Initiative 2.2. Research Infrastructures and Technology Infrastructures

What is it about?

Research infrastructures and technology infrastructures are important tools for research and development (R&D).

• Research infrastructures (RI) are facilities, equipment, data infrastructures, e‑infrastructures, collections, or other resources that are distributed or virtually available at one or multiple locations. They provide resources and services for the research communities to conduct research and foster innovation in all scientific disciplines. Research infrastructures have become essential to achieve excellence in R&D. They are also a key factor for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, knowledge valorisation, and the education of young scientists.
• Technology infrastructures (TI) are facilities, capabilities, equipment, and resources used by industry and research to develop, test, upscale, validate and prototype new technologies; such as test beds, pilot lines, demonstrators, testing facilities or living Labs. These infrastructures support industrial innovation, strengthen competitiveness, and facilitate the develop of new or improved products, processes and services.

The Austrian Research Infrastructure Action Plan 2030, developed as part of the Austrian RTI Strategy 2030 (Research, Technology, and Innovation) and the new Austrian National Action Plan for ERA 2026-2028, is the central instrument for infrastructure development and for establishing an ecosystem of RI&TI in Austria. The Austrian Research Infrastructure Action Plan focuses on the expansion of infrastructure and the participation in European and international large-scale research infrastructure (especially ESFRI Roadmap). The Austrian Research Infrastructure Database serves as a key tool to support the action plan.

Key Activities

2.2.1. Implementation of the Austrian Research Infrastructure Action Plan 2030

2.2.2. Further development of the research and technology infrastructure ecosystem

Expected Impact

Based on the Austrian Research Infrastructure Action Plan 2030, the ERA‑NAP 2026-2028 pursues the following four areas of action for the sustainable development of research and technology infrastructures:

1. Creating flexible access to infrastructures for science and industry
2. Integrating national infrastructures into European and international large‑scale research infrastructure projects
3. Evidence‑based planning and long‑term (competitive) funding models, particularly for participation in European and international research infrastructures
4. Digitalisation and the expansion of (research) data infrastructures and (research) data management

Who is involved?

• RTI Working Group on Research Infrastructure (BMFWF, BMIMI, BKA, BMF, BMWET, BMLUK, FORWIT, FFG)
• Research institutions and research funding institutions (in accordance with FoFinaG)
• Universities and universities of applied sciences
• Non-university research institutions & enterprises
• Federal States.

Expected impact

• Access to infrastructure for research and industry;
• Integrating national infrastructure into major European and international research infrastructure projects;
• Evidence-based planning and long-term (competitive) funding models;
• Digitalisation and expansion of (research) data infrastructures and (research) data management.