Our agenda | Wirtschaft Innovation Linz

The basis for our economic programme and our vision

This economic programme sets out the key priorities of the City of Linz's economic policy. lt is a framework to guide our actions and ensure the long-term success of the business location. A key principle of this agenda is the integration of strategy and implementation. Economic policy must constantly respond to new developments and drive forward real improvements.

This is based on comprehensive analysis, surveys, statistical data and numerous discussions with companies, experts and institutions. Key insights are provided by a comprehensive ecosystem analysis of the Linz-Wels economic region, as weil as the City of Linz's business survey, carried out at the end of 2025, in which just under 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) took part.

This economic programme is also based on public data from Statistics Austria and statistical surveys carried out by the Urban Research Department at Linz City Council. Similarly, overarching strategies at provincial and federal level have been taken into account, including the Federal Government's Austria 2035 lndustrial Strategy and the Province of Upper Austria's Al Excellence Strategy. After all, economic development works best when different levels of government work together.

We do not regard this programme as a static document. Economic conditions are constantly changing, new challenges are emerging and priorities are shifting. That is why this agenda for the future is constantly being developed and supplemented with new insights, projects and measures.

Thomas Gegenhuber, City Councillor for Economic Affairs, Innovation and Finance

Our economic policy agenda brings together the key areas of action for the further development of Linz as a business location. The focus is on industrial transformation: we aim to further develop our existing strengths, particularly in the future-focused areas of lndustrial lntelligence and Clean Technologies, to secure new value creation and international competitiveness.

At the same time, we are strengthening the innovation and start-up ecosystem by expanding collaboration between businesses, research organisations and start-ups, creating a more favourable environment for start-ups and growth while positioning Linz as an active testing ground for new technologies.

Another key focus is on people and skilled workers. These include developing future skills, promoting education and training, and actively recruiting international talent in order to safeguard the region's capacity for innovation over the long term.

Economic development also requires attractive places to live. That is why we are investing in affordable housing, a high quality of life, climate-resilient urban development, and residential areas that are easily accessible and weil connected.

At the same time, we are continuing to develop public administration as a partner focused on providing services to the business community. The aim is to achieve faster approvals, provide better digital services, and create clear points of contact for companies, as weil as new opportunities for innovation using experimental formats and pilot schemes.

In addition, we are stepping up our location marketing efforts to raise the profile of Linz's strengths, especially as an industrial location and centre of innovation, both nationally and internationally, and to foster a greater sense of identification with the city.

This agenda is being implemented in a purpose-specific way based on real data. Clear guidelines, coordinated collaboration and continuous monitoring ensure that measures are implemented effectively and refined on an ongoing basis.