Several cities in Austria are allowed to bear the status of “Pionierstädte”. The BMK supports the necessary capacity and competence development in the cities within the framework of public-public cooperation (ÖÖK) with two million euros per pioneering city. In addition, customized funding formats are being developed in the areas of research, technology and innovation.

Targeted measures also promote the national and international transfer of knowledge in order to ensure an optimal joint learning process. This enables other Austrian cities to benefit from the know-how and findings of the pioneers and to adopt successful strategies and activities.

In the coming years, the first climate-neutral urban districts are to be created, characterized by a high quality of life, renewable energy supply, attractive mobility options, good infrastructure, sufficient green and open spaces as well as participation and good social interaction. The BMK’s “Climate Neutral City” mission, in cooperation with the Climate and Energy Fund, supports Austrian cities in quickly becoming climate neutral through research and development. Pioneering cities are leading the way, developing practical solutions for the energy and mobility transition and the circular economy and implementing them quickly.

Comprehensive research activities and accompanying measures pave the way for the climate-friendly development of cities. This leads to a better quality of life, health, safe care and social cohesion for city dwellers. The mission is supported by AustriaTech – the federal government’s association for technology policy measures, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), the Austrian Society for Environment and Technology (ÖGUT) and the Salzburg Institute for Spatial Planning and Housing (SIR).

For more information, click here.