Delegation visit to Austria: Inspiration for the further development of the Lausitz Science Park

As part of a delegation trip to Austria, our colleagues André Röhrig and Sandra Spletzer, together with Sven Tischer from the State Chancellery of Brandenburg, visited the Lakeside Science & Technology Park, the Villach Technology Park (tpv) and the Hagenberg Software Park last week.

In addition to visiting these innovation hubs, the programme included discussions with key players in the regional innovation ecosystem. These included, amongst others, the KWF Carinthian Economic Development Fund, the build! Carinthia Start-up Centre and BABEG. At the Hagenberg Software Park, there was also an opportunity to exchange views with numerous other science parks from the DACH region.

Exchange on strategies and success factors for science parks

The trip focused on strategies for the development and establishment of science parks. Discussions centred in particular on issues relating to long-term strategic direction, property development, and sustainable financing and operating models. The direct exchange with established sites provided valuable insights for the further development of the Lausitz Science Park.

We benefited particularly from the open discussions at the Lakeside Science & Technology Park, as well as from the great willingness of all stakeholders to share their experiences, success factors and lessons learnt with us. It is precisely this trusting and practical exchange that is of particular value to young innovation ecosystems and the establishment of new science park structures.

Special thanks go to Bernhard Lamprecht and Pamela Kogelnik-Mühlmann for their outstanding hospitality, excellent organisation and the many valuable insights that made this exchange possible.