Political upsets and lack of dynamism drive doubts in AustriaThe country’s image has been harmed by electoral turmoil and the need for reformAustrian foreign minister Sebastian Kurz on migrants and far rightInterview: ‘We are open to world’ despite reversal on refugeesIs Brand Austria a marketing asset or liability?Companies find a strong national image can be both a ‘model and a corset’Austria’s apparent affluence disguises underlying economic strainsHigh labour taxes, public spending and deficit policy are being questionedMigrant crisis raises questions about Austria’s place in the worldInflux of refugees caused tensions with neighbours and at homeAustria’s rail system ‘like a heart that pumps heat around Europe’Operator ÖBB’s grand claim reflects network’s central role, influence but high costMore from this Special ReportWhy Austria’s ‘hidden champion’ companies need supportPoliticians must act to back niche manufacturers, says industry federation chiefMetals specialist Berndorf shines light on Austria’s hidden strengthA well-educated, versatile workforce can outweigh other problemsAustria’s sights move beyond the European marketsNeighbours make natural trading partners but some businesses look further afieldHeinz Fischer: strong defender of consensual approachThe Austrian president admits some reforms have been too slow but the country is on the right economic trackAustria’s teaching system under intense pressure to achieveThe state spends more per student than most European peers yet quality is a serious concernInnovative tolling technology offers a new route to successSpending big on research and development is paying dividends for the family-owned Kapsch groupAustria’s R&D spending has risen but reform agenda fails to biteBusiness red tape, frequent legal changes and high taxes take their tollPressure soars with the rise of the far right in AustriaEconomic reform and the refugee crisis have led to social disquietAustrian banks have ridden a rollercoaster in recent yearsAustria’s economy is among Europe’s most stable. Life as a banker is not quite the same
Political upsets and lack of dynamism drive doubts in AustriaThe country’s image has been harmed by electoral turmoil and the need for reformAustrian foreign minister Sebastian Kurz on migrants and far rightInterview: ‘We are open to world’ despite reversal on refugeesIs Brand Austria a marketing asset or liability?Companies find a strong national image can be both a ‘model and a corset’Austria’s apparent affluence disguises underlying economic strainsHigh labour taxes, public spending and deficit policy are being questionedMigrant crisis raises questions about Austria’s place in the worldInflux of refugees caused tensions with neighbours and at homeAustria’s rail system ‘like a heart that pumps heat around Europe’Operator ÖBB’s grand claim reflects network’s central role, influence but high costMore from this Special ReportWhy Austria’s ‘hidden champion’ companies need supportPoliticians must act to back niche manufacturers, says industry federation chiefMetals specialist Berndorf shines light on Austria’s hidden strengthA well-educated, versatile workforce can outweigh other problemsAustria’s sights move beyond the European marketsNeighbours make natural trading partners but some businesses look further afieldHeinz Fischer: strong defender of consensual approachThe Austrian president admits some reforms have been too slow but the country is on the right economic trackAustria’s teaching system under intense pressure to achieveThe state spends more per student than most European peers yet quality is a serious concernInnovative tolling technology offers a new route to successSpending big on research and development is paying dividends for the family-owned Kapsch groupAustria’s R&D spending has risen but reform agenda fails to biteBusiness red tape, frequent legal changes and high taxes take their tollPressure soars with the rise of the far right in AustriaEconomic reform and the refugee crisis have led to social disquietAustrian banks have ridden a rollercoaster in recent yearsAustria’s economy is among Europe’s most stable. Life as a banker is not quite the same
