Upper Austria is the third largest federal state of Austria and has a population of around 1,4 Million inhabitants. The Region Upper Austria offers an ideal framework for companies and investors. High levels of personal creativity, commitment and productivity, social peace and an unspoilt environment characterise the Upper Austrian business and technology region at the beginning of the 21st century.

Above all, the production sector and industry in particular lend the federal state its economic dynamism. Upper Austrian companies provide around a quarter of national industrial production and exports. This makes Upper Austria the country´s leading federal province with regard to exports, industry and technology.

Competitive companies Upper Austria´s economic structure is shaped by several large corporations and numerous SMEs, the majority of which have concentrated on their special strengths in niche markets. Indeed, as far as their market share and technological expertise are concerned, many of these companies number among the European and world leaders in their fields. Around 1,000 foreign enterprises have settled in Upper Austria, which represents clear evidence of the attractiveness and dynamism of this economic location.

The Upper Austrian economic location profits from its central position in Austria and the "new Europe", as well as form its proximity to the dynamic, southern German region. The state´s northern neighbour, the Czech Republic, is also steadily gaining in importance as a business partner. With the West, Innkreis, and Pyhrn motorways, international rail links and the Danube ports of Linz and Enns, Upper Austria has an excellent communications infrastructure.

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In January 2006 the cluster and inter-branch network activities were outsourced from the Oberösterreichische Technologie- und Marketinggessellschaft m.b.H (TMG) to the newly founded organisation Clusterland Oberösterreich GmbH (Clusterland Upper Austria Company).

Clusterland Upper Austria - At present, some 1.400 companies, R&D bodies and educational institutes are partners in the seven clusters. This represents clear evidence of the fact, that the local business community has recognised the necessity for close co-operation between companies and a co-ordinated approach to the world at large. Today, regional competitiveness is not determined by the strengths of individual companies, but to an ever-increasing extent by innovativeness of complete industries and branch complexes, as exemplified by the Upper Austrian cluster initiatives. Teamwork is the key to success, as it not only strengthens each of the companies involved, but also the entire economic stucture of a region in a far reaching and sustained manner.

Upper Austria is now the European leader in the area of economic networking and has a well-established system of co-operation. As a result, the location has not only considerably enhanced its image, but has also assumed the mantle of an exemplary model for innovative and successful cluster policy.

Inter-company co-operation is promoted by seven cluster initiatives and four inter-branch networks. Since 1998 the following cluster and network initiatives have been created:
Automotive Cluster (AC)
Plastics Cluster (KC)
Furniture / Wood Construction Cluster (MHC)
Eco-energy Cluster (OEC)
Foods Cluster (LC)
Health Cluster (GC)
Mechatronic Cluster (MC)

Network Human Resources (NHR)
Network Design & Media (NDM)
Network Environmental Technology (NUT)
Network Logistics (NL)

The Clusterland Oberösterreich GmbH (Clusterland Upper Austria Company) is responsible for the Automotive (AC), PLastics (KC), Furniture/Wood (MHC), Health Technology (GC) and Mechatronics (MC) clusters.The Eco-energy cluster (OEC) is co-ordinated by the Upper Austrian Energy Conservation Association (ESV), while due to its close contacts with the branch, the Chamber of Commerce guides the activities of the Food cluster (LC). The first three inter-branch networks are also co-ordinated by Clusterland Oberösterreich GmbH, while the Association for Network Logistics is responsible for the Network Logistics.

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The Upper Austrian Innovation Network encompasses research and innovation infrastructure facilities, technology and venture centres, regional development companies, educational and further training institutes and consultative bodies.

At present, the Innovation Network comprises Clusters, Competence Centers, polytechnic courses, Technology and Venture Centres, innovation assistants and TIM. However, the Network remains the object of constant expansion.

In the year 2004 the new Strategic Programme "Innovative Upper Austria 2010" was developed with the participation of 250 experts from industry, science and institutions. The programme will be implemented in the period of 2005 - 2009 and focuses on five strategic topics:

• R&D
• Professional qualification
• Networks
• Business and Technology location Upper Austria
• EU-networking