Report 11 Sep 2025

Manufacturing - InSight Analysis - Austria

The Austrian manufacturing market is navigating a period of transformation shaped by economic headwinds, global trade disruptions, and accelerated digitalization. Despite recessionary pressures and Germany’s automotive slowdown, Austria’s industrial base, driven by SMEs in mechanical engineering, steel construction, chemicals, automotive, electrical and electronics, as well as the wood and paper industries, continues to be a vital engine of innovation and export growth.

Economic Context

Manufacturing contributes over 40% of Austria’s commercial output and employs more than one million workers. Yet, six consecutive quarters of GDP decline, rising costs, and supply chain disruptions have pressured firms to cut costs, restructure, and invest in resilience.

Key Market Trends

  • ERP modernization with SAP S/4HANA is a top priority.
  • Cloud strategies are shifting toward hybrid and sovereign models.
  • AI and GenAI are enhancing quality control, predictive maintenance, and supply chain optimization.
  • Cybersecurity investments are rising to meet EU regulations like NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act.
  • Industrial IoT and smart factories are driving efficiency and new business models.

Opportunities & Risks

While the Austrian manufacturing market faces competitive pressure from China and global trade fragmentation, opportunities exist in automation, digital twins, robotics, and predictive analytics. SMEs, in particular, can unlock growth through scalable, modular IT solutions.