Economic crises have very different effects on different regions. While some regions experience sharp declines, others demonstrate greater resilience and recover more quickly.
Providing affordable housing is one of the key economic and social challenges facing growing cities.
In a recent study commissioned by RTR, EcoAustria analyzes the future of telecommunications and digital regulation against the backdrop of profound technological and structural changes in the ICT sector.
In a recent study commissioned by RTR, EcoAustria analyzes the future of telecommunications and digital regulation against the backdrop of profound technological and structural changes in the ICT sector.
Europe’s competitiveness is under pressure. The productivity gap with the US has steadily widened in recent decades, particularly in the technology sector, where the productivity of US companies has risen massively, while it has largely stagnated in Europe.
Study by EcoAustria and WIFO estimates the regional economic effects of investments.
As part of the energy market reform, the federal government is planning to introduce an “energy crisis mechanism” that could guarantee households a maximum electricity price of ten cents per kilowatt hour in future. At the same time, the government bill to amend the Price Act includes the possibility of a nationwide determination of fixed prices for end customers.
Austria’s foreign trade is a key driver of economic growth. However, this engine is increasingly stuttering. The reasons for this – in addition to domestic factors – are growing geopolitical uncertainties and crises, the weakening German export economy and China’s technological catch-up process.
The current EcoAustria Competitiveness Index (ECI) shows no real trend reversal in the first half of 2025 either: Austria continues to lose competitiveness in a European comparison.
A recent EcoAustria study commissioned by NEOS Lab highlights the central importance of energy policy for Upper Austria as a business location.
On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism (BMWET), EcoAustria has investigated how Austria’s underdeveloped venture capital market can be strengthened.
On behalf of the Federal Chancellery, EcoAustria looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) is already changing economic processes in Austria, which sectors are particularly affected and which political measures are necessary to make the best possible use of the resulting potential.
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 will not only be a major cultural event for Austria, but also an important economic factor. This is shown by a recent EcoAustria study commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism.
The double budget provides for savings of 6.4 and 8.7 billion euros respectively. Despite these measures, the budget deficit remains high at 4.5 and 4.2 percent of GDP. Without consolidation, it would even be 5.8 percent. However, the slight improvement in the Maastricht balance next year is not due to the federal government, but to social security and the provinces and municipalities
Since the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022, Ukraine’s economic output has plummeted. According to international estimates, real GDP had fallen to around 77% of its pre-war level by the end of 2024. In addition, large parts of the infrastructure, industrial facilities and residential buildings were destroyed. The current reconstruction requirement … Continued
E-commerce makes a significant contribution to Austria’s economic performance – this is confirmed by a recent study conducted by the economic research institute EcoAustria on behalf of Amazon.
The 2025/26 double budget provides for savings measures of EUR 6.4 billion and EUR 8.7 billion in the two years. Despite these consolidation measures, the budget deficit remains at 4.5 and 4.2 percent of GDP respectively, compared to 4.7 percent in 2024. Without this consolidation, the deficit this year would even amount to 5.8 percent. … Continued
Caring for parents is increasingly becoming a labor market stress test for many working people in Austria. A recent EcoAustria study commissioned by ERSTE Foundation concludes that the need for family care is a measurable trigger for part-time employment, early retirement, the use of partial retirement and withdrawal from working life.
EcoAustria’s ECI Competition Index shows a downward trend in the fourth quarter of 2024
The gradual increase in the statutory retirement age for women in Austria is beginning to have an effect: A recent EcoAustria brief analysis concludes that the reform has led to a significant increase in employment among 60-year-old women.
Sustainable security requires an increase in the statutory retirement age
Study commissioned by Redcare Pharmacy / Shop Apotheke
Adaptation measures secure jobs, strengthen the economy and significantly reduce climate damage.
On February 17, 2025, EcoAustria, the Department of Economics at WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) and Uniwersytet Warszawski / University of Warsaw invite you to a joint panel discussion on the topic of “European Competitiveness”.
This support confirms both the scientific excellence and the social relevance of the Institute’s research work and consolidates its position as a key player in economic policy issues.
In a recent study commissioned by the NEOS Lab, EcoAustria examined the expansion of childcare in Styria in terms of costs and benefits for the province and its regional economic performance. Two different scenarios were analyzed in this context.
A new study conducted by EcoAustria together with Deloitte Austria emphasizes the urgent need for tax reforms in order to strengthen Austria as a business location and drive economic recovery.
In a recent study commissioned by the NEOS Lab, EcoAustria examined the expansion of childcare in Styria in terms of costs and benefits for the province and its regional economic performance. Two different scenarios were analyzed in this context.
On behalf of Junge Industrie, EcoAustria has analyzed the structural challenges of the Austrian pension system in a new study and developed reform proposals to ensure its long-term stability.
In a recent study commissioned by Young Economy, EcoAustria shows that new forms of work have the potential to trigger economic effects and important impulses for the domestic economy in the coming years.
Due to the dwindling share of fossil fuels in energy consumption, up to 7.7 percent of tax revenue could be lost in future.
In recent years and decades, the working-age population in Austria and thus the supply of labor has grown continuously and significantly. In recent years, however, it has become clear that the demand for labor and skilled workers is one of the main challenges facing Austria’s companies and the country as a business location.
In a recent study commissioned by Young Economy, EcoAustria shows that new forms of work have the potential to trigger economic effects and important impulses for the domestic economy in the coming years.
In a recent study commissioned by the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce, EcoAustria shows that net contributor households in Austria work exclusively for the state every year until June 28 and only then for their own pockets. Unlike previous studies, this new study reveals the full dimension of state redistribution for the first time.Specifically, Austria has … Continued
In a recent study commissioned by the Austrian Raiffeisen Association, EcoAustria shows that regional value creation strengthens the resilience and innovative power of the domestic economy.
Stronger joint action by European member states needed to increase efficiency in the generation and distribution of energy.
This study examines the extent to which an extension of normal working hours by 2.5 hours per week or to a maximum of 41 hours per week can contribute to a strengthening of labor supply and economic output.
On behalf of Neos Lab, EcoAustria analyzed the expansion of childcare in Upper Austria in terms of costs and benefits for the province and its regional economic performance. Specifically, three different scenarios were simulated.
Austria’s economic situation deteriorated significantly in 2023. Specifically, real GDP shrank by 0.7 percent.
At a time when climate protection and the limitation of climate change are more than ever at the center of national and international efforts, a new study by the economic research institute EcoAustria, conducted on behalf of oecolution austria, provides crucial insights into the debate on the economic strategy for achieving climate targets.
At a time when climate protection and the limitation of climate change are more than ever at the center of national and international efforts, a new study by the economic research institute EcoAustria, conducted on behalf of oecolution austria, provides crucial insights into the debate on the economic strategy for achieving climate targets.
EcoAustria has analyzed and evaluated the economic impact of a reduction in working hours for Austria.
At a time when climate protection and the limitation of climate change are more than ever at the center of national and international efforts, a new study by the economic research institute EcoAustria, conducted on behalf of oecolution austria, provides crucial insights into the debate on the economic strategy for achieving climate targets.
The “Economics of AI Conference”, organized by the economic research institute EcoAustria and the think tank AI Austria, brought together leading experts from business and research last Friday to discuss the economic effects of artificial intelligence.
In a recent study, the economic research institute EcoAustria calculated the additional financial costs and staffing requirements of expanding institutional childcare in Austria.
Monika Köppl-Turyna, Director of the economic research institute EcoAustria, was awarded the Grete Rehor Prize in the “Economy” category yesterday at the “Austrian Women’s Prize” awards ceremony.
Statement by Priv.-Doz. Dr. Monika Köppl-Turyna at the budget hearing in the National Council: “The acute economic crisis in connection with the corona pandemic is not yet completely behind us, but Austria is back on a stable growth path …
This study, commissioned by the Federation of Austrian Industries Upper Austria, shows that Upper Austria is more affected by these developments than other federal states due to its energy intensity.
Every year, the EPCS awards the Wicksell Prize in honor of the Swedish economist Johan Gustaf Knut Wicksell, to the best paper presented at the annual meeting by a young scholar.
EcoAustria study commissioned by Samsung forecasts growth opportunities for the domestic economy.
The availability of high-quality, locally accessible, flexible childcare is an important framework condition for reconciling work and family life.
Digital technologies represent a fundamental and multipurpose technology for the economy, for society and for the administration and organization of the public community. This economic analysis focuses on the economic significance of digitalization. The focus is on the use of digital technologies and their impact channels and effects.
The recently published report by the economic research institute EcoAustria highlights the most important economic developments in Austria over the past year. The biggest challenges in 2022 included rising energy prices, high inflation and long-term problems such as demographic change, climate change and the shortage of skilled workers.
In February 2023, the EU Commission presented the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age. This initiative aims to support the transition to a more sustainable and climate-friendly production of industrially manufactured goods in Europe. However, a sustainable economy requires more than just a change in production.
In February 2023, the EU Commission presented the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age. This initiative aims to support the transition to a more sustainable and climate-friendly production of industrially manufactured goods in Europe. However, a sustainable economy requires more than just a change in production.
Eco Austria Competitiveness Index in the fourth quarter of 2022: Update of the ECI In a new brief analysis, EcoAustria has examined the development of Austria’s competitiveness compared to other EU countries. The current results of the EcoAustria Competitiveness Index (ECI) currently show a downward trend in domestic competitiveness. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the value of the index deteriorated further from 104.8 to 104.3, putting Austria in 14th place out of a total of 30 economic areas analyzed.
According to Statistics Austria’s national tourism satellite account, tourism contributed around 29.4 billion euros to Austria’s value added in 2018 and 2019. Specifically, the contribution amounted to 7.5% of total value added. Between 2007 and 2019, revenue in the summer season accounted for an average of just 74% of revenue in the winter season, which underlines the importance of the winter season for Austrian tourism in particular.
Together with the Rudolf Sallinger Fund, we are now awarding prizes for scientific work on family businesses at various stages of development.
The current period of fiscal equalization expires at the end of this year and its future structure is currently being discussed between the federal government, provinces and municipalities. In this context, EcoAustria has dealt with fundamental considerations for strengthening fiscal decentralization in Austria and submitted proposals for a more efficient and resilient design of the fiscal equalization system.
The Competitiveness Index (ECI) is used by EcoAustria’s economic research institute to measure a country’s competitiveness. This takes into account the exports, investments and labor productivity of individual countries and places them in an international comparison. A current calculation, which already includes data from the third quarter of 2022, shows a deterioration in Austria’s index value from 104.6 in the second quarter to 103 in the third quarter of 2022.
In order to counteract the effects of climate change and global warming, a wide variety of measures are being taken to reduce CO2 emissions worldwide. However, stricter climate measures are increasing the risk of carbon leakage…
On behalf of ISPA (Internet Service Providers Austria), the economic research institute EcoAustria has examined the overall economic effects of broadband internet infrastructures and the digital services based on them. The result: both conventional basic broadband networks and modern high-broadband networks hold enormous potential for innovation, productivity and ultimately also for domestic economic growth.
In mid-October, Federal Finance Minister Magnus Brunner presented the draft budget for the coming year 2023. In a statement addressed to parliament, EcoAustria Director Monika Köppl-Turyna explains what the institute considers to be the most important recommendations for action for the coming year and beyond.
In a recent brief analysis, EcoAustria looked at the effects of the interest rate turnaround on public finances. Although the central banks’ increase in interest rates is intended to counteract the inflationary trend, it also worsens the financing conditions for the public sector. In addition, we will also face increased budgetary burdens in the future in connection with the ageing of society.
In a recent brief analysis, EcoAustria looked at the commercial law design of the introduction of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) in the EU. This is intended to prevent the migration of companies from CO2-intensive industries and thus avoid the mere relocation of the resulting emissions to other parts of the world.
In a recent policy note, we looked at efficiency potential in the Austrian childcare system. In particular, we examined the potential for increasing and improving services within the existing funding framework, such as the number of children cared for or extending opening hours.
The rise in gas and electricity prices is associated with a sharp slump in growth.
The Role of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in State, Economy & Society Symposium on the “School of Austrian Economics” on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the German Circle of Friends of the Universities in Innsbruck e.V.
The recently published report by the economic research institute EcoAustria sheds light on the most important economic developments in Austria over the last 10 years. When it comes to the labor market and migration, it becomes clear how much Austria’s competitiveness is suffering and how the increasing labor shortage is weighing on economic performance.
In 2020, companies in Austria generated sales of EUR 30.2 billion via websites, apps or online marketplaces – around 80% more than in 2016 (EUR 16.8 billion). As part of a study commissioned by Amazon, EcoAustria examined the economic significance of online retail in Austria and the associated growth impetus for the domestic economy.
Due to rising unemployment and the expansion of short-time working in times of the COVID-19 crisis, the goal of a four-day working week has become increasingly important. EcoAustria has analyzed and evaluated the economic impact of such a reduction in working hours for Austria.
In a new study, EcoAustria presents suitable recommendations for action to increase the number of start-ups in Austria. Innovative start-ups play a particularly important role when it comes to promoting the overall growth potential of an economy.
The Competitiveness Index (ECI) is used at the EcoAustria Institute for the ongoing assessment of a country’s competitiveness. The fourth quarter of 2021 has now been added to the data sets that have existed since the beginning of 2017, resulting in the most up-to-date assessment of competitiveness possible. Austria’s competitiveness is stable in times of crisis.
In order to counteract the effects of climate change and global warming, a wide variety of measures are being taken to reduce CO2 emissions worldwide. However, stricter climate measures are increasing the risk of carbon leakage…
The importance of childcare and early childhood education is clearly underlined by the results of labor market and educational research. This concerns both the compatibility of work and family life, as well as the educational outcomes of children and future pupils.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops has far-reaching political and economic consequences. The crisis also highlights the European economy’s dependence on raw materials from this region. This brief study examines the effects of a sharp rise in the price of natural gas and the suspension of exports to Russia and Ukraine.
With the extension of the model, both the ecological and economic consequences of economic policy measures and climate instruments can be analyzed.
Prices for electricity and natural gas on the wholesale market have reached new record highs in recent weeks.
The economic research institute calculated the costs for the nationwide expansion of childcare in Austria.
Statement by Priv.-Doz. Dr. Monika Köppl-Turyna at the budget hearing in the National Council: “The acute economic crisis in connection with the corona pandemic is not yet completely behind us, but Austria is back on a stable growth path …
The analysis estimates the additional costs that would be associated with an expansion of childcare. An increase in the childcare rate for under-threes is simulated to the extent of reaching the Barcelona target of 33% or by 10 or 20 percentage points …
On behalf of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, EcoAustria has examined the development of wage-related taxes in Austria since 1976. The calculations show that the taxes payable have increased significantly for all income levels considered.
Ernst Fehr (University of Zurich) is still the most influential economist in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. This is shown by the economist rankings published today by the daily newspapers “Die Presse” …
Prices are rising faster than at any time since 2011. Many fear the great devaluation of money. But are these concerns justified?
This is the third school year of the pandemic. The third year in which important decisions have to be made that will shape the future of an entire generation.
If the Chamber of Labor and the Federation of Austrian Trade Unions (ÖGB) have their way, there should be a bonus of 250 euros per person if the working week is 28 to 32 hours…
The term “unicorn” is used to describe start-up companies with a value of more than one billion dollars. Two were even spotted in Austria this year…
By Philipp
In a recent study, the economic research institute EcoAustria looked at the effects of growing labor mobility on tax revenues …
By Philipp
In the coming months and years, companies worldwide will be increasingly threatened by a higher risk of insolvency. In Austria, too, the crisis has exposed problems in the equity base of domestic companies …
By Philipp
Climate protection and measures to curb climate change are key topics of public debate both nationally and internationally. The digitalization megatrend offers potential for efficiency improvements …
By Philipp
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy. Lockdowns and legal closures as well as the resulting demand shock have created the need for extensive government support measures …
By Philipp
This policy note describes the diverse international experiences with targeted hiring subsidies by the public sector and discusses and provides information on how subsidies for new hires can be derived in Austria …
By Philipp
The corona crisis has taught us impressively that institutional childcare and the school system play an important role in our society. In this policy note, we show how important it is from an educational policy perspective that kindergartens are financially affordable and available with longer opening hours …
By Philipp
On December 9, 2020, the EU Main Committee will meet before the European Council negotiations on new emission reduction targets for 2030 take place from December 10 to 11. Current forecasts do not assume that Austria will meet its targets by 2030 …
By Philipp
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were increased calls to re-regionalize production in the future. Although this is understandable given the sometimes difficult supply situation for medical equipment during a global pandemic, it is not economically expedient …
By Philipp
Statement by Priv.-Doz. Dr. Monika Köppl-Turyna at the budget hearing in the National Council: “The situation is unique, it is imperative to prevent a wave of insolvencies and unemployment …
By Philipp
The lockdown in many countries in spring 2020 put modern digital infrastructure to the test. An EcoAustria Policy Note published today examines the central role of broadband infrastructure in normal times and in the current crisis …
By Philipp
The restrictive measures taken by many governments to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in teleworking. In a policy note published today, EcoAustria compares the benefits of teleworking with the costs …
By Philipp
Monika Köppl-Turyna, Ph.D., is the new Director of the EcoAustria Institute for Economic Research as of November 1, 2020. This was announced today by the President of the Institute, Dr. Karl Sevelda, following the Extraordinary General Assembly of EcoAustria …
By Philipp
The results of the EcoAustria federal state benchmarking in the areas of compulsory general education schools and childcare published at the start of the school year show that Upper Austria has the best ratio of use of resources to impact in the compulsory education system …
By Philipp
Wolfgang Schwarzbauer was unanimously appointed as Chief Research Officer. “I am delighted to be able to continue shaping the development of EcoAustria with this experienced team,” says Schwarzbauer.
By Philipp
Austria is facing huge challenges. However, if we succeed in overcoming the acute economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis, Austria will be in a better position after the crisis than before …
By Philipp
With the 38 billion euros, the federal government has put together a “whatever it takes” aid package. After the crisis, the aim will be to return Austria to a stable path for growth, prosperity and employment with an Austria Recovery Program …
By Philipp
The spread of the coronavirus is progressing at a rapid pace in Austria and Europe and is causing people great concern. This is associated with considerable economic consequences in Austria and worldwide …
By Philipp
Climate change cannot be denied. Austria has therefore rightly committed itself to reducing CO2 emissions at international level. The task now is to find suitable climate policy instruments for pricing CO2 emissions in areas that are not included in European emissions certificate trading…
By Philipp
The German economy is growing at a snail’s pace. GDP increased by 0.6% last year and growth is only expected to be slightly higher in 2020. Austria is also affected by this…
By Philipp
The current government program provides for tax relief for employees and companies. Specifically, the first, second and third stages of the income tax rate are to be reduced from 25% to 20%, from 35% to 30% and from 42% to 40%…
By Philipp
Austria’s competitiveness is making a strong start to the new decade despite the slowing economy. The EcoAustria Competitiveness Index (ECI) has risen by 2.7 points compared to the previous quarter and, at 100.7 points, is now at its highest level since 2016…
By Philipp
The new federal government’s reform plans to reduce the burden on employees and companies are heading in the right direction. At present, employees only receive a good half of what companies pay for an hour’s work…
By Philipp
One of EcoAustria’s main research competencies is the ex-ante evaluation of economic and social policy measures, e.g. in tax, social or labor market policy, or the analysis of the economic consequences of other developments such as education, migration or technical progress…
By Philipp
The new federal government offers a great opportunity for Austria. If it succeeds in combining the goals of ecological, economic and social sustainability, Austria can act as a role model for many countries…
By Philipp
The number of pension recipients and the duration of entitlement will increase in the coming years. This is associated with a significant increase in expenditure in the pension system…
By Philipp
The term “net neutrality” has an extremely positive connotation in the public debate. Despite the extremely positive image in the public debate, the negative consequences of regulation have so far been insufficiently taken into account…
By Philipp
Gabriel Felbermayr is the new Chairman of EcoAustria’s Advisory Board. With the President of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), one of the largest economic research institutes in Germany, EcoAustria is expanding its scientific expertise…
By Philipp
Education is one of the key drivers of a country’s individual, economic and social development. There is potential for improvement in the Austrian education system…
By Philipp
The lax budget discipline in the “free play of forces”, together with the flattening economy, has clear consequences for the national budget. The Federal Ministry of Finance recently reported to the EU Commission…
By Philipp
Last week, the National Council passed the first stage of the tax reform announced in May 2019. “Reducing the burden on the labor factor is a step in the right direction for more growth, prosperity and employment…
By Philipp
Numerous resolutions are currently being passed in the National Council, many of which have an impact on the budget. Partly due to the positive economic development…
By Philipp
At 42.8 percent of gross domestic product, the tax burden in Austria is very high by international standards. “In terms of the tax burden, Austria is in a top position in Europe…
Ernst Fehr (University of Zurich) is still the most influential economist in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. This is shown by the economist rankings published today by the daily newspapers “Die Presse” …
By Philipp
Following the economic crisis, Austria has developed rather weakly in an international comparison and has built up a growth gap to comparable economies in the eurozone…
By Philipp
Austria’s economy is currently growing more slowly. In addition, there are uncertainties from abroad, such as the weak growth in Germany, the unclear outcome of Brexit and the increasing trade conflicts worldwide …
By Philipp
The EcoAustria Europe Benchmarking compares the expenditure as input with corresponding performance indicators as output variables in the areas of administration, education and health.
By Philipp
After Austria has undergone only a few significant structural reforms in the area of economic and social policy over the past ten years, few major reforms have been implemented in the last, shortened legislative period.
By Philipp
Pensions are currently playing a central role in the run-up to the National Council elections. After the last government had already initiated an increase in minimum pensions, the latest pension summit …
By Philipp
More and more products and services are being offered on digital platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Ebay or Uber. “Digital business models often bring new providers onto the market and competition …
By Philipp
Tobias Thomas, Director of the economic research institute EcoAustria, is currently conducting research at Columbia University in New York (USA) at the invitation of Anya Schiffrin and Nobel Prize winner Joseph E. Stiglitz …
By Philipp
Education makes an important contribution to economic and social development. “An improved educational structure of a society leads to an increase in labor force participation and lower unemployment …
The former governing parties are considering passing the first stage of the originally planned tax reform in the National Council. Among other things, this includes a reduction in health insurance contributions of almost 900 million euros …
By Philipp
The federal government recently passed a comprehensive tax reform for the years 2020 to 2023. “The tax reform will have a positive impact on growth, prosperity and employment in Austria. By reducing the current …
By Philipp
Empirical studies worldwide show a positive correlation between education and economic growth. Education is the knowledge fuel for the economic development of an economy. With an improvement …
By Philipp
Due to the digital revolution, more and more products and services have been offered on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Ebay or Uber in recent years. “Digital business models are creating …
Austria’s economy is burdened with around 500 million euros per year due to the overfulfilment of EU regulations. This is in addition to over 100 million euros per year in public administration.
By Philipp
Austria’s economy is looking forward to upcoming decisions at home and abroad. Following a strong improvement in the previous quarter, the EcoAustria Competitiveness Index (ECI), which measures the development of the …
By Philipp
The annual conference of the European Public Choice Society will take place this year from April 1 to 4, 2019 in Jerusalem. EcoAustria Director Tobias Thomas and co-authors will present new research findings on the influence of the media.
By Philipp
Cold progression leads to an increase in the tax rate and an additional burden on private households. “Cold progression considerably restricts the consumption options of private households …
By Philipp
Financial security in old age is one of the biggest long-term concerns of the domestic population. This is the conclusion of a recently published study by the OECD. 79 percent of Austrians name this as one of their …
By Philipp
Rents are rising, especially in major cities such as Vienna, Berlin, London and Paris. The fact that rents are rising is primarily the result of increasing demand and a lack of corresponding growth in supply: increasing urbanization …
By Philipp
Austria’s competitiveness is on the upswing,” says Tobias Thomas, Director of the economic research institute EcoAustria. These are the findings of the latest EcoAustria Competitiveness Index (ECI) …
By Philipp
Austria has a high tax burden by international standards. “The high tax burden restricts companies’ investments and employees’ ability to consume,” says Tobias Thomas …
By Philipp
There is considerable potential for efficiency in public spending in Austria. “In some federal states, public services can be offered much more cheaply than in others,” says Tobias Thomas
By Philipp
Economist Wolfgang Briglauer joins the team of the economic research institute EcoAustria as head of the research area Digitalization and Regulation. “With Wolfgang Briglauer, we are delighted to have a proven expert …
By Philipp
Despite the good economic situation and the current bubbling tax revenues, Austria’s financial policy is facing major challenges. “Due to the demographic development, expenditure in the areas of …
By Philipp
Tobias Thomas, Director of the economic research institute EcoAustria, has been appointed to the Committee for Economic Systems and Institutional Economics of the Verein für Socialpolitik …
By Philipp
Austrian care financing is facing as yet unresolved challenges, particularly due to demographic change. “Care expenditure will increase massively by 2060 …
By Philipp
The consequences of digitalization and the increasing use of robots are among the topics of the Forum Alpbach’s Economic Talks from 28 to 30 August 2018. In the public debate …
By Philipp
The Austrian pension system continues to face major challenges due to demographic change. “Despite the reforms that have already been agreed, the pension system is currently not sustainable,” says Tobias Thomas.
By Philipp
Economists can make a scientifically sound contribution to many questions of economic and social policy. This is not the case with the question of the “right” level of redistribution. Only the voters can answer this question. This makes it all the more important …
By Philipp
The current good economic situation is a tailwind for budget consolidation at federal, state and local level. Nevertheless, financial policy is facing huge challenges.
Economic growth of 3.2% is forecast for Austria in 2018. This is the highest growth rate in eleven years. The 2018/19 double budget benefits from this…
The US government’s protective tariffs on steel and aluminum imports of 25% and 10% respectively come into force today. Although the EU, together with a number of…
The current good economic situation is a tailwind for public finances. The 2018/19 double budget benefits from this. “Nevertheless, this is a…
Karl Sevelda is the new President of the economic research institute EcoAustria. He succeeds Josef Moser, who has resigned due to his new role as…
Economist Wolfgang Schwarzbauer joins the team of the economic research institute EcoAustria. “We are delighted to have Wolfgang Schwarzbauer …
Austria has a very high tax ratio. According to the latest revision by Statistics Austria, it is still well above the EU28 or eurozone average at 42.9%.
The annual conference of the European Public Choice Society will take place this year from April 19 to 22, 2017 in Budapest. EcoAustria Research Director Tobias Thomas…
At 43.4%, the tax ratio in Austria is well above the average for the EU28 or the eurozone. This puts a strain on the consumption possibilities of private …
The high tax rate in Austria of 43.4% restricts private household consumption and deprives companies of …
Income distribution and inequality play a prominent role in the public and political debate. In this context, the income differences …
On June 30, 2017, the social partners agreed on a nationwide minimum wage of EUR 1,500 per month in Austria, thereby complying with the …
Austria has a high tax ratio by international standards. In 2016, this amounted to 43.4% of GDP. “The high tax burden is a heavy burden for …
Economic forecasts currently attest to an economic upswing in Austria. However, this development should not obscure the fact that …
Inflation causes wages to rise in nominal terms and has an impact on public and private demand, income distribution and the composition of …
A minimum wage of 1,500 euros gross per month would be one of the highest minimum wages in Europe. “For an international comparison …
“The future of care: manageable, visible, affordable” is the theme of today’s parliamentary inquiry in the Federal Council. After the opening of …
Austria and Europe are currently experiencing a strong influx of asylum seekers. In relation …
Whether the recent influx of refugees will lead to a burden or relief for the state budget depends crucially on how well they are integrated into the labor market.
The focus on companies falls short. The federal government’s new work program with the hopeful title …
Dr. Tobias Thomas is the new Chief Research Officer of EcoAustria – Institute for Economic Research. He takes over the management of the institute from Dr. Ulrich Schuh, who …
Refugee migration to Austria is increasing employment, particularly in the low-skilled sector. However, this increase is not strong enough to cause a rise …
On October 13, 2016, “Wei[s]se Wirtschaft” hosted a panel discussion on the topic of “Migration policy and the refugee crisis”. After a …
EcoAustria – Institute for Economic Research is pleased to announce that Dr. Josef Moser will take over as President of the research institute from Dr. Gabriele Zuna-Kratky, who will remain with the institute as a member of the Board of Directors. With the appointment of the former President of the Austrian Court of Audit as … Continued
Migration has a significant influence on population development in Austria. The influx of refugees will lead to a noticeable increase in employment over the next few years, but …
The topic of “equal treatment” was the focus of a seminar held at the Juridicum of the University of Vienna from September 12 to 14, 2016.
The Turkish Migration Conference 2016 took place from July 12 to 15 at the University of Vienna. Johannes Berger and …
Western European societies are ageing. This poses problems for the financing of social spending. Fewer and fewer people of working age are facing an increasing number of older …
At the employment summit in St. Pölten on June 17, 2016, the current labor market situation was analyzed and a two-million-euro package was put together to provide 300 people with …
On June 16, 2016, EcoAustria and the Foster Europe Foundation hosted a joint conference entitled “The fiscal dimension of…
“We are getting older” – this was the motto of the 59th Congress for Hospital Management, which took place in Villach from May 9-14, 2016. Research Director Ulrich Schuh …
The “Ökosoziale Forum” in Vienna hosted a discussion event on April 25, 2016 with the topic “Old – poor – female. Women’s pension poverty trap?”. …
The fifth Dürnstein Symposium, which took place from March 10 to 12, 2016 at Dürnstein Abbey in the Wachau region, focused on the topic of …
Experts never tire of emphasizing that when the baby boomer generation retires in the near future, the Austrian …
At the third international Growth in Transition Conference, which took place from February 22-24, 2016 at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, visitors could expect interesting …
In the run-up to Christmas, the initiators of the pension reform initiative hosted another meeting and joint exchange …
With the introduction of the pension account, interest in occupational and private pension provision in addition to state provision is increasing in Austria. All three pillars of pension provision …
The long-discussed tax reform has been decided and with it a number of pressing questions have arisen: To what extent will …
Unconditional basic income – a current buzzword of our time that is on everyone’s lips and is the subject of controversial debate. Does the unconditional basic income threaten demotivation …
The Austrian pension system has been the subject of debate for many years – supporters of reform and those who want to preserve the system are sometimes irreconcilably opposed …
Against the backdrop of a sharp rise in labor supply coupled with high and rising unemployment and persistently weak economic growth, the …
The 2015 GEWINN trade fair took place in Vienna for the 25th time on October 15 and 16 …
The Fund Days of the Association of Austrian Investment Companies took place in Krems this year from October 21 to 23. The topics discussed ranged from the creation …
For the fifth time, a workshop was held in Copenhagen on the topic of “Tasks and financial relations of municipalities and regions”. Under the title “Decentralization of education, health …
Will the state be able to shoulder the pension burden in the future? Is this fair to the younger generation? How will the changes in the labor market affect …
“Austria 2040: Will our children be better off?” was the title of the 31st International Summer Talks of the Waldviertel Academy, which took place from September 3 to 6, 2015 …
The financing of long pension phases is a burden on the working world, especially in Austria, with high tax charges. What is particularly critical about this is that the pension system has long been used for non-pension …
“Courage” was the guiding theme of this year’s summer talks organized by the auditing and tax consultancy firm SOT. On August 29 and 30, 2015, Chief Research Officer Ulrich Schuh, Silvia Angelo (AK) and Heiner Flassbeck (economist), among others, discussed the courage of performance justice, distributive justice and the courage to negotiate in Velden. At … Continued
Austria’s national debt is rising continuously – is there an end in sight? The “Debt Check” compares future expenditure with future revenue (with the current …
36 themed workshops, six working groups, keynote speeches and discussions on topics chosen exclusively by the participants …
Current topics of budget and tax policy were the focus of the Jour Fixe at WIFO, which took place on June 29, 2015. Alongside Simon Loretz …
The Greek government’s announcement that it would hold a referendum on the measures demanded by lenders has …
In Austria, employee representatives are increasingly demanding shorter working hours with full wage compensation and more vacation. This …
On May 7, 2015, the Trend Forum, the discussion series organized by Österreichs Energie, focused on the topic of “How much regulation can the e-economy tolerate”. On the podium …
Around 200 representatives from the business world and institutional investors met at the 18th Investment Forum at the end of April 2015 in the …
A data analysis of the Austrian pension system – the data of the statutory pension insurance was combined with that of the public legal entities …
At the NZZ.at club evening on March 23, 2015, the recently presented tax reform was the central topic of discussion. The biggest reform of the Second Republic …
In an international comparison, Austria’s healthcare system is characterized by top values for expenditure and moderate values for health indicators …
According to Wifo’s latest economic forecast, almost 100,000 additional jobs will be created by 2018, while the number of unemployed will also rise.
The Weis[s]en Wirtschaft tax concept provides for a significant reduction in wage and income tax, an increase in transfer payments and a family package. These …
Despite numerous reforms in Austria, the federal subsidy for pensions has risen significantly in recent years. According to experts, demographic trends mean that from 2030 …
“The last to bite the dogs – perspectives for the next generation” was the motto of the Eco-Social Forum’s event on November 19, 2014 in Vienna …
At a joint press conference on October 31, 2014, EcoAustria assessed the economic effects of the …
On October 28, 2014, the 18th meeting of the Austrian-Japanese Committee for Future Studies took place at Danube University Krems …
Once again this year, Chief Research Officer Dr. Ulrich Schuh took part in the GEWINN trade fair, which was held in Vienna on October 16 and 17, 2014.
The newly created Austrian Financial Market Stability Board (FMSB) commenced its activities in September 2014. Its tasks include …
Austria’s largest health policy conference, Med&Care, took place in Graz on September 24, 2014. Once again, the focus was on …
The organizers of the tax information campaign of the Austrian Mittelstand invited to a press conference on 12 September this year at 11 a.m. …
Against the background of the increasing burden on labor, this policy note examines the economic effects of progression …
“Prospects for more economic growth” was the theme of the event at the House of the European Union, which took place on July 2, 2014 …
The study, which was presented on May 28, 2014 as part of the “Economy in Transition” series of events and commissioned by the BMWFW, contains …
As part of a joint study, EcoAustria and the IHS surveyed the economic impact of events in the …
What is “implicit government debt”? How is the budget developing in Austria? These and more questions were discussed at the press conference of the …
Six years after the outbreak of the global financial and economic crisis, its effects on economic development are still widely …
Under the title “Low interest rates and high taxes – a fiasco for social security?”, the think tank took place on April 24 and 25, 2014 in …
Who can afford private pension provision? This question was the focus of the key note speech by Chief Research Officer …
The nationalized Hypo-Alpe-Adria Bank and its impact on taxpayers was the focus of the Radio …
On January 23, 2014, another meeting of the pension reform initiative took place on the premises of EcoAustria …
In the current debate on the financial sustainability of the pension system, there seems to be unanimous support for raising the effective retirement age …
On Wednesday, November 20, 2013, EcoAustria presented its ‘Debt Check’ model at the Budget Jour Fixe at WIFO. Under …
At a press conference of the ÖVP Vienna on November 11, 2013, the study prepared by EcoAustria on the topic “Scope for future investments …
In addition to Chief Research Officer Dr. Ulrich Schuh, who presented the results, Dr. Richard Schenz (Vice President WKO), Andreas Zakostelsky …
On November 8, 2013, EcoAustria and its project partner, the University of St. Gallen, presented the study “Intangible Assets …
The Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Advanced Studies hosted another event in the Economic Policy Talks series on October 24, 2013, this time under the title “5 to 12 in the …
At the request of the Croatian government, a World Bank study on “Analysis of the clearance system in the Republic of Croatia” was carried out with the collaboration of Dr. Ulrich Schuh, Head of Research. The results were presented to the responsible Croatian minister. You can find the report and further information at: World Bank
On October 17 and 18, 2013, the GEWINN trade fair took place in Vienna for the 23rd time …
At this year’s European Forum Alpbach, Chief Research Officer Dr. Ulrich Schuh chaired a working group on the topic of “Coordination …
This year’s summer discourse at the University of Vienna in Strobl dealt with the topic “Politics and Morality – On the Ethics of …
On the occasion of the press conference on July 12, 2013, EcoAustria presented the results of the ‘Debt Check’ …
This year’s Europa-Forum Wachau took place on June 15 and 16, 2013 under the motto “Beyond the crisis – outlines of a …
The conference of the European Migration Network on “Austria and the global competition for the best talents – access …
On May 27, 2013, Weis[s]e Wirtschaft (www.weissewirtschaft.at) hosted its first event in the Weis[s]er Salon series with the …
This year the “Economic Forum” organized the 6th Europe-Ukraine Forum from 12-14 May 2013 in Budapest …
The Association of Alternative Investments (www.vereinigungai.at) hosted a symposium on April 24, 2013 on the topic of …
At an FMMI press conference on September 12 of this year, Chief Research Officer Ulrich Schuh together with Herwig Schneider presented …
The European Forum Alpbach met in 2012 under the motto “Expectations – The Future of Youth” …
