Styria plans 10 to 15 regional economic flagship projects

Styria plans to support 10 to 15 economic flagship projects focused on regional strengths, ORF reported. Regional economic affairs councillor Willibald Ehrenhöfer presented the plans in Graz on Wednesday, saying targeted specialisation would help secure prosperity in the long term.

The proposals follow an analysis by economist Christian Helmenstein, conducted with input from regional stakeholders to identify and develop local strengths. The analysis found that around half of Styria’s economic output is generated in just 12 cities and municipalities. Graz and its surrounding central region stand out, while Schladming has built strong economic value around tourism.

Helmenstein said the goal was to encourage proactive structural change by supporting specialisations in different regions, rather than applying one strategy across the whole state. Each district capital should be able to develop a distinct economic profile. Styria expects to invest between five and 10 million euros a year, and also plans to seek federal and EU funding.

One proposal would establish an “Advanced Materials Valley North” between Kapfenberg and Zeltweg in Upper Styria, bringing companies and researchers together around materials, production and industrial technologies. The plans include supporting the heavy industry transition through low-carbon energy, hydrogen pilot projects and the use of industrial waste heat, as well as helping major companies diversify into areas such as materials, mechatronics and polymers.

The area around the new West Styria railway station could become a model region for automated mobility. The “Roberta” pilot project is already operating there, and Styria plans to apply for federal funding to develop the model region. The station, which is also a gateway to the Koralmtunnel, has capacity for new businesses, according to the plans.

In eastern Styria, known as the “Garden of Austria”, Ehrenhöfer wants to strengthen the Styrian Food Hub. Its centrepiece would be a Functional Food Factory, providing research and innovation infrastructure for food producers. The plans also include expanding the Wood Vision Lab in Weiz, which aims to promote industrial uses for wood, and the AIRlabs drone innovation laboratory at FH Joanneum, a university of applied sciences. One focus for AIRlabs would be developing drone-supported disaster response.

Tags: Styria, regional development, economy