Good practice:

Softwarepark Hagenberg

Today, Softwarepark Hagenberg is a research, training and business location. Financed by the Upper Austrian provincial government, Hagenberg Castle, located in an economically weak rural region in the middle of the Mühlviertel, was renovated and Softwarepark Hagenberg was founded 30 years ago as a spin-off of JKU. The concept, developed by Prof. Dr. Buchberger, was to create a center of excellence for software and IT, which not only closely links research, companies and education on the subject, but also unites them in this one place. At present, a total of 11 research institutes, 24 training programs and over 75 commercial enterprises are located here. The Softwarepark is distinguished by its state-of-the-art infrastructure, as well as a diverse network of experienced industry experts, young creative people, researchers and students who are eager for knowledge. This synergy in particular is a major part of the recipe for success; as the software park is a place of communication and meeting.

Problem addressed:
• Weak rural region
• Searching for a solution of lack of professionals

How objectives are reached:
• Triangle between research – eduaction - economy
• Networks / cooperation beyond the own ecosystem (companies/stakeholders as well as University of Applied scienes location)

The main stakeholders:
• Entrepreneurs
• Academic community/ Academia (driving force)
• Economy
• Province of Upper Austria / Community / District

- Know-how (professors)
- Researchers (doctoral candidates, PostDocs)
- Financial resources (without risk / liability)

The synergy of research, education and business is a major part of the recipe for success.

- Courage to design / to give free space
- "hip-shot mentality" by the driving forces
- Quick decisions (without perfect information)
- Willigness for risk-taking
- Attractiveness for students: qualified profs, personal caretaking
- 20 Bachelor & Master Degree Programs
- Several PhD Programs
- 11 research institutes
- 75 companies
- around 1,700 students
- around 1,300 employees

- "Culture Crash"
- Infrastructure (attractiveness of living space for students)
- Internationalisation (language barrier, lack of skilled workers)

SWPH is in the middle of nowhere --> impact on attractiveness for students, companies, researchers etc.

- Going to the regions
- Transfer of know-how in companies (holistic)
- Work on attractiveness (permanent)
- Better use of synergies and infrastructure (synergies between research, education and business already works very well)