The past and the future: Austria facing a new stage of RTD co‐operation with its neighbours
Abstract In comparison with other countries, and considering its size, Austria spends a significant amount of funds on RTD co‐operation with its neighbouring countries to the East. This eastward orientation is not specific to the science and research collaboration field, but a more general characteristic of the Austrian policy framework and political culture, with strong historical roots. The research collaboration between Austria and its neighbours builds upon a long‐standing tradition, having obtained a strong impulse in the first years of transformation in the CEECs, through the establishment of (bilateral) research programmes.