Clusters - Innovation through cooperation

Within the last years, Upper Austria has positioned itself as a competent region for clusters and networks. The policy for economic development and technology is cluster and network oriented and is consequently realized – as a strategy for companies to sustain innovation and competition. This idea will be continued systematically in the future on base of the strategic program “Innovative Upper Austria 2010”.

Since 1998, clusters were gradually developed in important economic branches in Upper Austria: automotive, plastics, eco-energy, furniture & timber construction, food, health technology, and mechatronics. In addition, inter-branch networks have been set-up in the fields of human resources, design & media, logistics and environmental technology. Small & medium sized enterprises are particularly supported in our policy.

Five clusters and three networks are part of Clusterland Upper Austria:

- Automotive Cluster
- Plastics Cluster
- Furniture & Timber Construction Cluster
- Health Technology Cluster
- Mechatronics Cluster
- Network Design & Media
- Network Human Resources
- Network Resource- and Energy Efficiency 

Networks - Innovation through competence

Many areas influence a company’s competitiveness and competence but are not necessarily specific for this industry. Experiences from one branch can often be used in another sector as well. Therefore, inter-branch networks have been developed in Upper Austria in the areas of human resources, design & media, and environmental technology. Non-technological innovations are the focus of activities. All Upper Austrian companies are invited to participate in, profit from and raise their operational efficiency through these theme networks. Above all, special attention will be paid to the needs of SMEs.