Transfer sciences and the Austrian system of innovation

This paper attempts to outline the technological position of Austria, its catching up process following World War II and the national system of innovation. Furthermore the process of knowledge production and application in a national system of innovation is highlighted. Austria went through a rapid catching up process after the second world war. The industrial structure of Austria has improved in the sense that the importance of the basic goods sector has continuously diminished whereas medium and high-tech activities have been enforced. Simultaneously, the technological position measured in R&D expenditures and patent grants has also improved. Three possible modes of knowledge production (i.e. interaction between universities and industry) in the national system of innovation can be distinguished: classical relationships, co-operative relationships and transfer sciences. Transfer sciences offer new options for science and technology policy and challenge the more traditional modes of knowledge production.