The Austrian Startup Ecosystem

This bachelor's thesis focuses on analyzing the startup ecosystem in Austria, which plays a key role in fostering innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness. The aim of the thesis is to assess the current state of this ecosystem, identify the main factors shaping it, and map the opportunities and challenges faced by startups. The theoretical part defines the concepts of innovation and innovation policy, laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of the practical functioning of the startup environment. The practical part analyzes the Austrian ecosystem from the perspective of regional distribution, sectoral focus, links to academia, access to funding, and institutional support. The research is based on qualitative analysis of secondary data, particularly international reports (e.g., OECD, Austrian Startup Monitor), academic literature, and statistics. Special attention is given to the role of public policy and infrastructural aspects that significantly influence the dynamics of the startup environment. The thesis not only provides a descriptive overview but also offers a critical reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of Austria’s approach to startup support, thereby contributing to a better understanding of how a startup ecosystem functions within the context of a smaller European economy.