ENVIRONMENT JUNE 2016 51 The development of technological innovations in this sector is a key factor for resource-effi cient and recycling-oriented management. The Austrian environmental technology industry serves as a future model - creating jobs, strengthening Austria’s competitive position, and contributing to this country’s high living standard in the future. Austria has a lot of know-how in regards to energy effi cient technologies. If they were used widely, they could drastically reduce energy requirements in this sector. Utilising clean energy technologies reduces greenhouse gas emission and supports local structures for energy supply. The transformation and structural changes of the entire energy system provide a vast fi eld to apply the corresponding technologies. Austrian suppliers of environmental technologies can benefi t from these developments because of their existing technological competences. EXPORTS DRIVE GROWTH Exports are driving the growth of the environmental technology and environmental services industry. In the mid-1990’s, approximately 50% of all sales of Austrian environmental technologies were generated in foreign markets. Today, this share has increased to two thirds. These exports go primarily to the EU’s 15 countries, but the “new” EU states as well as Southeast Asia have also become relevant export markets. Subsidiaries abroad strengthen foreign operations of Austrian companies. Almost every third company from the environmental technology sector has one of those branch offi ces, usually to coordinate sales activities on site. As a result of these consistent foreign operations, approximately 12% of the domestic environmental technology companies hold market leader positions in the EU-15 countries (resulting in a market share of over 30%). Internationally, it amounts to 6% of Austrian companies in this economic sector. Companies providing technologies for environmental monitoring, renewable energy technologies as well as measuring and control technologies have particularly high export quotas. AN INNOVATIVE INDUSTRY Investments in research and development are crucial factors for consistent growth, productivity, and prosperity. The Austrian environmental technology and service industry is characterised by its distinct innovative activities in this sector, par- ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY According to the Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS) concept developed by EUROSTAT, the environmental industry comprises activities to measure, avoid, reduce, limit, or repair environmental damages as well as a focus on preserving national resources and on integrated technologies. This includes environmentally friendly and less environmentally harmful technologies, procedures, and products, which decrease environmental risks and reduce environmental pollution to a minimum.
NEW BUSINESS - EXPORT TODAY 1/2016
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