In an increasingly fast-paced society, world-class research and the training of tomorrow’s skilled workforce are becoming key factors for the success of a thriving economy and a free, democratic society. In southern Austria, in the provinces of Styria and Carinthia, thirteen higher education institutions therefore form the basis for future prosperity. With the help of the cooperation model between Styrian and Carinthian higher education institutions, the Carinthia and Styria education area is to be not only jointly expanded, but also optimised and further developed. This is a remarkable step and one that is probably unique in Austria.
It is imperative to further expand investment in research and education, particularly in southern Austria, so as not to fall behind in the competition for innovation and talent. We must invest more heavily in the region in the skills development of people and the education of young people, and do so at the highest level. For this reason, the rectors of the Styrian Higher Education Conference, together with their Carinthian counterparts, are campaigning for sustainable funding in the federal budget and calling for a Styrian-Carinthian initiative for their universities with appropriate budgetary incentives before the start of budget planning, as the emergence of long-term successful cooperation must be accompanied by appropriate signals promoting cooperation.
The rectors of the Styrian Higher Education Conference and their partner universities from Carinthia are, in any case, prepared to use the funds efficiently and economically. “The Southern Education Region is already working closely together. We are identifying and utilising synergies, thereby creating an even more effective higher education innovation ecosystem,” says Ada Pellert, Rector of Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt and Chair of the Carinthian Higher Education Conference.
Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz and Chair of the Styrian University Conference, emphasises ahead of the upcoming budget talks that “investment in universities and higher education institutions, particularly in difficult times, strengthens the region and secures the future of our region at the heart of Europe.” This is also evident from a glance at the European Commission’s Innovation Scoreboard, which highlights the potential and strength of the Southern Region in the field of science and research.