: 0.28 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 28/8/2015 Market capitalisation: 347.75 mln euros P/E ratio: 30.952

CEO: Franz Nickel Management Board: Florian Nowotny Supervisory Board: Torsten Hollstein, Dmitry Mints, Florian Koschat, Richard Gregson, Michael Stanton, John Nacos, Maria Doralt, Barbara A. Knoflach, Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer et al.

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000641352 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 98,808,332 Volatility (3 months): 22.136 Last dividend: 0.50 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 6/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 1,533.01 mln euros P/E ratio: 7.480

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

conwert

Do & Co

1090 Wien, Alserbachstraße 32, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 521 45-0, www.conwert.at

1010 Vienna, Stephansplatz 12, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 740 00-0, www.doco.com

Conwert is a real estate group focusing on residential properties and apartment buildings in Germany and Austria. The company develops and lets properties predominantly in fast growing metropolitan regions. In 2007, the corporate structure was changed from a stock corporation into a monistic Societas Europaea (SE). In this structure, the company is managed under the supervision of an administrative board by managing directors. The business model is based on three pillars: portfolio management, the development and sale of properties, and real estate ­services, which range from real estate management to real estate marketing.

Do & Co was founded in 1981. By now, the company has turned into an internationally ­operating restaurant and catering corporation, which keeps expanding its business activities continuously and already has eight production sites in six countries across two continents.

Do & Co operates globally in the business areas Airline Catering, International Event Catering and Restaurants & Bars. The spectrum of services ranges from small private family parties to company events and major social or sports events such as the VIP catering at 15 Formula 1 Grand Prix races.

Management Directors: Wolfgang Beck (CEO), Thomas Doll (CFO) Supervisory Board: Alexander Proschofsky, Peter Hohlbein, Erich Kandler, Barry Gilbertson, Dirk Hoffmann

CEO: Attila Dogudan Management Board: Haig Asenbauer, Gottfried Neumeister, Klaus Petermann Supervisory Board: Waldemar Jud, Christian Konrad, Werner Sporn, Georg Thurn-Vrints

conwert Immobilien Invest SE Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000697750 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 94,593,612 Volatility (3 months): 19.900 Last dividend: 0.10 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 12/5/2014 Market capitalisation: 1.325,73 mln euros P/E ratio: 8.211

Do & Co Restaurants & Catering AG Business Year: 1/4 – 31/3 ISIN: AT0000818802 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 9,744,000 Volatility (3 months): 22.233 Last dividend: 0.85 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 6/7/2015 Market capitalisation: 800.86 mln euros P/E ratio: 29.310

CROSS Industries

Erste Group

4600 Wels, Edisonstraße 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 7242 69402, www.crossindustries.at

1010 Vienna, Graben 21, Tel.: 43 (0) 501 00 - 10100, www.erstegroup.com

The CROSS Industries group is a global automotive niche player that includes worldwide ­renowned brands (KTM, Husqvarna, Pankl, WP), which are partly technology and market ­leaders in each niche. The Group employs more than 4,000 people, thereof more than 70 percent in Austria. CROSS Industries is divided into the core areas Vehicle, High Performance and Lightweight. In the Prime Market Performance Ranking 2015 Cross Industries came second with an increase of 103.26 percent.

Founded in 1819 as “Erste Oesterreichische Spar-Casse”, Erste Bank went public in 1997 in ­order to finance the expansion of its retail business in Central and Eastern Europe. By 2008, ­Erste Group has acquired ten banks and increased the number of customers from 600,000 to 16.6 million. Measured by its number of customers and balance sheet total, Erste Group has ­become one of the biggest financial service providers in Central and Eastern Europe thanks to its strategic focus on retail business as well as small and medium-sized enterprises.

CEO: Stephan Pierer Management Board: Friedrich Roither (CFO), Alfred Hörtenhuber, Wolfgang Plasser Supervisory Board: Josef Blazicek, Ernst Chalupsky, Gerlad Kiska, Klaus Rinnerberger

CEO: Andreas Treichl Management Board: Peter Bosek, Andreas Gottschling, Gernot Mittendorfer, Jozef Síkela, Petr Brávek Supervisory Board: Friedrich Rödler, Jan Homan, Bettina Breiteneder, Elisabeth Bleyleben-Koren, Gonzalo Gortázar, Gunter Griss, Maximilian Hardegg, Elisabeth Krainer Senger-Weiss et al.

CROSS Industries AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000820659 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 225,386,742 Volatility (3 months): 31.669 Last dividend: 0.03 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 29/4/2016 Market capitalisation: 822.66 mln euros P/E ratio: 28.462

Erste Bank Group AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000652011 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 429,800,000 Volatility (3 months): 28.579 Last dividend: 0.50 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 17/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 9,010.76 mln euros P/E ratio: 12.736

118_119

EVN

Flughafen Wien (Vienna Airport)

2344 Maria Enzersdorf, EVN Platz, Tel.: 2236 200-0, www.evn.at

1300 Vienna Airport, Postfach 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 7007-0, www.viennaairport.com

EVN’s history can be traced back to the provincial electricity company Landes-Elektrizitätswerk of the Archduchy of Austria, which was founded in 1907. Based on state-of-the-art infrastructure, EVN provides more than three million customers with electricity, natural gas, heat, drinking water and wastewater treatment and waste incineration. On balance, EVN is currently active in 13 countries. The share of Group revenue generated outside Austria in Central, ­Eastern and South-East Europe amounted to 52.0 percent during the 2014/15 financial year.

One of the few listed airports in Europe positioned itself as one of the most important hubs for the flourishing destinations in Central and Eastern Europe thanks to its geographical location.

In 2014, the number of passengers handled rose by 2.2 percent to about 22.5 million compared to 2013. The Province of Lower Austria and the City of Vienna each hold 20 percent of the shares, 10 percent belong to the employee’s private holding fund, 38.16 percent belong to ­Airports Group Europe S.à.r.l. and 11.84 percent are in free float.

CEO: Peter Layr Management Board: Stefan Szyszkowitz Supervisory Board: Bettina Glatz-Kremsner, Norbert Griesmayr, Willi Stiowicek, Philipp Gruber, Thomas Kusterer, Dieter Lutz, Reinhard Meißl et al.

CEO: Julian Jäger Management Board: Günther Ofner Supervisory Board: Ewald Kirschner, Erwin Hameseder, Gabriele Domschitz, Bettina Glatz-Kremsner, Burkhard Hofer, Karin Rest, Gerhard Starsich et al.

EVN AG Business Year: 1/10 – 30/9 ISIN: AT0000741053 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 179,878,402 Volatility (3 months): 14.215 Last dividend: 0.42 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 27/1/2016 Market capitalisation: 1,798.78 mln euros P/E ratio: 3.947

Flughafen Wien AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000911805 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 21,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 15.696 Last dividend: 2.00 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 2/6/2016 Market capitalisation: 2,087.61 mln euros P/E ratio: 8.051

FACC

Gurktaler

4910 Ried im Innkreis, Fischerstraße 9, Tel.: 43 59 616-0, www.facc.com

1190 Wien, Heiligenstädter Straße 43, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 3670849-0, www.gruppe.gurktaler.at

FACC is a globally active company. Its range of products includes structural components for ­fuselages and wings, engine components and complete passenger cabins for civil aeroplanes, business jets and helicopters. FACC works for all major aircraft manufacturers like Airbus, ­Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer. In 2014, the Chinese majority owners decided to float the company on the stock market and retained 55 percent. Almost five percent are held by Erste Group, 39.6 percent are in free float. During a “Fake President Scam” FACC lost 50 million euros at the end of 2015 (allegedly, 10 million euros have been frozen on foreign accounts and 40 million euros have disappeared).

CEO: Robert Machtlinger Management Board: Yongsheng Wang Supervisory Board: Ruguang Geng, Jun Tang, Yanzheng Lei, Weixi Gong, Xuejun Wang, ­Chunsheng Yang, Barbara Huber, Birol Mutlu, Peter Krohe, Ulrike Reiter

FACC AG Business Year: 1/3 – 28/2 ISIN: AT00000FACC2 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 45,790,000 Volatility (3 months): 27.917 Last dividend: – Ex-dividend date: – Market capitalisation: 207.20 mln euros P/E ratio: –

This company is basically a split of the entire herbal spirits division from Schlumberger AG. The Gurktaler Aktiengesellschaft includes the herbal spirits holding company Gurktaler Alpen­ kräuter GmbH, Rossbacher Vertriebs GmbH, Leibwächter Kräuter GmbH and the financial ­holdings in Peter Zwack & Consorten Handels-AG with its headquarters in Vienna and the Under­berg GmbH & Co KG in Germany. The operative activities are leased to the Schlum­ berger Wein- und Sektkellerei GmbH and the Top Spirits Handels- und Verkaufs GmbH. CEO: Karin Trimmel Supervisory Board: Hubertine Underberg-Ruder, Eduard Kranebitter, Tobias Bürgers, Gerd Peskes

Gurktaler AG Business Year: 1/4 – 31/3 ISIN: AT0000A0Z9G3 Segment: Standard Market Auction Type of share: Common Number of shares: 1,500,000 Volatility (3 months): 165.138 Last dividend: 0.27 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 15/9/2014 Market capitalisation: 12,75 mln euros P/E ratio: –

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

Immofinanz

Lenzing

1100 Vienna, Wienerbergstraße 11, Tel.: 43 (0) 5 7111-0, www.immofinanz.com

4860 Lenzing, Werkstraße 2, Tel.: 43 (0) 7672 701-0, www.lenzing.com

Immofinanz is a commercial real estate company and has a real estate portfolio of approxi­ mately 5.8 billion euros, covering more than 380 properties. The core business includes the ­management and development of properties. The company concentrates its activities on two asset classes – retail and office. Eight core markets form its geographic focus: Austria, ­Germany, ­Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Moscow. In April 2016, ­Immofinanz bought 26 percent in CA Immo pending antitrust approval. Before a planned ­merger of the two companies, Immofinanz plans to separate or sell its Russian portfolio.

Thanks to quality and innovative capacity, Lenzing is the world market leader in the field of man-made cellulose fibres. With more than 75 years of experience, the Lenzing Group is the only producer worldwide that offers all three generations of man-made cellulose fibres – from the classic viscose fibre and the modal fibre to the lyocell fibre – in large industrial quantities.

Lenzing’s fibres are used in the global textile and nonwovens industry.

CEO: Oliver Shumy Management Board: Stefan Schönauer, Dietmar Reindl Supervisory Board: Michael Knap, Rudolf Fries Christian Böhm, Nick J. M. van Ommen, Horst Populorum, Wolfgang Schischek

CEO: Stefan Doboczky Management Board: Robert van de Kerkhof, Thomas Obendrauf Supervisory Board: Hanno Bästlein, Veit Sorger, Felix Strohbichler, Helmut Bernkopf, Franz Gasselsberger, Josef Krenner, Patrick Prügger, Astrid Skala-Kuhmann, et. al.

Immofinanz Group Business Year: 1/5 – 30/4 ISIN: AT0000809058 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 975,955,651 Volatility (3 months): 35.948 Last dividend: 0.15 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 4/10/2013 Market capitalisation: 1,929.46 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Lenzing AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000644505 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 26,550,000 Volatility (3 months): 30.684 Last dividend: 2.00 euro per share Ex-dividend date: 22/4/2016 Market capitalisation: 2,227.55 mln euros P/E ratio: 15.022

Kapsch TrafficCom

Mayr-Melnhof

1120 Wien, Am Europlatz 2, Tel.: 43 (0) 50 811-0, www.kapschtraffic.com

1041 Vienna, Brahmsplatz 6, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 501 36-0, www.mayr-melnhof.com

Kapsch TafficCom’s principle business is the development, installation and operation of electronic toll collection systems for multi-lane traffic. Reference projects in 44 countries across all continents make Kapsch TrafficCom a globally leading supplier in the field of electronic toll ­collection. Being a part of the Kapsch Group, a family-run Austrian technology corporation founded in 1892, Kapsch TrafficCom has subsidiaries and representations in 33 countries and generated as of late a turnover of 456 million euros with its 3,500 employees. Kapsch TrafficCom was one of the top performers in the Prime Market in 2015 with an increase of 112.11 percent.

Mayr-Melnhof is the world’s biggest producer of coated recyclable carton boards with a growing position in fresh fibre cartons and Europe’s leading producer in folding boxboards. The company was founded more than 100 years ago and became the European market leader in its core areas over the course of the last 25 years. The MM Group employed as of lately 9,500 people and ­generated a turnover of 2 billion euros. Mayr-Melnhof is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1994.

CEO: Georg Kapsch Management Board: André F. Laux (COO), Alexander Lewald (CTO) Supervisory Board: Franz Semmernegg, Kari Kapsch, Sabine Kauper, Harald Sommerer, ­Christian Windisch, Martin Gartler

Kapsch TrafficCom AG Business Year: 1/4 – 31/3 ISIN: AT0000818802 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 13,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 21,833 Last dividend: 0.50 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 16/9/2015 Market capitalisation: 421.20 mln euros P/E ratio: –

CEO: Wilhelm Hörmanseder Management Board: Gotthard Mayringer (CFO), Andreas Blaschke, Franz Rappold Supervisory Board: Rainer Zellner, Romuald Bertl, Johannes Goess-Saurau, Nikolaus Ankers­hofen, Guido Held, Georg Mayr-Melnhof, Andreas Hemmer et al.

Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000938204 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 20,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 25.721 Last dividend: 1.20 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 3/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 2,011 mln euros P/E ratio: 16.172

120_121

OMV

Österreichische Post (Austrian Post)

1020 Vienna, Trabrennstraße 6–8, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 404 40-0, www.omv.at

1010 Vienna, Postgasse 8, Tel.: 43 (0) 577 67-0, www.post.at

OMV is an integrated, international oil and gas company active in the upstream (exploration & production) and downstream businesses (refining & marketing including petrochemicals; gas & power). In downstream, OMV has an annual refining capacity of 17.8 mn tonnes and ­approximately 3,800 filling stations in 11 countries including Turkey. At the end of the year, OMV had proven reserves of approximately 1.03 bln boe and a production of 309 kboe/d in 2015. Around 90 percent of its production in 2015 came from EU/OECD countries.

Austrian Post is the leading logistics and postal services provider in Austria with more than 2 billion euros in turnover and about 23,000 staff. Its main business activities include the transport and delivery of letters, direct mail items, print media and parcels. The branch network with more than 1,800 own and third party run offices ranks among the largest private customer ­networks in the country. Austrian Post is also represented by subsidiaries in twelve European markets, particularly in the parcel and logistics segment as well as in unaddressed direct mail items.

CEO: Rainer Seele Management Board: David C. Davies, Johann Pleininger, Manfred Leitner Supervisory Board: Peter Löscher, Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell, Murtadha Al Hashmi, Helmut Draxler, Wolfgang C. Berndt, Marc H. Hall, Ahmed Matar Al Mazrouei, Karl Rose, ­Herbert Werner et. al

CEO: Georg Pölzl Management Board: Walter Hitziger, Walter Oblin, Peter Umundum Supervisory Board: Edith Hlawati, Edeltraud Stiftinger, Erich Hampel, Peter E. Kruse, Chris E. Muntwyler, Markus Pichler, Elisabeth Stadler, Herta Stockbauer et al.

OMV AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000743059 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 327,272,727 Volatility (3 months): 29.492 Last dividend: 1.00 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 27/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 7,851.27 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Oesterreichische Post AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000APOST4 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 67,552,638 Volatility (3 months): 23.218 Last dividend: 1.95 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 26/4/2016 Market capitalisation: 2.001,25 mln euros P/E ratio: 31.726

OeSD Austrian State Printing House

Palfinger

A1230 Wien, Tenschertstraße 7, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 2 0666-0

5020 Salzburg, F.-W.-Scherer-Straße 24, Tel.: 43 (0) 662 4684-0, www.palfinger.com

The OeSD Group (Österreichische Staatsdruckerei Holding AG) provides holistic solutions for identity management. Its business activities include the consultancy for the development, implementation and administration of identity management systems, including data and IT security and biometrics (eGovernment Consulting), the personalisation of ID documents and the associated logistics (eGovernment Services). A third business field is the production of anti-counterfeit blank security documents and other high security products (High Security Printing).

The company was founded in 1932 and is one of the internationally leading manufacturers of hydraulic lifting, loading and handling systems. As a multi-national corporation, Palfinger has production and manufacturing sites in Europe, North and South America and Asia. The com­ pany is considered a technology and innovation leader and is the world market leader in truck-mounted knuckle-boom cranes, timber and recycling cranes, hooklifts and cranes for offshore wind energy parks. Palfinger also is the technology and market leader in Europe when it comes to high-tech railway applications and bridge inspection machines.

CEO: Ing. Robert Schächter Management Board: Prof. Reinhart Gausterer, Mag. Helmut Lackner, Mag. Lukas Praml Supervisory Board: Dr. Johannes Strohmayer (Vorsitzender), Dr. Wilfried Stadler, Dr. Peter Hoffmann-Ostenhof, Martin Smit, Thomas Sperlich

CEO: Herbert Ortner Management Board: Christoph Kaml, Wolfgang Pilz, Martin Zehnder Supervisory Board: Hubert Palfinger jun., Gerhard Rauch, Hannes Palfinger, Heinrich Kiener, Dawei Duan, Peter Pessenlehner, Johannes Kücher, Gerhard Gruber, Alois Weiss

Österreichische Staatsdruckerei Holding AG Business Year: 1. 4.–31. 3.

ISIN: AT00000OESD0 Segment: Standard Market Auction Type of share: Stammaktien Number of shares: 7.500.000 Volatility (3 months): 0,0 Last dividend: 0,45 Euro je Aktie Ex-dividend date: 20. 7. 2016 Market capitalisation: 112,5 Mio. Euro P/E ratio: –

Palfinger AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000758305 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 37.593.258 Volatility (3 months): 30.828 Last dividend: 0.39 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 11/3/2016 Market capitalisation: 964.64 mln euros P/E ratio: 15.289

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

Pankl Racing Systems

Porr

8605 Kapfenberg, Industriestraße West 4, Tel.: 43 (0) 3862 33 999-0, www.pankl.com

1100 Wien, Absberggasse 47, Tel.: 43 (0) 50 626-0, www.porr-group.com

The company structure of Pankl Racing Systems consists of three main divisions Racing, ­Aerospace and High Performance. Pankl develops, manufactures and sells engine and drivetrain systems as well as chassis for the racing, aerospace and high performance car industries.

The company stands out in these niche markets with lightweight components from high-­ quality innovative materials that have been built to withstand extreme mechanical forces. ­Today, the Racing Division is the market-leading supplier for engine and drivetrain systems.

Porr is one of Austria’s largest building companies and one of the oldest, having been founded in 1869. The company sees itself as a flexible full service building corporation that also offers project development as well as real estate and facility management. The Porr Group operates in all types of construction such as structural and underground construction, road construction and tunnelling. Outside the company’s domestic markets Austria, Germany, Switzerland, ­Poland and the Czech Republic it is also active in CEE/SEE as well as Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

CEO: Wolfgang Plasser Management Board: Christoph Prattes (COO), Stefan Seidel (CTO) Supervisory Board: Stefan Pierer, Josef Blazicek, Alfred Hörtenhuber, Friedrich Roithner, Paul Neumann

CEO: Karl Strauss Management Board: Christian B. Maier (CFO), Johannes Wenkenbach (COO) Supervisory Board: Karl Pistotnik, Klaus Ortner, Michael Diederich, Robert Grüneis, Walter Knirsch, Iris Ortner, Bernhard Weiss, Susanne Weiss et al.

Pankl Racing Systems AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000800800 Segment: Mid Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 3,150,000 Volatility (3 months): 33.827 Last dividend: 0.60 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 27/4/2016 Market capitalisation: 83.48 mln euros P/E ratio: 11.317

Porr AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000609607 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 29.095.000 Volatility (3 months): 33.486 Last dividend: 1.50 euro per share Ex-dividend date: 30/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 790.07 mln euros P/E ratio: 13.837

Polytec

Raiffeisen Bank International

4063 Hörsching, Linzer Straße 50, Tel.: 43 (0) 7221 701-0, www.polytec-group.com

1030 Vienna, Am Stadtpark 9, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 717 07-0, www.rbinternational.com

Founded in 1986 in Marchtrenk by Friedrich Huemer, the company developed over the last ten years from a pure producer of industrial plastics parts into a system supplier that covers the ­entire process chain from design, construction and production to just-in-sequence supply. ­Today, Polytec is an internationally respected developer and producer of plastics parts for the automotive industry, making interior, exterior and engine compartment components as well as functional and accessory parts.

RBI considers Austria and Central- and Eastern Europe its domestic market. 15 markets in this region are covered by subsidiary banks and the group encompasses numerous financial service providers in the fields of leasing, asset management and mergers & acquisition, for example.

RBI is a fully-consolidated subsidiary of Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG (RZB).

RZB indirectly owns around 60.7 per cent of the shares, the remainder is in free float.

CEO: Friedrich Huemer Management Board: Peter Haidenek, Markus Huemer, Alice Godderidge Supervisory Board: Fred Duswald, Viktoria Kickinger, Manfred Helmut Trauth, Robert Büchelhofer, Reinhard Schwendtbauer

CEO: Karl Sevelda Management Board: Johann Strobl, Klemens Breuer, Mag. Martin Grüll (CFO), Andreas Gschwenter (COO/CIO), Peter Lennkh Supervisory Board: Walter Rothensteiner, Erwin Hameseder, Heinrich Schaller, Martin Schaller, Bettina Selden, Kurt Geiger, Michael Höllerer et al.

Polytec Holding AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000A00XX9 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 22,329,585 Volatility (3 months): 22.587 Last dividend: 0.30 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 24/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 160.75 mln euros P/E ratio: 7.093

Raiffeisen Bank International AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000606306 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 292,979,038 Volatility (3 months): 35.691 Last dividend: 1.02 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 11/6/2014 Market capitalisation: 3.290,15 mln euros P/E ratio: 10.465

122_123

Rath

Rosenbauer

1015 Wien, Walfischgasse 14, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 5134427-0, www.rath-group.com

4060 Leonding, Paschinger Straße 90, Tel.: 43 (0) 732 6794-0, www.rosenbauer.com

Rath is a specialist in refractory technologies with an extensive product range of refractory ­materials for application temperatures of up to 1800°C, supported by a comprehensive range of services. Rath has developed into a world-renowned supplier of leading-edge technologies for tailor-made refractory solutions. The Rath Group produces dense bricks, castables and high temperature insulating wool.

66.7 percent of shares are held by the Rath Holding Gmbh, 18.8 belong to the Rath family ­members and 14.5 percent are in free float.

Rosenbauer is the globally leading manufacturer of fire engines in the field of fire protection and disaster control. The industry’s all-in-one provider is the highest-selling international group with a global sales and customer service network in more than 100 countries, offering a broad range of municipal fire engines and aerials, the latest fire fighting systems, equipment and ­vehicles for airports and industrial use. Rosenbauer serves all target groups: Professional and voluntary fire brigades, factory fire brigades and airport fire brigades.

Management Board: Andreas Pfneiszl (CFO, CSO), Jörg Sitzenfrey (COO) Supervisory Board: Stefan Ehrlich-Adam, Philipp Rath, Karin Bauer-Rath, Dieter Hermann, Christian B. Maier, Andreas Meier, Paul Rath

CEO: Dieter Siegel Management Board: Gottfried Brunbauer (CTO), Günter Kitzmüller (CFO) Supervisory Board: Alfred Hutterer, Christian Reisinger, Karl Ozlsberger, Rainer Siegel, Rudolf Aichinger, Alfred Greslehner

Rath AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000767306 Segment: Standard Market Auction Type of share: Common Number of shares: 1,500,000 Volatility (3 months): 103.036 Last dividend: 0.50 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 8/6/2016 Market capitalisation: 24.75 mln euros P/E ratio: 5.022

Rosenbauer International AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000922554 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 6,800,000 Volatility (3 months): 25.107 Last dividend: 1.50 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 25/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 383.11 mln euros P/E ratio: 20.182

RHI

S IMMO

1100 Vienna, Wienerbergstraße 11, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 502 13-0, www.rhi-ag.com

1010 Wien, Friedrichstraße 10, 5. Stock, Tel.: 43 (0) 50 100-27521, www.simmoag.at

RHI is the world market leader in heat-resistant refractory products and services for industrial high temperature processes (above 1,200 °C). With roughly 8,000 employees, over 32 production facilities and more than 70 sales offices, RHI serves more than 10,000 customers from the steel, cement, nonferrous metals, glass, energy and chemical industries in nearly all countries of the world. RHI produces more than 1.5 million tons p.a. of refractory bricks, mixes, mortars and functional products.

CEO: Franz Strunzl Management Board: Franz Buxbaum (COO), Barbara Potisk-Eibensteiner (CFO), Thomas Jakowiak (CSO Division Industrial) Reinhold Steiner (CSO Division Steel) Supervisory Board: Herbert Cordt, Helmut Draxler, Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer, Hubert Gorbach, Gerd Peskes, Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn Wittgenstein-Berleburg, David Schlaff et al.

RHI AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000676903 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 39,819,039 Volatility (3 months): 35.539 Last dividend: 0.75 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 11/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 706.99 mln euros P/E ratio: 45.038

S Immo AG was the first Austrian real estate company to be listed on the Vienna Stock ­Exchange in 1987. Today, the company buys and sells commercial and residential properties and develops, renovates and rents properties. Furthermore, it operates hotels and shopping centres. The assets of S Immo AG are located in the established markets of Austria and ­Germany and in the growth markets of six countries in Central and South-East Europe.

Erste Group and Vienna Insurance Group each hold over 10 percent of S IMMO AG and play a key role as strategic core shareholders. Institutional investors own 47 percent and private ­investors 33 percent of S Immo shares.

CEO: Ernst Vejdovszky Management Board: Friedrich Wachernig Supervisory Board: Martin Simhandl, Ralf Zeitlberger, Franz Kerber, Andrea Besenhofer, ­Christian Hager, Erwin Hammerbacher, Michael Matlin, Wilhelm Rasinger

S Immo AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000652250 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 66,917,179 Volatility (3 months): 19.045 Last dividend: 0.30 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 8/6/2016 Market capitalisation: 558.09 mln euros P/E ratio: 7.009

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

Schoeller-Bleckmann

Stadlauer Malzfabrik

2630 Ternitz, Hauptstraße 2, Tel.: 43 (0) 2630 315-0, www.sbo.at

1220 Wien, Smolagasse 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 28808-0, www.malzfabrik-ag.at

Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment (SBO) is the global market leader for high-precision components for the oil service industry. The business focus is on non-magnetic drillstring ­components for directional drilling. Additionally, the group manufactures drilling motors and drilling tools and offers its customers full-scale repair and maintenance services. SBO’s operative companies are present in all major centres of the oil drilling industry and are independently operating local units. SBO is the only company worldwide that operates both in the development of high-strength non-magnetic steels for the oilfield industry and in the field for metal­ lurgic processing and production.

CEO: Gerald Grohmann Management Board: Klaus Mader (CFO) Supervisory Board: Norbert Zimmermann, Helmut Langanger, Peter Pichler, Karl Samstag, Karl Schleinzer, Brigitte Ederer

Stadlauer Malzfabrik AG acts as a holding company and provides the STAMAG Stadlauer ­Malzfabrik GesmbH with essential operating assets in Vienna. In turn, STAMAG is known as a traditional producer of excellent malts and all common special malts, and is part of the German IREKS Group. Almost all well-known Austrian breweries plus business partners in Europe and overseas are among the long-established STAMAG customers. Being Austria’s largest trading malthouse, Stadlauer Malzfabrik processes about 160,000 tonnes of crop per year.

Management Board: Lutz Hager, Stefan Soiné Supervisory Board: Hans Albert Ruckdeschel, Jürgen Brinkmann, Robert Prause, Hartwig Uebersberger

Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000946652 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 16,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 39.663 Last dividend: 0.50 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 9/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 861.92 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Stadlauer Malzfabrik AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000797303 Segment: Standard Market Auction Type of share: Common Number of shares: 560,000 Volatility (3 months): 32.309 Last dividend: 0.80 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 22/7/2015 Market capitalisation: 49.84 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Semperit

Strabag

1031 Wien, Modecenterstraße 22 / B1, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 79 777-0, www.semperitgroup.com

1220 Wien, Donau-City-Straße 9, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 224 22-0, www.strabag.com

Semperit develops, produces, and sells highly specialised rubber and plastic products: examination and surgical gloves, hydraulic and industrial hoses, conveyor belts, escalator handrails, construction profiles, cable car rings, and products for railway superstructures. The Semperit Group employs more than 7,000 people worldwide, including around 4,100 in Asia and more than 800 in Austria. The group has 22 manufacturing facilities worldwide and numerous sales offices. In 2015, the Group generated a turnover of 915 million euros and an EBITDA of 96 million euros.

STRABAG is a European-based technology group for construction services – from design to planning, from construction to property and facility services, from operation all the way to ­demolition. Starting from its core markets Austria and Germany, the company operates ­numerous subsidiaries in many European countries and increasingly also on other continents.

Strabag covers the entire range of services (structural and civil engineering, traffic route ­engineering, special underground construction and tunnelling) as well as the construction value chain.

CEO: Thomas Fahnemann Management Board: Johannes Schmidt-Schultes, Michele Melchiorre, Richard Ehrenfeldner, Declan Daly Supervisory Board: Veit Sorger, Felix Strohbichler, Stefan Fida, Walter Koppensteiner, Patrick F. Prügger, Andreas Schmidradner, Astrid Skala-Kuhmann, Karl Voitl et. al.

CEO: Thomas Birtel Management Board: Christian Harder, Peter Krammer, Hannes Truntschnig, Siegfried Wanker Supervisory Board: Alfred Gusenbauer, Erwin Hameseder, Kerstin Gelbmann, Gulzhan ­Moldazhanova, Hannes Bogner, William R. Spiegelberger, Wolfgang Kreis et. al.

Semperit AG Holding Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000946652 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 20,573,434 Volatility (3 months): 27.898 Last dividend: 1.20 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 3/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 608.15 mln euros P/E ratio: 13.761

Strabag SE Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT000000STR1 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 113,999,997 Volatility (3 months): 20.196 Last dividend: 0.65 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 17/6/2016 Market capitalisation: 3,135.00 mln euros P/E ratio: 15.510

World Champion Austria

124_125

Companies introduce themselves

The BUWOG Group: Happy Living!

BUWOG Group is the leading German-Austrian full-service provider in the residential property business and now looks back on 65 years of expertise. Its high-quality property portfolio encompasses approximately 51,300 units and is distributed evenly throughout Austria and Germany. In addition to asset management (sustainable leasing and portfolio management), the entire value chain of the residential sector is covered by the sales (profitable sale of individual flats as well as properties and portfolios) and development ­(planning and construction of new buildings in Vienna and Berlin) segments. The shares of ­BUWOG AG have been listed on the Frankfurt, Vienna and Warsaw stock exchanges since the end of April 2014.

BUWOG has started its third year as an inde­ pendent company listed on the stock exchange successfully and with an important milestone: The company bought a very attractive plot of land in Hamburg where the construction of more than 1,000 apartments is planned. Alongside ­Vienna and Berlin, Hamburg is becoming the third long-term location for the area of property development, which distinguishes BUWOG from its competitors. Currently, a total of 2.5 billion euros have been invested into property development.

All three cities will see the construction of both owner-occupied apartments and rented apartments.

BUWOG has been carrying out its own development projects since its establishment in 1951. As a partner in the Austrian

Credit: BUWOG/Stephan Huger

The real estate corporation continues its path of success.

­ lima:aktiv pakt 2020, BUWOG Group is a pioneer in sustainable k and energy-efficient construction and refurbishment. With award-winning projects such as Oase22, Am Mühlgrund and the Kierling passive house, BUWOG as a developer has given great impulses in terms of climate and environment protection.

By continuously expanding its development activities, BUWOG is already ranked second in Berlin when it comes to residential property development, according to the property development study Bulwiengesa from April 2016. That is remarkable, as BUWOG only entered the Berlin property market in 2012.

In Vienna, the company is the most active developer when it comes to privately financed owner-occupied and provision apartments.

The BUWOG Group employs more than 700 staff in Austria and Germany, and has its headquarters in Vienna. www.buwog.com

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

Telekom Austria

UNIQA

1020 Vienna, Lassallestraße 9, Tel.: 43 (0) 50 664-0, www.telekomaustria.com

1029 Wien, Untere Donaustraße 21, Tel.: 43 (0) 506 77-670, www.uniqagroup.com

Telekom Austria AG is the leading communications provider in Central and Eastern Europe with about 23 million customers in eight countries: Austria (A1), Slovenia (Si.mobil), Croatia (Vipnet), the Republic of Serbia (Vip mobile) and the Republic of Macedonia (Vip operator), ­Bulgaria ­(Mobiltel), Belarus (velcom) and Liechtenstein (Telekom Liechtenstein). The group ­employs more than 16,000 staff as of April 22, 2015, and generated a turnover of about 4 billion euros in 2014. Telekom Austria Group’s portfolio encompasses products and services of voice telephony, broadband Internet, multimedia services, data and IT solutions, wholesale as well as payment solutions.

CEO: Alejandro Plater Management Board: Siegfried Mayrhofer Supervisory Board: Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer, Carlos García Moreno Elizondo, Alejandro Cantú Jiménez, Karin Exner-Wöhrer, Peter Hagen, Carlos M. Jarque, Reinhard Kraxner, Silvia Baueret et al.

The Uniqa Insurance Group is one of the leading insurance groups in its core markets of ­Austria and Central and Eastern Europe. The company and its 40 subsidiaries serve more than 10 million customers in 19 countries. In Austria, the company has a market share of 22 percent, making it the country’s second largest insurer. The group operates in the CEE growth region in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Hungary.

CEO: Andreas Brandstetter Management Board: Eric Leyers (COO), Kurt Svoboda (CFRO) Supervisory Board: Walter Rothensteiner, Christian Kuhn, Erwin Hameseder, Eduard Lechner, Markus Andréewitch, Ernst Burger, Jutta Kath et al.

Telekom Austria AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000720008 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 664,500,000 Volatility (3 months): 19.397 Last dividend: 0.05 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 1/6/2016 Market capitalisation: 3,591.62 mln euros P/E ratio: 9.169

UNIQA Insurance Group AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000821103 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 309,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 28.197 Last dividend: 0.47 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 9/6/2016 Market capitalisation: 1,706.61 mln euros P/E ratio: 7.033

UBM

Unternehmens Invest

1210 Wien, Floridsdorfer Hauptstraße 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 50 626-0, www.ubm.at

4600 Wels, Edisonstraße 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 405 97 71-0, www.uiag.at

Listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1873 – back then being the second largest brick producer in the Austrian monarchy by the name of “Union-Baumaterialien-Gesellschaft” – UBM is today an internationally active specialist in all areas of real estate development and management. The company develops, builds and operates business realties in the office, hotel, trade, production, logistics and healthcare buildings sectors. The range of services includes the ­classic new building development, urban and building land development of large spaces, and the conversion and revitalisation of existing realties.

UIAG is a holding company listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange, specialising in the development of medium-sized industrial companies in Austria. The company provides growth financing and know-how as a long-term independent investor. UIAG is an active investor with long-term investment strategy and is interested in national and international medium-size ­enterprises. As an owner, the company assumes entrepreneurial responsibility and invests in the long-term success of its subsidiaries. The current portfolio includes Pongratz Trailer Group, LCS Holding GmbH and Pankl Racing Systems, among others.

CEO, CFO: Thomas G. Winkler Management Board: Martin Löcker, Michael Wurzinger, Claus Stadler Supervisory Board: Karl-Heinz Strauss, Iris Ortner, Christian Maier, Klaus Ortner, Ludwig Steinbauer, Paul Unterluggauer, Bernhard Vanas, Susanne Weiss

CEO: Rudolf Künz Management Board: Paul Neumann Supervisory Board: Norbert Nagele, Manfred de Bock, Günther Apfalter, Otto Urbanek et al.

UBM Development AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000815402 Segment: Standard Market Continuous Type of share: Common Number of shares: 7,472,180 Volatility (3 months): 33.466 Last dividend: 1.60 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 22/5/2015 Market capitalisation: 218.90 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Unternehmens Invest AG Business Year: 1/10 – 30/9 ISIN: AT0000816301 Segment: Mid Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 4,250,000 Volatility (3 months): 64.180 Last dividend: 0.70 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 30/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 92.65 mln euros P/E ratio: –

World Champion Austria

126_127

Companies introduce themselves

World-class Security from Austria The Austrian State Printing House is known throughout the world for its high security documents. No matter whether you need passports or ­digital identity management – when it comes to secure identities, the Austrian State Printing House is your port of call with good reason.

Customers from more than 60 countries trust the Austrian State Printing House (Österreichische Staatsdruckerei – OeSD) when it comes to secure identities. The company was established more than 200 years ago and has become an internationally leading supplier in identity management solutions. The State Printing House develops and produces high security identity documents such as the passport with a chip and biometric security features. “We have set an international standard with the high security passport made in Austria. In turbulent times like these it is particularly important that official documents are secure,” explains Chief Financial Officer Helmut Lackner. The publically traded company also offers other high security solutions that both countries and citizens can rely on – for example data collection, registers and personalisation infrastructure.

An in-house research and quality centre ensures that the State Printing House keeps its international lead in documents and identity management solutions. The company has been working on secure digital identities for years to make identities also in the digital world secure. A much-noticed innovation, which even received an award at the computer expo Cebit 2016, is the world’s Facts & Figures 2015/16 Turnover Export share

40.516 mln euros 18 %

Staff 140 Audit “business and family” certified (since 2009) Environmental management system ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 14298, ISO 9001 Österreichische Staatsdruckerei Holding AG Tenschertstraße 7, 1239 Vienna www.staatsdruckerei.at

first digital identity system MIA (My Identity App). This digital identity management system integrates all identity documents into an app.

Thanks to MIA, people no longer need to carry physical documents on them. The app’s special feature is the fact that personal data is not stored on the smartphone but is accessible through a central register.

When you open MIA, the app links up with the device it needs to exchange data with. “MIA is a quantum leap in terms of security. The feedback we received from experts and customers is hugely positive – everybody is aware of the fact that digitisation will pose a new challenge to the secure identity management of countries, institutions and companies,” adds Lukas Praml, Managing Director at the State Printing House. The internationally successful high security company also has close ties to excellent partners. The State Printing House is working with companies such as Google in the global FIDO Alliance (Fast Identity Online) on alternatives to insecure passwords for quick and secure online authentication.

The State Printing House has excellent know-how in dealing with sensitive data and processes in both the analogue and the digital world. It comes therefore hardly as a surprise that its products and complete solutions for secure identity management result in international success stories. If it says Austrian State Printing House on the box you will find high security identities inside.

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

Valneva

VIG

1030 Wien, Intercell Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Tel.: 43 (0) 1 206 20-0, www.valneva.com

1010 Wien, Schottenring 30, Tel.: 43 (0) 50 390-22000, www.vig.at

Valneva is a European biotech company focusing on vaccines and antibodies, striving to ­become a leader in its field. It was created in 2013 through the merger between Intercell AG and Vivalis SA, combining two value propositions – antibody discovery and vaccines development and commercialisation. The company has a broad portfolio of product candidates and tech­nology platforms that are becoming a quality standard and market leader in the biopharmaceutical ­industry.

The Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) is the leading insurance company in Austria and one of the leading insurance groups in Central and Eastern Europe. Today, the group is represented in 25 countries by 50 companies with around 23,000 staff. In Austria, the Vienna Insurance Group is represented by the Wiener Städtische Versicherung, Donau Versicherung and Sparkassen Versicherung. About 70 percent of VIG shares are owned by the Wiener Städtische ­Versicherungsverein, the remaining shares are in free float.

CEO: Thomas Lingelbach Management Board: Franck Grimaud, Reinhard Kandera (CFO) Supervisory Board: Frédéric Grimaud, Alexander von Gabain, Michel Gréco, Alain Munoz, James Sulat, Hans Wigzell, Anne-Marie Graffin

CEO: Elisabeth Stadler Management Board: Franz Fuchs, Roland Gröll, Judit Havasi, Peter Höfinger, Martin Simhandl (CFO) Supervisory Board: Günther Geyer, Karl Skyba, Bernhard Backovsky, Martina Dobringer, Rudolf Ertl, Maria Kubitschek, Reinhard Ortner et al.

Valneva SE ST Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: FR0004056851 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 74,689,099 Volatility (3 months): 51.026 Last dividend: – Ex-dividend date: – Market capitalisation: 180.47 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Vienna Insurance Group AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000908504 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 128,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 48.143 Last dividend: 0.60 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 18/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 2,190.72 mln euros P/E ratio: 38.318

Verbund

voestalpine

1010 Vienna, Am Hof 6a, Tel.: 43 (0) 503 13-0, www.verbund.at

4020 Linz, voestalpine-Straße 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 503 04 15-0, www.voestalpine.com

Verbund is Austria’s leading electricity company and one of the largest producers of electricity from hydropower in Europe. The company is able to cover 40 percent of the electric supply in Austria. Verbund is active in all stages of value creation relating to electrical energy – from ­generation and transmission to trade and distribution. The main markets are Austria and ­Germany. The company is listed on the stock exchange since 1988; the Republic of Austria owns 51 percent of shares.

The Voestalpine corporation develops, manufactures and processes high-grade steel products all around the world with about 500 companies and business locations in more than 50 countries across all five continents. It is one of the leading European partners of the automotive, ­energy, household appliances and consumer goods industries with its high-quality flat steel.

Voestalpine also is the world market leader in railway switches, tool steel and special profiles.

CEO: Wolfgang Anzengruber Management Board: Johann Sereinig, Günther Rabensteiner, Peter F. Kollmann Supervisory Board: Gilbert Frizberg, Michael Süß, Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, Harald Kaszanits, Martin Krajcsir, Peter Layr, Werner Muhm, Susanne Riess, Jürgen Roth et al.

CEO: Wolfgang Eder Management Board: Herbert Eibensteiner, Franz Kainersdorfer, Robert Ottel, Franz Rotter, Peter Schwab Supervisory Board: Joachim Lemppenau, Heinrich Schaller, Franz Gasselsberger, Hans-Peter Hagen, Helga Nowotny, Michael Schwarzkopf et al.

Verbund AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000746409 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 170,233,686 Volatility (3 months): 28.539 Last dividend: 0.35 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 20/4/2016 Market capitalisation: 2,104.09 mln euros P/E ratio: 19.767

voestalpine AG Business Year: 1/4 – 31/3 ISIN: AT0000937503 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 174,949,163 Volatility (3 months): 39.863 Last dividend: 1.00 euro per share Ex-dividend date: 6/7/2015 Market capitalisation: 5,282.59 mln euros P/E ratio: 8.887

World Champion Austria

128_129

Companies introduce themselves

Wienerberger – A track record to build on

Credit: Wienerberger AG/Norbert Prommer

Record revenues In 2015, Wienerberger generated revenues of ­almost e 3 billion, the highest ever in the history of the company, and increased its operating EBITDA to a total of e 370 million. With a profit after tax of approximately e 70 million, Wienerberger reached its goal of returning to the profit zone. This extremely satisfactory development is the result of a clear strategy and its consistent implementation.

Facts & Figures 2015 Employees:

15,813

Revenues in EUR million:

2,972.4

Operating EBITDA in EUR million: Equity in EUR million: 1)

Equity including non-controlling interests and hybrid capital

For further information, please visit www.wienerberger.com

369.7 2,054.2 1)

“We will continue our growth course and stay focused on our three strategic pillars – diversifi­ cation, innovation and optimization.”

Credit: Wienerberger AG/Kurt Keinrath

Wienerberger AG is an international supplier of building material and infrastructure solutions headquartered in Vienna. Wienerberger produces clay blocks, facing bricks and clay roof tiles, plastic and ceramic pipe systems as well as concrete and clay pavers. ­Currently, the Group operates 202 production sites in 30 countries and employs almost 16,000 people. Thus, Wienerberger is the world’s largest producer of bricks and one of the leading suppliers of pipe systems and pavers in Europe.

Wienerberger AG is the only 100% free-float company listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Most recently, Wienerberger received the Vienna Stock Exchange Award in the “ATX” category in recognition of the company’s active com­mitment to the financial market.

DR. HEIMO SCHEUCH CEO of Wienerberger AG

Strategic focus on diversification, innovation and optimization Wienerberger has evolved through a process of diversification from a pure brick producer into one of the world’s leading suppliers of building materials. Thereby the group keeps up with the changing requirements to be met in the building material industry.

The expansion of the Group’s pipe activities and its roof tile business were important steps forward in the renovation and infrastructure sectors, which – together with the brick business – provide the basis for strong organic growth. The focus on innovation is another important pillar of success: The offer for ­Wienerberger’s clients is being continuously improved through innovative products and services. At the same time, Wienerberger is making every effort to optimize its processes. This involves consistent improvements in the efficiency of production systems as well as sales and administrative structures. This strategic focus prepares the ground for further substantial growth of the company.

World Champion Austria

The top Stocks on the Vienna Stock Exchange in 2016

Warimpex

Wolford

1210 Wien, Floridsdorfer Hauptstraße 1, Tel.: 43 (0)1 310 55 00, www.warimpex.com

6900 Bregenz, Wolfordstraße 1, Tel.: 43 (0) 55 74 690-0, www.wolford.com

Warimpex is a “hybrid” real estate company that develops and operates properties itself as an asset manager and property owner until the time at which the highest added value can be ­realised through sale. The company is specialised in the development and operation of hotel properties in Central and Eastern Europe, and furthermore develops office buildings and other real estate. The majority of these real estates are hotels and office buildings in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, which are run by the Warimpex group itself. The company also acts as a developer in all phases of development.

The company deals in the product segments legwear, ready-to-wear, lingerie, swimwear and accessories. Wolford operates 16 subsidiaries and markets its products in roughly 60 countries through 270 monobrand stores (own and partner-operated), approximately 3,000 trading ­partners and online. The company, which has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1995, generated a turnover of 157.35 million euros in the 2014/15 financial year and has about 1,570 employees. Since its founding in 1950, Wolford has become a leading global manufacturer’s brand in the segment of luxury legwear, exclusive lingerie and high quality bodywear.

CEO: Franz Jurkowitsch Management Board: Georg Folian, Alexander Jurkowitsch, Florian Petrowsky Supervisory Board: Günter Korp, Thomas Aistleitner, William Henry Marie de Gelsey, Hannes Palfinger et al.

CEO: Ashish Sensarma COO/CFO: Axel Dreher Supervisory Board: Antonella Mei-Pochtler, Claudia Beerman, Lothar Reiff, Birgit G. Wilhelm, Anton Mathis, Peter Glanzer

Warimpex Finanz- und Beteiligungs AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000827209 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 54,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 24.396 Last dividend: 0.25 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 3/6/2008 Market capitalisation: 31.27 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Wolford AG Business Year: 1/5 – 30/4 ISIN: AT0000834007 Segment: Prime Market Type of share: Common Number of shares: 5,000,000 Volatility (3 months): 15.979 Last dividend: 0.20 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 22/9/2015 Market capitalisation: 128.35 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Wienerberger

Zumtobel

1100 Vienna, Wienerbergstraße 11, Tel.: 43 (0) 601 92-0, www.wienerberger.com

6850 Dornbirn, Höchster Straße 8, Tel.: 43 (0) 55 72 509-0, www.zumtobelgroup.com

Founded in 1819 and traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1869, Wienerberger can look back at a venerable history. Today, the company is the world’s biggest producer in bricks with 202 production sites in 30 countries, and the European market leader in clay roofing tiles.

The complete takeover of plastics pipe producer Pipelife in 2012 and of leading clay roofing tile producer Tondach Gleinstätten in 2014 have been only two strategic milestones on the path from being a brick producer to an international building materials corporation. Wienerberger is a true public company without any core shareholders – all its shares are in free float.

The Zumtobel Group is a leading global player offering innovative, high-quality lighting solutions and lighting components. Apart from the smaller brands acdc and Reiss, the company is divided into three brands: Thorn is a leading premium-quality supplier of professional indoor and outdoor lighting. Tridonic provides solutions to make lighting smart, connected and efficient, offering a holistic architecture of hardware and software. The premium brand Zumtobel offers a comprehensive range of high-quality, unique luminaires and lighting control systems across the full range of applications in professional indoor lighting.

CEO: Heimo Scheuch Management Board: Willy van Riet Supervisory Board: Regina Prehofer, Harald Nograsek, Peter Johnson, Franz Josef Haselberger, Christian Jourquin, Myriam Meyer, Caroline Grégoire Sainte Marie, Wilhelm Rasinger

CEO: Ulrich Schumacher Management Board: Karin Sonnenmoser Supervisory Board: Jürg Zumtobel, Stephan Hutter, Johannes Burtscher, Rüdiger Kapitza, Hans-Peter Metzler, Fritz Zumtobel, Richard Apnar, Dietmar Dünser, Kai Arbinger

Wienerberger AG Business Year: 1/1 – 31/12 ISIN: AT0000831706 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 117,526,764 Volatility (3 months): 28.467 Last dividend: 0.20 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 17/5/2016 Market capitalisation: 1,791.70 mln euros P/E ratio: –

Zumtobel AG Business Year: 1/5 – 30/4 ISIN: AT0000837307 Segment: ATX Type of share: Common Number of shares: 43,500,000 Volatility (3 months): 75.827 Last dividend: 0.22 euros per share Ex-dividend date: 28/7/2015 Market capitalisation: 490.03 mln euros P/E ratio: –

World Champion Austria

130_131

Living in Vienna

The City of Vienna supports private tenants and provides subsidies for residential areas.

The Tenant’s Support and its experts will check your tenancy contract for free.

Credit: Wohnservice Wien

The range of services covers everything from individual checks with the Online Rent Calculator, which can easily be used from home, to competent support from the City of Vienna’s Tenant Support (Mieterhilfe) and the assertion of tenancy rights at the Viennese Arbitration Board.

The Vienna Rent Calculator, a practical free tool, can calculate the amount of the legal guideline rent before signing a tenancy ­contract or can check rents retrospectively. You will only need to fill in your address, size of the apartment and information on its ­furnishing (such as balconies, terraces, cellar compartments, e ­levators etc.).

All information is available at www.mietenrechner.wien.at The free service tool is also available as a new app for iOS and Android and can be used on the go with your smartphone or tablet – for example right after viewing an apartment.

More information is available at the City of Vienna’s Tenant Support at 01 /4 000 – 25 900 or www.mieterhilfe.at

The helpful Online Rent Calculator is also available as an app.

Stimulation of residential areas Affordable rents are not the only important factor for a high quality of life. Another essential issue to make people feel at home is a comprehensive local supply. The Vienna Business Agency of the City of Vienna currently supports companies with two specific subsidy tools in order to make residential areas more attractive: • There is a subsidy of up to 15,000 euros for the revitalisation of business premises. Viennese companies receive support if they move into premises that have been empty for at least a year and that are on ground level. This subsidy is available to businesses across all sectors that are looking for a new place.

• Completely new: More money for companies that stimulate urban development areas! The Vienna Business Agency supports local suppliers and craft businesses with up to 40,000 euros if they decide to set up their shop in an urban devel­ opment area. These areas have been defined in close cooperation with urban planning experts, such as the “Westgürtel”, “Liesing-Mitte” and “Erdberger Mais – Aspanggründe – St. Marx”.

All information on subsidies is available at www.viennabusinessagency.at

Credit: Beatrix Kovats, Wirtschaftsagentur Wien

Credit: Stefan Zamisch, Wohnservice Wien

Free Service Package

Businesses that set up in empty premises on the ground level receive subsidies from the City of Vienna.

THERE IS NO SURE BUSINESS

€ 27,50

Trade and Export Finance Your credibility is crucial to your global partners. With our Trade and Export Finance you are provided with a full range of high quality tools, products and services that will make your international transactions safe and secure. Our local experts and International Desk in almost every country in Central and Eastern Europe will support you in your daily requirements. Whatever your business is, we will adapt our Trade and Export Finance solutions to your individual needs. www.rbinternational.com Raiffeisen Raiffeisen Bank Bank International International – MEINE – YOUR BUSINESS-BANK. BUSINESS PARTNER.