AUSTRIAN COMPANIES ARE SURROUNDED BY 7.3 BILLION PEOPLE Our potential market is larger than we think. go-international. The initiative for building bridges to Austria. T +43 5 90900-60100 E go-international@wko.at
Table of contents Austrian Business is Building Bridges 3 The Internationalisation Initiative go-international 6 The Current Program 10 Get Going! Motivate and train small and medium-sized enterprises to start exporting 11 Keep Going! Accompany existing exporters into new markets, assist Austrian companies in investing abroad 14 Going Special! Focus on the export of technology, knowledge and skills 15 Going Strong! Create platforms for Austria s economy abroad/communicating Austria 18 Go Get It! Provide grants to companies 19 Further information 22 Austria s worldwide network 23 2
Austrian Business is Building Bridges Austria is a small, open economy in the heart of Europe with close links to other European Union countries and the world s economies. While the export of products and services accounts for 54 % of Austrian GDP, trade and investments generate a win-win-win situation. Over the last couple of years Austria has reached a positive foreign trade balance. More than 100,000 Austrian exporters and importers enjoy regular trade links and investment relations with partners in over 200 countries worldwide. Austria actively encourages its companies to invest abroad, and Austrian businesses have invested EUR 200 billion abroad employing one million people in their foreign operations. A new generation of Austrian entrepreneurs sees the whole world as its market, setting up international offices relatively quickly. Austria places particular importance on continuous training for its companies employees both in and outside Austria, and companies are encouraged to apply the internationally recognised Dual System of Vocational Education and Training to their international operations. The Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy provides the best possible framework for enterprises and represents Austria as a prime business location at various international levels. One of the main objectives is to accelerate structural change by actively supporting research, technology and innovation. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), through their international department and Austria s official trade promotion organisation, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, operates a network of some 110 offices in 70 countries. ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA provides a broad range of intelligence and business development services for both Austrian companies and their international business partners. Its 800 employees assist in locating Austrian business partners, make introductions to Austrian companies looking for importers, distributors or agents and provide in-depth information on Austria as a business location and assistance in entering the Austrian market. 3
Hong Kong Did you know... Hong Kong is a partner region for Austria s newly established Global Incubator Network. Start-ups from Hong Kong benefit from special support for expanding to Europe via Austria. 4
Budapest Did you know... Based on close historical ties, Austria and Hungary enjoy intensive economic relations. Austrian companies mostly deliver technology and semifinished products to Hungarian industry. 5
The Internationalisation Initiative go-international Supporting companies to internationalise is part of the political agenda of most international bodies, including the European Commission and the OECD. Prospects for the European economy and the global economic outlook increase the significance and effects of such programs. Since 2003, Austrian support for companies looking to expand internationally has been integrated in the go-international program (in German: Exportoffensive go-international ) of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. This program supports Austrian businesses in their efforts to position themselves as reliable and trustworthy partners abroad and supplies individual companies the tools and opportunities to market their offers internationally. Experience in seizing international market chances and individual consultancy does enable companies to evaluate and enter new promising markets. go-international is supplemented by direct financial support instruments. The first program was launched as a quick-startpackage in 2003 and extended twice until 2009. The second program ran from 2009 2011, the third from 2011 2013 and the fourth from 2013 2015. The current go-international package is the first to cover a four year time period (April 2015 March 2019), allowing a more strategic approach to program planning, reducing bureaucracy and serving clients needs better. All programs are managed through the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber s international department and Austria s official trade promotion organisation, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA. ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA s headquarter are located in Vienna, Austria. Operational activities are assisted by local offices in all 9 Austrian states and a further 110 offices abroad in 70 countries, employing a total of 800 experts. The 2013 2015 program was thoroughly evaluated by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO). The evaluation concluded that substantial benefits for the overall Austrian economy were created by go-international and that EUR 1 million spent on the program resulted in a short-term increase in exports worth EUR 55 million, including EUR 25 million of added economic value and EUR 5 million of additional tax income. WIFO also noted that the program especially seeks to encourage companies to look towards markets outside Europe, and to increase their focus on knowledge and technology intensive products and services. WIFO Evaluation go-international The study shows that the broad-based services to support internationalisation address the basic needs of the firms and cover the main barriers to internationalisation. The general focus of activities is in line with the specified objectives and, at the macroeconomic level, the positive economic impact of go-international is clearly visible. The overall assessment of go-international is therefore regarded as economically useful, and suggests a continuation of the program would be beneficial. Elisabeth Christen, Jürgen Janger (WIFO); Project coordinators 6
Austrian Trade Volume (Exports of goods and services) from 2003 to 2015 What has been achieved since 2003? Number of Austrian Exporters Goods exported from Austria (in billion EUR) Services exported from Austria (in billion EUR) Number of Austrian exporters Austrian direct investments abroad (in billion EUR) 12,500 15,000 18,000 19,000 22,500 26,000 29,000 30,000 34,000 38,000 40,000 42,000 44,000 47,000 50,000 52,500 55,000 57,500 60,000 2003 78.9 28.6 18,500 44.6 2015 Change in % 131.6 52.8 52,500 191.3 + 67 + 84 + 184 + 332 7
Melbourne Did you know... Over 50 % of Austrian deliveries to Australia consist of machinery and equipment. Austrian technology is in high demand in the heavy industry, automotive and mining sectors. 8
Rio de Janeiro Did you know... go-international uses events of significant worldwide importance such as the Rio 2016 Olympics to create stages for Austrian companies and their products and services. 9
The Current Program go-international 2015 2019 A comprehensive set of measures has been developed in order to ensure the success of the current go-international program. Regional priorities are overseas markets with strong growth potential, while sectorial priorities include exporting education and services, ensuring technology net working, and promoting research and innovation. The strategic aim of go-international is to maintain Austria s position amongst the top five per capita exporters within the EU member states. The following specific targets are to be reached by 2019: Assist 8,000 companies in exporting their products and services for the first time. Steer 10,000 companies towards entering new markets or investing abroad. Reach out to 3.5 million international visitors at Austria s international business portal advantageaustria.org The current program consists of 25 sets of measures aggregated into clusters. The program aims to: Motivate and train Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to start exporting (Get Going). Accompany established exporters into new markets and assist Austrian companies in investing abroad (Keep Going). Focus on the export of know-how, consulting, creative services, and education programs (Going Special). Create platforms for Austria s economy abroad/ communicating Austria (Going Strong). Provide direct grants to companies (Go Get It). 10
GET GOING! Motivate and train small and mediumsized enterprises to start exporting FOCUS: NON-EXPORTING COMPANIES OR THOSE NEW TO EXPORT, MOSTLY SMALL AND MEDIUM- SIZED COMPANIES (SMEs) GOAL: TO MOTIVATE AUSTRIAN SMEs TO START EXPORTING, MAINLY INTO NEIGHBOURING MARKETS Selected set of measures: Information and motivation events for first-time exporters Events organised all over Austria. Featured speakers are Austrian Trade Commissioners for neighbouring countries and local internationalisation experts. Export Workshops Seminars on all aspects of exporting, e.g. marketing, logistics, payment systems, legal and tax considerations, and intercultural competence. Consulting and coaching Experienced export strategy consultants advise on the first steps into exporting. Fact-Finding Missions ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offices abroad, mainly in Europe, organise and host incoming delegations of Austrian companies interested in entering the respective market. Programs are often timed around leading industry events and include presentations by experts, first B2B-meetings, and networking events. Industry-specific Trend Scouting Missions ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offices abroad in technology or industry hubs host incoming missions of Austrian companies interested in learning about the latest technology and current trends in their specific industry. Programs are often organised in cooperation with leading universities and research centres. Peer network Bringing together potential new Austrian exporters with Austrian investors and Austrian companies who are already successfully exporting to a particular target market. Newcomers can learn from the experience of established businesses. 11
Paris Did you know... ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA s first international office was opened in Paris in 1946. Presently a total of 110 offices worldwide create a network for Austrian companies to business communities. 12
Singapore Did you know... Singapore and the other countries in the ASEAN region still offer lots of potential for Austrian exporters and investors. Austrian exports to the ASEAN market of 600 million people nearly tripled since 2000. 13
KEEP GOING! Accompany existing exporters into new markets, assist Austrian companies in investing abroad Selected set of measures: FOCUS: EXISTING EXPORTERS AND COMPANIES INTERESTED IN CREATING DEEPER VALUE CHAINS (DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS, INVESTING ABROAD) GOAL: TO LEAD EXISTING COMPANIES INTO NEW MARKETS (MAINLY OUTSIDE EUROPE) AND TO FOSTER DISTRIBUTION AND INVESTMENT NETWORKS FOR AUSTRIAN COMPANIES ABROAD Focus programs for high-potential sectors Local key account managers in a specific country and sector compile market entry studies which are then presented to the targeted Austrian companies by industry experts at information events in Austria. These events are followed up with individual consultation with the companies and B2B events in the target market. More than 200 high potential sector programs worldwide are being implemented in this way. Marketplace Trade Fairs Enables Austrian pavilions and group stands at selected trade fairs, exhibitions and industry events abroad. The level of financial support granted to the participating company depends on the size and number of times it has previously participated in a particular fair. 14
GOING SPECIAL! Focus on the export of technology, knowledge and skills Selected set of measures: FOCUS: ASSIST COMPANIES IN EXPORTING THEIR SERVICES (KNOW-HOW/ENGINEERING, CONSULT- ING, CREATIVE SERVICES, EDUCATION PROGRAMS) GOAL: TO CREATE MORE SERVICE EXPORTS OF AUSTRIAN COMPANIES. THE EXPORTS OF SERVICES SHOULD ALSO FOSTER MORE EXPORTS OF RELATED GOODS. Focus on service providers Events and short surveys should create interest in exporting services to new markets. Austrian service providers can benefit from the support of a mentor for new target markets. Focus on creativity This measure aims at positioning Austrian creativity products and services abroad and at improving the overall reputation of the Austrian economy. Focus on education services Austrian education providers are assisted in establishing international networks and in marketing their education know-how abroad. Austrian companies are also encouraged to apply the Austrian Dual System of Vocational Education and Training within their foreign subsidiaries. Focus on technology/global tech network Austrian technology companies receive consultancy services from specialized technology officers based in ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offices in nine global tech hot spots. 15
Belgrade Did you know... Austrian companies are Serbia s top investors, mainly in the production and service sectors. Fruit and meat are also processed by Austrian companies. 16
Casablanca Did you know... Morocco is a very important trading hub for Austrian companies entering the African markets. Main Austrian export items are machines, textiles and chemical products. 17
GOING STRONG! Create platforms for Austria s economy abroad/communicating Austria Selected set of measures: FOCUS: POSITIONING OF THE AUSTRIAN ECONOMY AND ITS COMPANIES ABROAD GOAL: TO CREATE A POSITIVE BUSINESS IMAGE FOR AUSTRIA AND GIVE COMPANIES A PLATFORM TO PRESENT THEMSELVES TO A GLOBAL AUDI- ENCE Positioning of the Austrian business community at high profile events around the world Austria s positive association with music, culture, history and sports is used to showcase its business competence at top international events. Operation of Austria s international business portal www.advantageaustria.org Presenting the country as both a world class business partner and a destination for direct foreign investments. Ensuring that users all over the world can find targeted information about doing business with Austria quickly, easily and in their local language. The portal is operated in 28 languages and showcases 200 tailored country pages. Public relations activities abroad Events and press work to position Austria as a prime business location, reliable business partner and safe location to invest capital. 18
GO GET IT! Provide grants to companies The costs and risks incurred by Austrian companies entering new markets are mitigated by awarding financial support. Grants are limited to 50 % of costs borne up to maximum amounts depending on the individual grant scheme. Acceptable expense items are narrowly defined and may include the costs of research, marketing, travel, participation fees, legal and tax expertise and more. Selected grants, especially those supporting entry into new European markets, are only available to small and medium-sized companies. 19
Wellington Did you know... Austrian companies deliver irrigation technology, cranes and special industrial machinery to New Zealand. Meat, fruit and vegetables from New Zealand are also popular in Austria. 20
Chicago Did you know... The United States is Austria s second most important trading partner worldwide. Industries such as the automotive sector have global supply chains and Austrian companies are required to follow their customers worldwide. 21
FURTHER INFORMATION: Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy Export and Investment Policy Division Tel. +43 1 71100-805787 post.c25@bmwfw.gv.at ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA go-international Tel. +43 5 90 900 60100 go-international@wko.at 22
AUSTRIA S WORLDWIDE NETWORK, YOUR ADVANTAGE. 110 ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offices in 70 countries. ZAGREB DUSSELDORF BRUSSELS PADUA PODGORICA SKOPJE STUTTGART BOLZANO PRAGUE DRESDEN DUBLIN LONDON LISBON BANJA LUKA FRANKFURT/MAIN PARIS STRASBOURG ZURICH/BERN MILAN BARCELONA MADRID THE HAGUE OSLO HELSINKI STOCKHOLM SAINT PETERSBURG TALLINN COPENHAGEN RIGA VILNIUS MINSK BERLIN WARSAW KRACOW BRNO LVIV KIEV MUNICH BUDAPEST BRATISLAVA CLUJ-NAPOCA LJUBLJANA BELGRADE SARAJEVO ROME BUCHAREST SOFIA PRISTINA ISTANBUL TIRANA ATHENS MOSCOW YEKATERINBURG Your ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA country portal. 23
VANCOUVER LOS ANGELES MEXICO CITY CHICAGO TORONTO WASHINGTON D.C. ATLANTA CARACAS BOGOTA MONTREAL NEW YORK ALGIERS TUNIS TRIPOLI CASABLANCA LAGOS TBILISI BAKU ANKARA ERBIL TEHRAN TEL AVIV CAIRO AMMAN/DAMASCUS ALMATY NEW DELHI DOHA KARACHI RIYADH ABU DHABI JEDDAH MUSCAT MUMBAI CHENNAI NAIROBI BEIJING XIAN CHENGDU BANGKOK SHENYANG SEOUL SHANGHAI GUANGZHOU TAIPEI HANOI HONG KONG HO CHI MINH CITY KUALA LUMPUR SINGAPORE MANILA TOKYO JAKARTA LIMA SAO PAULO RIO DE JANEIRO JOHANNESBURG SANTIAGO DE CHILE BUENOS AIRES SYDNEY 24
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