70 years Austrian Institute for SME Research: Working Together for the Competitiveness of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

On November 21, KMU Forschung Austria celebrated its 70th anniversary. The event focused on the achievements and challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are an important part of the Austrian economy. The theme was: “Competitiveness of SMEs in the face of the great challenges of transformation”. The experts discussed how to strengthen innovation, sustainability and resilience. The key findings of the Draghi report on the competitiveness of the European Union were also highlighted. The different perspectives were further explored in a panel discussion.

Prof. Dr. Herbert Neubauer (Chairman of the Supervisory Board)

The Future of SMEs: Fields of Action for Successful Transformation

After Prof. Dr. Herbert Neubauer introduced the historical development of the Institute, Thomas Oberholzner, Director of KMU Forschung Austria, highlighted the importance of SMEs in a review of seven decades of successful research: Around 99% of all companies, two thirds of all jobs and around 60% of all value added are accounted for by this group of companies. Oberholzner emphasized that research must also focus on this topic in order to contribute to improving the framework conditions for SMEs. He outlined three key areas for action:

1. Transformation through digitalization and decarbonization: According to Oberholzner, these global challenges offer opportunities for SMEs. Decarbonization could stimulate growth and innovation at home, as the Draghi report shows. Examples include the development of new materials and sustainable value chains.
2. Skill shortages and demographic change: Oberholzner pointed out that SMEs are disproportionately affected by the skills shortage. The development of new skills, especially in digital technologies, is crucial. Labor markets need to be more responsive to the needs of SMEs.
3. International Networking and Innovation: KMU Forschung Austria is active in international projects to support European SMEs, for example in the promotion of innovation. It sees itself as a bridge builder between research, politics and business – in Austria and beyond.

Thomas Oberholzner (Head of the Austrian Institute for SME Research)

Success factors for the competitiveness of SMEs

The Swiss SME expert from the University of St. Gallen, Prof. Dr. Urs Fueglistaller, emphasized the customer proximity, flexibility and innovative strength of SMEs. These characteristics are crucial to meeting the challenges of globalization and digitalization. According to Fueglistaller, SMEs are often niche players that are internationally successful with specialized products. SMEs also promote social values and sustainability. Using Hartmut Rosa’s resonance theory, he described how SMEs create trust and loyalty through close relationships with customers and employees.

Prof. Dr. Urs Fueglistaller

The Draghi report as a guide

The key points of the Draghi report were also discussed. The report calls for increased support for innovation and a clear decarbonization strategy. Oberholzner and Fueglistaller agreed that Austria’s SMEs could benefit from these measures. In the panel discussion, Dr. Margit Noll from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) emphasized the need for international cooperation to strengthen Austria’s innovative power. Philipp Gaggl of PwC called for the consideration of ESG (environmental, social, governance) criteria in order to combine sustainability and competitiveness. Dr. Johannes Kopf, AMS Austria, emphasized continuing education initiatives to address the shortage of skilled workers. Prof. Dr. Reinhard Prügl of the Vienna University of Economics and Business highlighted the special challenges and opportunities for family businesses.

Mag. Peter Kaufmann (deputy head of the institute), Dr. Johannes Kopf, Dr. Margit Noll, Prof. Dr. Reinhard Prügl, Mag. Philipp Gaggl, Prof. Dr. Urs Fueglistaller (l.t.r.)

Looking to the future: research is key

The 70th anniversary celebrations have shown that SMEs face great challenges, but also have unique opportunities. With its research, KMU Forschung Austria will continue to contribute to unlocking the potential of SMEs and promoting their competitiveness. Thomas Oberholzner concluded with the conviction that SMEs can not only survive but also thrive in a changing world.

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