In the short study "Transformation to a circular economy", the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) presents technological developments in Austria that support the transition to a circular economy. While these activities still play a subordinate role in the Austrian innovation system, they nevertheless show potential and could be important for achieving the EU climate targets.
The key findings include:
- Industrial policy challengesThe transformation to a circular economy requires extensive innovation activities in technology and business models. In particular, the extension of product life cycles, the efficient utilisation of resources and the reduction of waste are at the forefront.
- The role of digitalisationNew technologies, especially in the field of digitalisation such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, offer decisive opportunities to improve circularity by increasing transparency and efficiency along the value chains.
- Innovation activities and promotionIn Austria, R&D activities in the field of the circular economy have so far been relatively low, but concentrated in sectors such as mechanical engineering and information technology. Patent activities show a slight increase, with patents relevant to the circular economy accounting for an increasingly important share of total patent applications by Austrian inventors.
- Case study: lithium-ion batteriesThe study specifically examines the circular economy in the field of lithium-ion batteries, emphasises the need for a comprehensive "whole of government" approach and highlights the importance of research and development in this area.
- Austrian and European strategiesThe Austrian circular economy strategy pursues ambitious goals, including reducing material consumption and increasing resource efficiency, and is strongly orientated towards the European agenda.
You can download the study here:
German 
English