Austria remains an attractive market for Swedish companies thanks to its strong industrial base, skilled workforce, high levels of personal safety, and strategic location in Central Europe. As a regional hub with close links to neighbouring markets, Austria continues to offer opportunities across sectors such as industrial equipment, automotive, healthcare, life sciences, technology, and professional services.
At the same time, companies report a more demanding operating environment. Inflation, administrative procedures, regulatory complexity, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to impact competitiveness and investment decisions. Customers are also becoming increasingly price-sensitive, contributing to more cautious purchasing behaviour and delayed investments.
Cooperation between Sweden and Austria remains strong across several sectors, particularly within industrial solutions, electrification, sustainability, mobility, life sciences, and advanced technologies. Austrian demand for innovation, quality, and sustainable solutions continues to create opportunities for Swedish companies.
Competitiveness in Austria is closely linked to sales competence, cost efficiency, brand awareness, and strong local relationships. The Swedish brand continues to be associated with innovation, sustainability, trust, and quality.
Austria is widely regarded as a stable and business-friendly market with strong infrastructure and reliable institutions. However, companies also point to administrative burdens, regulatory complexity, and cost pressures as ongoing challenges.
Want to read a full overview of the survey results with detailed analysis? Download the report today.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
To assess the opportunities and challenges faced by Swedish companies in international markets, Team Sweden conducts annual Business Climate Surveys across multiple markets worldwide. This year’s survey in Austria includes responses from 59 Swedish companies operating in the country. Industrial companies represent a significant share of respondents, while professional services and consumer companies also make up a considerable share. The majority of respondents have been active in Austria for more than five years.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all participating companies and respondents who contributed to this report. Team Sweden in Austria hopes that the findings will serve as a basis for continued dialogue with Austrian authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
