Introduction
In total, more than 233 red biotechnology, pharma and medical devices companies aim at developing new products to ameliorate the burden of diseases or to ease as yet unmet medical needs. Aside from the key findings for the core sector, the report analyzes the whole value chain of life sciences, including suppliers, service providers, sales and distribution companies. In addition to this, for the first time data on Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions in the area of life sciences were collected. Austria is home to 55 scientific facilities in the field with more than 19,000 employees.
Life sciences, such as biotechnology, pharma and medical devices are strongly represented in Austria as an industry as well as in research and development. The life science sector is of high economic importance for the entire society and plays an essential role in a well-functioning healthcare system. In recent years, the strength of the growing life sciences has been reflected in the increasing interest shown by international business in entering partnerships with companies and research institutions in Austria. Austrian higher education institutions, non-university research institutions as well as enterprises are showing multiple outstanding achievements in basic and applied research. The ongoing “Year of Research” in Austria proves that innovation, creativity and qualification are the key for success in competitiveness and social development. This – meanwhile third – report shows the main figures for biotechnology, pharma and for medical devices in Austria. The life science sector, both in terms of academia and industry, is one of the fastest growing sectors in Austria.
Compared to the last report, two years ago, the Austrian life science industry has advanced significantly: the number of Austrian life science companies has risen to 823 (+13.8%) and the turnover increased to 19.11 billion euros (+7.8%). In particular, the number of dedicated biotech companies increased significantly by 22% within the last two years. The fruitful cooperation between science and economy continuously proves that Austria is a good location for both small and large companies interested in sharing its success, thus making Austria a leading destination for life sciences. And the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy is incessantly committed in improving and optimizing the strategic framework conditions for an upand-coming sector!
Dr. Reinhold Mitterlehner Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Science, Research and Economy
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16.09.2015 14:37:04 Uhr