Silicon Alps

The Silicon Alps Cluster is an Austrian technology and innovation cluster in the field of electronic based systems. As a public-private partnership of Austrian actors from business, science and the public sector, it serves to develop and position the electronics and microelectronics industry in Carinthia and Styria. The Electronic Based Systems Cluster equally represents the interests of its cooperation partners and the public concerns in an objective, fact and opportunity-oriented location development. Our services are particularly geared towards SMEs, founders and cooperative project developments.

Market & Potential

In the context of the European microelectronics industry, Austria has a highly developed industrial profile, the market potential is around 130 companies, 30,000 employees and a turnover of 15 billion euros per year. The Carinthia location bundles the best know-how, high-quality technologies and an attractive mix of industries embedded in an innovative environment. The research quota has increased significantly since 2009; Carinthia is currently fifth within Austria with 2.9 percent (2013). Carinthia has an exceptionally high proportion of corporate research (75 percent). Internationally operating leading companies such as Infineon Technologies Austria, Lam Research, KapschTrafficCom, Mahle or Flextronics International are decisive for Carinthia’s technological competence. The Styria location is an Austrian pioneer in terms of innovative products and services. With an R&D quota of over 4%, Styria has been above the EU target for 2020 for years and occupies a top position among Europe’s regions. The reasons for this include the excellent training, research and corporate landscape. Five universities with more than 40,000 students, an internationally renowned technical college system and numerous research institutions make Styria the technology factory of Austria. In addition, most of the Austrian competence centers research and work in Styria, spin-offs from the university sector are part of everyday practice and independent research institutions such as Joanneum Research are open to companies at all times.

Mission & Goals

The cluster sees itself as a long-term strategic alliance and an instrument for cooperative, efficient and entrepreneurially oriented location development. The overriding goals are to increase the competitiveness and innovative performance of the cooperation partners, increase international visibility and make the location more attractive for start-ups and settlements.