leadingnetwork

Georg Knill

Presidents of the Austrian industrialist‘s union

Bringing Excellence to the Forefront. In many sectors Austrian enterprises are among the best in the world.

In relation to our population size, we have the most so-called ‚hidden champions‘ worldwide-companies that are among the global market leaders in their respective industries, regardless of their size. This is something we can be proud of and we should, indeed, show it by rewarding outstanding achievements accordingly. It is, therefore, all the more gratifying that this has been happening for many years through the leadingnetwork. And right now, in the midst of the biggest economic challenge in decades, Austrian enterprises have shown that they are capable of excellence even under the most adverse conditions, and thus keep the country going. For this, we must also show our appreciation.

Just as the companies honoured with the leadingnetwork are among the best, Austria as a business location must also be among the global leaders. Digitalisation, technology, research and development are the key themes on the path to it- a modern digital infrastructure, appropriate conditions for investment, as well as the best and most creative employees for Austria’s innovative companies, are essential. Leadingnetwork, as a network, connects these enterprises, brings their services to the forefront and spurs them on to further excellence through healthy competition. And that is what makes a business location sustainably successful. So let’s honour outstanding achievements, because they deserve it; but let’s not forget to prepare the ground for them too.

Harald Mahrer

Presidents of the Austrian chamber of commerce

Located at the heart of Europe, Austria is one of the most internationalized countries in the world and a gateway between the East and the West.

We create one out of two jobs and earn six out of every ten euros in the export business.

And although the coronavirus pandemic has had a strong impact on the Austrian economy, it also highlighted the resilience of our business location. We therefore expect an increasing attractiveness of Austria as a destination for foreign direct investments after the crisis.

Austrian companies, too, are very flexible: They swiftly adapt their supply chains, establish new sourcing sites, set up new production facilities or diversify their product portfolios. Our ‘Advantage Austria’ network with offices in over 100 countries around the globe is well positioned to support our companies in their efforts. Moreover, they stand ready to assist foreign companies and stakeholders that are interested in doing business in and with Austria.

Thanks to the Austrian entrepreneurial spirit, our economy is comprised of various industry leaders as well as highly specialized, world-market ‘hidden champions’.

Leadingnetwork is a competition that rewards large, medium and small enterprises alike. The prize puts the most successful Austrian companies in the limelight and showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of Austrian businesses.