How can the Public Administration become a Partner to business?

 

An efficient administration is a key business location factor. Streamlined procedures, clear lines of responsibility and digital processes are key factors in determining whether companies invest and commit to the Linz area in the long term.

WiP Wakeboard

Administration as an economic factor

Companies need predictability, speed and transparency. Administrative processes influence investment decisions, moving companies in, and expansions. For companies, every delay means uncertainty; every additional step in the process increases the workload and costs. A modern administration, on the other hand, fosters predictability, trust and opportunities.

The results of the company survey conducted by the City of Linz and the ecosystem analysis of the location paint a mixed picture: bureaucracy and lengthy procedures are criticised, whilst initial steps towards administrative simplification and digitalisation are mentioned in a positive light.

The Linz City Council's digitalisation drive follows a clear roadmap with measurable objectives. Following the introduction of advisory services such as the Construction Service Centre and advice via video conference, the digital construction process marked a significant step towards modernisation in December 2025. In addition, funding processes have been digitised.

Structured referral processes are also already in place for enquiries from SMEs and business relocations. lmproved processes will reduce the time taken to approve industrial facilities by up to 10 weeks, the entire approval process will be digitised by the end of 2026. In addition, a digital authorisation process for the management of public spaces in connection with events, outdoor dining areas and advertising campaigns is currently being implemented. A digital venue calendar helps to ensure transparency in planning for all event organisers.

At the same time, action is needed: responsibilities must be communicated more clearly, the duration of proceedings must be further reduced, and processes must be digitised to a greater extent. We operate on the principle that we process files and data, not the businesspeople. This requires modern workflows and interdisciplinary collaboration. For international businesses and skilled workers, it is essential to have access to multilingual services. The launch of the linz.at website in twelve languages is a key milestone in this regard. In addition, sitespecific procedures are prioritised and the individual steps in the process are carried out in parallel.

Our vision is clear: the City of Linz is seen as a business-friendly, responsive and digital administration - a partner that promotes and facilitates economic development.

Why is this relevant from an economic policy perspective?

The quality of administration has a direct impact on a location's economic dynamism. Streamlined procedures shorten investment cycles and reduce costs; clear lines of responsibility increase planning certainty; digital processes lower transaction costs. A service-oriented administration strengthens ties with existing businesses and makes it easier for new businesses to set up and for start-ups to launch. At the same time, this sends a strong signal that the public sector is a reliable partner to the business community, actively supporting companies and creating stable framework conditions for sustainable economic development.

Our role

  • Strategist
  • Service partner
  • Coordinator

Strategic measures

Speed up processes

Procedures are being made more efficient and decision-making processes are speeding up.

  • lmplementing digital construction processes
  • Systematically reducing the duration of proceedings
  • Using lessons learnt from the Green Ammonia Linz (GrAmLi) project to speed up the authorisation process for innovative industrial processes
  • Launch a pilot project to introduce risk-based audit models (within the legal framework)

Companies are provided with clear information, responsibilities and points of contact.

  • Further developing the Construction Services Centre
  • Establish a one-stop shop with a designated point of contact for industry and SMEs
  • Grouping of services (multilingual) to aid navigation
  • Develop explanatory videos on business-related processes and services

Expanding digitalisation

Digital processes reduce the workload and create transparency.

  • Further expand online forms
  • Enabling digital process tracking for businesses
  • Digital authorisation and booking calendar for the use of public space
  • Enabling the digital approval of industrial facilities
  • Implement and enable digital signatures
  • Strengthening English-language administrative services

Enabling scope for experimentation and authorisation

New technologies and business models often require flexible regulatory frameworks. The aim is to test innovations more quickly under real-world conditions and to be able to resolve regulatory uncertainties at an early stage. In its manifesto and industrial strategy, the Austrian Government has announced plans to expand real-world laboratories and sandbox models - including Al real-world laboratories in accordance with the EU Al Act - in order to test innovative technologies within a protected legal framework. We want to actively harness and help shape these new opportunities for the Linz economic region.

  • Participation in regulatory pilot schemes and real-world laboratory initiatives for future technologies
  • Support for pilot projects in areas such as hydrogen, the circular economy and Al
  • Using the city and its infrastructure as a test environment for innovative solutions
  • Strengthen cooperation with the Austrian government, the province and relevant authorities in the development of regulatory sandboxes and Al real-world laboratories

Using the city as a client for innovation

The public sector can accelerate innovation by acting as an early adopter of new technologies. Through 'innovation procurement' or a 'first buyer' role, new solutions can be tested and brought to market more quickly.

  • Examining innovative procurement models for new technologies
  • Pilot projects with start-ups and innovative companies
  • Using urban infrastructure as a test environment for new solutions
  • Greater involvement of innovative businesses (SMEs and start-ups) in public procurement

Snapshot summary: An efficient administration is a key factor in attracting business. Through streamlined procedures, clear lines of responsibility, digital processes and new forms of regulatory flexibility, we in the public sector actively support economic development. In this context, a modern public administration acts as a service partner and facilitator.

Disclaimer: English content translated with AI assistance.

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You can find interactive projects, participation formats, and information about our events at

partizipation.linz.at