Since 1996 a number of initiatives have been developed in order to stimulate investment markets and to mobilise venture and risk capital towards innovation. An SME market has been set up in Vienna, but it is still small and so far only has two companies listed. The availability of highly qualified and well-trained human resources is one of Austria's most substantial locational advantages. However, the share of researchers and of science graduates of university education in the labour force is too low. European programmes have been very valuable in building up Austria's human resource base.
Enlargement is without a doubt a crucial development for Austria.
Despite worries about migration and jobs, the traditional links we have will enable us to build beneficial co-operation in research and in business. Austria itself joined in the EU's RTD programmes in the run-up to full membership, and our experience will be useful to future members.