A summer night concert with a location discussion

“We have been purchasing energy in Europe for decades. It came reliably, it came cheaply. But what happens if the supplier has other plans? In 2022 we got the answer. We have learned what dependence costs when it becomes severe. My concern is a bit that we are making the same mistake a second time. This time in the digital space.” Opened with these thoughts Alexander PröllState Secretary for Digitalization, held a reception on Thursday evening on the topic of “Location and AI: What makes medium-sized businesses now fit for the future”.

Raiffeisen Continuum, represented by the managing directors Karin Anzola and Boris Pelikaninvited people to the apothecary wing of Schönbrunn Palace in advance of the Vienna Philharmonic’s summer night concert (preview). 300 guests from business, industry and law accepted the invitation. The focus of the event was the uncomfortable question of whether Austria and Europe want to remain dependent on the USA and China when it comes to AI – or whether Austria itself is brave enough to help shape the future.

Thomas ArnoldnerDeputy CEO of A1 Telekom and co-chair of the AI ​​task force of the Industrial Association, said during the panel discussion: “If we want, we can make a difference in Austria and Europe. The only question is, how much do we actually want that when it comes to digital sovereignty?” His thesis: Austria has to want. On the one hand, to gain more independence, and on the other hand, to promote the business and industrial location.

What the current situation is is analyzed Gunter DeuberHead of Raiffeisen Research. When asked how great the danger of deindustrialization is, he says clearly: “We sometimes talk a little too badly about ourselves in Austria.” The media discourse on deindustrialization would not capture the numbers correctly. The share of industry has fallen in recent years, but only in nominal economic terms because industry has not increased prices as much as the state or the service sector. Calculated in real terms, the added value in the industry has increased. “We are doing better in Austria than the overall European average,” says Deuber, who nevertheless warns: “There are topics where we in Europe and especially in the DACH region have to be careful not to lose touch.”

“I believe that Austria has a lot of catching up to do, especially the SMEs,” says Boris Pelikan when it comes to AI. However, he admits that many Austrian companies are currently struggling with other challenges. “A nationwide initiative is needed to help companies move forward,” he demands. Lawyer Katharina Körber-Risak in turn sees great potential in the use of AI – for companies and the rule of law. “We live in times that are becoming increasingly complex when it comes to the legal framework. AI will hopefully be a significant game changer in reducing the level of complexity and the effort for companies.”