Asia
In response to the dynamic development in recent decades, Asian countries are now among the most innovative and research-strong nations globally. For this reason, the BMBWF conducts bi- and multilateral funding programmes with China, India and the Republic of Korea in order to foster and expand research collaboration. The OeAD facilitates international cooperation with these countries through Scientific and Technological Cooperation (S&T Cooperation) based on state treaties or Memoranda of Understanding.
China
China is striving for a global leadership role through substantial investments and national as well as international funding programmes. Collaboration with China is therefore of particular importance. In addition to a wide range of direct cooperative relationships between Austrian and Chinese universities, higher education institutions, and research organisations, such as the Austrian Academies of Sciences, the BMBWF is implementing a bilateral funding programme with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People’s Republic of China to further expand research cooperation. Based on the State Treaty on Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed in 1984, the BMBWF and MOST have been jointly funding collaboration between researchers from both countries in joint projects for 40 years.
The OeAD Cooperation Office in Shanghai advises, promotes, and supports the expansion of cooperation in education, science and research between China and Austria, and the internationalization of Austrian universities and research institutions through local expertise and high-level contacts.
India
In recent years, Indian universities and research institutions have moved to top positions in international rankings, underscoring the increasingly important role India plays in science and research. In response to this development, the BMBWF is taking a strategic approach to intensify bilateral and multilateral cooperation on research.
The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Austria and the Government of the Republic of India on Scientific & Technological Co-operation, signed in 2007, aims to help Austrian researchers to build contacts and project partnerships with Indian research institutions. Under this agreement, the two countries draw up multi-annual work programmes to set joint research priorities and conduct calls for proposals on bilateral research projects.
Republic of Korea
South Korea is one of the world’s leading nations in research and innovation. The basis for expanding bilateral research cooperation with South Korea is a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Science and ICT. This agreement enables regular calls for proposals for bilateral cooperation projects, jointly funded by the BMBWF and the Ministry of Science and ICT.