Download Cross-border Cooperation Austria - Hungary 2014

Cross-border Cooperation Austria - Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis and SWOT
DRAFT - 25.06.2013
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Index
1. The Austrian-Hungarian Border Region .................................................................... 4 1.1 Programme Area and Regional Structure ............................................................ 4 1.2 Regional Analysis ........................................................................................ 5 1.2.1 Basic Description/Demography ................................................................. 5 1.2.2 Economy and Labour Market .................................................................... 7 1.2.3 Education, Research and Development ...................................................... 13 1.2.4 Environment and Energy ....................................................................... 18 1.2.5 Infrastructure and Mobility .................................................................... 21 1.2.6 Tourism and Leisure ............................................................................ 28 1.2.7 Social Services and Health Care .............................................................. 29 1.3 SWOT Analysis ......................................................................................... 33 3
ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
1.
THE AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BORDER REGION
1.1
PROGRAMME AREA AND REGIONAL STRUCTURE
Regional Analysis/SWOT
The Austrian - Hungarian border region fulfills an important bridge-building function between
Western and Eastern Europe and stretches along a main corridor between the Baltic and Adriatic
Seas. This excellent geographic location has contributed to an above average economic growth in
recent years.
Map 1 : General Map
The programme area consists of eleven NUTS3 regions in Eastern and Southern Austria, as well as
Western Hungary. It covers the Austrian NUTS 3 regions Nordburgenland, Mittelburgenland and
Südburgenland, Niederösterreich Süd, Wiener Umland/Südteil, Wien, Graz and Oststeiermark and
the Hungarian NUTS3 regions Győr-Moson-Sopron, Vas and Zala, which, in combination, form the
NUTS2 region Western Transdanubia.
The region shows clearly visible regional disparities: north-south, west-east, urban agglomerations
and structurally weak rural areas. For that it is difficult to make general statements. Thus finding a
joint cooperation base like common interests or similar problems over the border might appear
more challenging due to the different level of development by the individual regions.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
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The core programme area remained in large part the same as in the period 2007 – 2013, with the
addition of the metropolitan area of Graz being the only exception. Graz is an important transport
hub and impulse centre in the southern part of the programme region.
1.2
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
1.2.1
BASIC DESCRIPTION/DEMOGRAPHY
The region consists of approximately 4.2 Mio inhabitants within an area of 25.141 km². The Austrian
regions represent 76,5% of the population on 55% of the area, and the Hungarian regions 23,5% of
the population on 45,1% of the area.
Table 1: Demographic main indicators of the region
Nuts
Mittelburgenland
population
population density 2011
population
2011 (as of (inhabitants/
area (km²) 2001 (census) january 1) km²)
population
development
2001-2011 in
%
percentage
of regional
population
2011
population
population
forecast 2010forecast 2030 2030 %
700,8
38.096
37.522
54
-1,5%
0,9%
38.007
1,3%
Nordburgenland
1.790,7
140.976
149.690
84
6,2%
3,5%
168.423
12,5%
Südburgenland
1.472,0
98.497
97.685
66
-0,8%
2,3%
99.546
1,9%
Niederösterreich-Süd
3.374,1
246.144
253.055
75
2,8%
6,0%
276.667
9,3%
Wiener Umland/Südteil
1.475,8
293.335
319.066
216
8,8%
7,5%
381.188
19,5%
Wien
414,7
1.550.123
1.714.142
4.134
10,6%
40,5%
1.901.723
10,9%
Graz
1.230,4
357.548
404.093
328
13,0%
9,5%
454.837
12,6%
Oststeiermark
3.354,0
268.054
267.010
80
-0,4%
6,3%
271.117
1,5%
Győr-Moson-Sopron
4.208,0
434.209
449.967
107
3,6%
10,6%
n.a.
n.a.
Vas
3.337,0
269.149
257.688
77
-4,3%
6,1%
n.a.
n.a.
Zala
3.784,0
300.496
287.043
76
-4,5%
6,8%
n.a.
n.a.
25.141,4
3.996.627
4.236.961
169
6,0%
whole region
Source: Eurostat, Statistik Austria, Hungarian Statistical Office
While Győr-Moson-Sopron contributes the greatest area to the project region, the highest
population is concentrated in Wien. Over the last 10 years population development shows two main
trends facing the region; Peripheral areas have to deal with population stagnation and decrease,
while urban areas and their surroundings like Wien and Graz encounter a strong population
increase. The region also shows distinct north-south-divide. Wien and its surroundings grew over
the last decade (overall due to migration from other parts of the programme region and from
outside), the regions of Südburgenland and Oststeiermark stagnated, and the Hungarian regions Vas
and Zala lost over 4% of their population. Only Graz and its urban hinterland positively differ from
this trend in the south.
The population forecast for 2030 predicts a growing population for all Austrian regions, but with
large regional disparities.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Map 2: Population development 2001-2011
The region is characterized by a mix of ethnic groups on both sides of the border.
The differences in population growth North-South have been historically less significant than East–
West differences and that remains the case today – creating difficulties for efforts to strengthen
regional economic cohesion.
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Map 3: Urban System
The region consists of a broad variety of urban agglomerations, small- and medium-sized towns and
several rural communalities. Due to topography, the Austrian agglomerations are concentrated in a
few core areas like Wien and Graz, while in Hungary the urban fabric is more evenly spread.
The largest cities1 in the region are Wien (1,7 Mio. inhabitants), Graz (265.318), Győr (131.267),
Szombathely (79.590), Zalaegerszeg (61.970), Sopron (60.755), Nagykanizsa (49.850), Wiener
Neustadt (41.537), Mosonmagyaróvár (32.493) and Baden (25.142).
1.2.1.1 Conclusions
Urban areas are becoming continuously more attractive to inhabitants due to pull-factors such as
working places, good infrastructure, better access to social services and health care as well as
many educational opportunities. The demographic trends in the north have positive effects for the
labour market and generate demand for higher level of services (eg. higher education, health and
wellness, spas) and for quality products (eg. organic food products).
At the same time, the southern region (aside from Graz) is faced with a decreasing population and
emigration. The trend of an ever ageing population threatens to accelerate this phenomena.
1.2.2
ECONOMY AND LABOUR MARKET
Combined, the northern regions comprise one of the strongest economic regions of Europe. In
comparison, the region of Mittelburgenland, as well as the Hungarian counties achieve less than
75% of the European average. Especially sharp differences can be observed between the Austrian
regions Wien, Wiener Umland and Graz on one hand and the Hungarian counties of Zala and Vas on
the other hand. Additionally, the negative impact of the economic crises was considerably larger on
the Hungarian side of the border region than the Austrian side.
Map 4: GDP per capita (PPS) and Gross value added at basic prices in Mio€/per sector (2009)
1
Source: Statistik Austria, 2012; Központi statisztikai hivatal, 2011.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Table 2: GDP per capita and GVA
Mittelburgenland
Nordburgenland
Südburgenland
Niederösterreich-Süd
Wiener Umland/Südteil
Wien
Graz
Oststeiermark
Győr-Moson-Sopron
Vas
Zala
Source: Eurostat
GDP per capita
Gross value added at basic prices
(PPS) in % of EU-27 2008 (Million 2009 (Million 2010 (Million 2008/2010
average, 2010
EUR)
EUR)
EUR)
(%)
73
679
676
664
-2,2%
95
3267
3277
3434
5,1%
79
1786
1769
1879
5,2%
92
5590
5390
5654
1,1%
152
11559
11281
11736
1,5%
165
66814
65546
68288
2,2%
143
13993
13577
13995
0,0%
91
5530
5472
5871
6,2%
77
4518
3701
4368
-3,3%
56
2032
1649
1808
-11,0%
54
2168
1838
1948
-10,1%
The general trend of the changing structure of the economy has been similar to all developed
economies over the last decades: a decrease in the share of the primary sector (dominantly the
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis/SWOT
agriculture in the border region), generally a decreasing employment trend in the secondary sector,
and fast growth in the tertiary sector.
However, the Austrian-Hungarian border region is not homogenous in this respect and shows
obvious regional disparities. In the regions with highest per capita GDP – Wien and Wiener Umland
Südteil – agriculture has a very minor role in employment (below 2%) but services have a dominant
position (above 70%). Graz’s the share of agriculture is (to a lesser extent) also characteristically
low (3,1%) while having a high per capita GDP characterized by a high proportion of tertiary sector
employment. By contrast Oststeiermark remained the only area within the Austria-Hungarian
border region where the share of agriculture is still almost 20%. Agriculture and forestry, as well as
downstream industries such as wood- and food-processing play a similarly important role in the
Hungarian border region as in Nord-, Mittelburgenland and Oststeiermark, although the share of the
employment of this sector remains moderate, especially in Győr–Moson-Sopron. A clear shift from
the primary sector to the processing industries (secondary sector) can be observed in the three
Hungarian counties, with higher employment values in this sector than the Austrian regions. The
employment in the tertiary sector remains relatively low in all of the Hungarian counties, however,
the share of this sector in Zala is higher than in the three Austrian regions, situated dominantly in
the southern part of the border region. The relative high share of the services in Zala can be
explained on one hand by the comparatively high unemployment level (10,8%, 2009) that obviously
does not affect the public services and the development of tourism-related services in this
particular county.
The economic importance of primary sector in the Hungarian counties can be explained in part
because the arable lands in Győr-Moson-Sopron belong to the best quality lands in Central Europe
and Zala has the highest forest coverage in Hungary. Also in areas with relatively weaker soil
quality, (Zala county) the soil structure and the balanced climatic conditions provide good
conditions for agriculture, providing also opportunities for a slight increase of employment in this
sector.
Figure 1: Employed persons by sector (AT-2009, HU-2011)
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Regional Analysis/SWOT
Wien has a low share of manufacturing jobs and a high share of high-ranking services jobs within
both the public and private sectors. It is a centre for the banking and insurance industries, as well
as for international organisations and group company headquarters. This economic strength
influences patterns and development trends of the northern part of the border region and has been
supported by highly dynamic surrounding regions (Wiener Umland Südteil, Nordburgenland, GyőrMoson-Sopron).
While economic structures are more diversified in Nordburgenland, the economy in
Mittelburgenland and Südburgenland is concentrated on few industries and locations (textile and
garments industries). The construction industry also accounts for a very high share of jobs. The
benefits of the economic conditions in Nordburgenland are based largely on location factors that
result from the region’s vicinity to the central space of Wien. The largest enterprises in the region
belong to the food and beverages industry, metal-working and wood processing industries.
Characteristic for Burgenland is that, on average, the enterprises within each of these three
industries employ less than 20 workers each.
A typical feature of the NUTS III regions of Niederösterreich is the high share of employment in the
service sector (Wiener Umland Südteil) and the high share of industries and services
(Niederösterreich-Süd). Oststeiermark has a very high share of employment in agriculture and
processing and marketing of agricultural products. Besides that innovative forms of energy
production and environmental friendly technologies are beginning to play a growing role in the
economics make-up of the region.
The Hungarian side of the border region experienced a relatively fast structural change in the past
20 years. The weight of agriculture has decreased dramatically and the share of processing – mainly
manufacturing – industries increased. The structural change of the economy was led in large part by
foreign direct investments (FDI). The major factor to attract FDI was access to skilled and relatively
cheap labour. The export oriented industries – especially machinery and related sectors –showed
the most dynamic development. The new investments have created the largest vehicle and car
components industry in Hungary. The automobile industry continues to have a growing presence in
Hungary: Audi is set to launch a new assembly plant in Győr and the larger manufacturing
enterprises working in the automobile industry in Szombahely-Zalaegereszeg-Szentgotthard triangle
are planning a partnership based development programme in order to increase their activity in the
border region. The growth and development of manufacturing sector in Győr-Moson-Sopron has
continued steadily, while from 2005 the GVA of this sector was decreased in the other two
Hungarian counties. Due to the the weak local embeddedness and the price sensitivity of the newly
settled companies, the economic structure has remained fragile in Vas and Zala and was thus
heavily affected by the economic downturn of 2008.
One key driver of sector oriented economic development is the industry clusters. Altogether there
are 38 clusters covering a wide range of economics activities operating in the border region. The
clusters are key players in spurring economic development and innovation through cross-border cooperation. The key professional areas of the clusters are: automotive and mechatronic, IT
development, (renewable) energy, logistics, wood processing, local products and wellbeing –
thermal spa tourism.
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Table 3: Clusters in the border region
Cluster
Bau.Energie.Umwelt
NiederKunststoff (in Cooperation
österreich with Upper Austria)
Lebensmittel
Life Science Austria
Wien
Vienna
IT-Cluster Wien
Kunststoff-Cluster
Burgenland
Burgenland
ACstyria Autocluster
Bionanonet
Creative Industries Styria
Steiermark ECO WORLD STYRIA
Umwelttechnik Cluster
Holzcluster Steiermark
Hungarian
Györ-Moson- Furnitureindustrie Cluster
Sopron
Pannon Automotive
Cluster
West Pannone Ökocluster
Partners
221
86 (Lower
Austria)
88
Cluster
Logistik
Mechatronik
Partners
107
72 (Lower
Austria)
n/a
Mobilitätscluster Wien
88
274
Umweltcluster Wien
70
17
ICT Burgenland
31
Human.technology Styria
Materials Cluster Styria
TECHFORTASTE.NET
76
n/a
9
Nanonet-Styria
28
over 180
30
n/a
170
over 150
Verein Netzwerk Logistik
SÜD
over 330 (AT)
22
Sopron Region IT Cluster
26
99
Sopron Region Logistic
Cluster
42
32
Pannon Textile Cluster
23
PanEnerg (Pannon
Renewable Energy
22
Pannon Thermal Cluster
Vas
Cluster)
Pannon Local Product
13
Knowledge clasterr
Cluster
Pannon Logistics Cluster
31
West-Transdanubian
Pannon Wood and
25
Pellets Claster
Furniture
Zala
Pannon Mechatronics
43
Cluster
Source: http://www.clustercollaboration.eu/; www.ecoplus.at, http://www.sfg.at;
http://www.vite.at/overview/de/; http://www.lifescienceaustria.at/
20
40
137
1.2.2.1 Employment
There is a significant difference between the Austrian and the Hungarian side of the border region
regarding employment rates. The employment rates in the Austrian part of the border region are
above the European average by 3-9% while the West- Transdanubia region is below the European
average by 4%.
In national comparison, employment rates of the Hungarian counties are characteristically above
the Hungarian national average (+4% in age group over 15), while the values of the Austrian regions
remain slightly (- 1 - 3%) below the Austrian national average.
Especially the employment rate of women in West-Transdanubia (consists of Győr-Moson-Sopron,
Vas and Zala) is 4% below the EU 27 average. However, the female employment rate is particularly
high in Steiermark and Niederösterreich at 9% above EU 27 average. The employment rate of the
55-64-aged generally is significantly below EU-average in the entire programme region.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
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Table 4: Total employment and employment rates, 2011
Wien
Burgenland
Niederösterreich
Steiermark
Nyugat-Dunántúl
Austria
Hungary
EU 27
Source: Eurostat
Employment
rate (15-64)
2012
67,8
70,2
73,5
72,4
61,7
72,5
57,2
64,1
Employment
rate (55-64)
2012
44,3
38,2
44,4
39,7
37,3
43,1
36,9
48,9
Females
employment rate
(55-64) 2012
35,3
27,4
35,2
29,7
32,8
34,1
32,2
41,8
The dominant role of Wien in the regional labour market pattern is underlined by high commuter
rates in the surrounding regions. A high percentage of Burgenland’s and Niederösterreich’s labour
force are employed outside their federal states. This trend is not significant in the Hungarian
counties due to their rather evenly spread urban centres that offer work places for the resident
labour force and function as commuter targets for the surrounding municipalities.
1.2.2.2 Unemployment
Unemployment rates differ between the Austrian and Hungarian parts of the region. After the start
of the economic crises the unemployment rate increased especially in the Vas and Zala counties
where unemployment is now above 10%. Zala is the only region with an unemployment rate above
the EU-27 average. Youth unemployment in Wien is above the Austrian average, but in general the
unemployment among the young people in the Hungarian border region is significantly higher (+913%) than in the Austrian territories.
Table 5: Unemployment rate
Unemployment
rate annual
average 2009 in %
Mittelburgenland
Nordburgenland
Südburgenland
Niederösterreich-Süd
Wiener Umland/Südteil
Wien
Graz
Oststeiermark
Győr-Moson-Sopron
Vas
Zala
Source: Eurostat
4,7
3,8
5,8
5,2
4,4
7,5
5,1
3,6
6,3
10,2
10,8
Wien
Burgenland
Niederösterreich
Steiermark
Nyugat-Dunántúl
Austria
Hungary
EU 27
Unemployment
Unemployment
rate annual
rate annual
average men 2012
average 2012 in %
in %
7,9
8,7
4,4
4,2
4,1
4,1
3,2
2,9
7,4
7,4
4,3
4,3
10,9
11,2
10,4
10,4
Unemployment
rate annual
average women
2012 in %
7
no data
4,1
3,7
7,4
4,3
10,6
10,5
Youth
unemployment
(15-24) 2012 in %
17,7
no data
8,1
5,1
20,3
8,7
28,1
22,9
1.2.2.3 Assessment of the cross-border labour market
European integration provides a new framework for cross-border labour market relations. While
many Hungarians work in Austria, official statistics do not indicate a significant number of Austrian
employees on the Hungarian side of the border region.
In Austria, the free movement of labour force was introduced in 2010. The labour market
liberalization had a significant impact on the labour markets of the neighbouring Hungarian
counties. From the introduction of free movement of labour into Austria in late 2010 to March, 2011
the estimated number of Hungarians working in Austria increased from 28,000 to 50,000. Most of
them are commuters. Within Burgenland’s labour market, for example, every fifth employee is
from abroad, most of them Hungarians. Hungarian employment is high in its share also in the other
Austrian regions of the program area. A relatively new migration trend within Hungary has been
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis/SWOT
observed also, in terms of people moving from the less developed eastern regions of Hungary to the
border area in search of better employment.
Table 6: Average labour costs
Austria
Hungary
Source: Eurostat
Labour costs € per h
2011
29
8
Mean
hourly
earnings *
€ per h
2010
14,6
4,6
*enterprises with 10 employees or more
The sectors employing most of the Hungarian commuter workforce are: construction, agriculture,
catering, hospitality, health care and the social sector. A significant proportion of the jobs are
temporary or seasonal. The increased Austrian employment opportunities and the considerable
differences in the wage level brought about a shortage of well-trained labour force in certain
sectors within Hungary (e.g. in tourism-related services, construction or engineering) and put a
constant upward pressure on the wage level in the Hungarian counties. Employment of Austrians in
the Hungarian counties is practically negligible.
Recognizing this trend, labour offices in both countries began to cooperate 15 years ago. Through
this cooperation several innovative joint-projects (e.g labour market pacts) have been implemented
in order to handle the challenges of the labour markets. AT-HU 2007 – 13 OP finances important
projects aimed at continuing to improve the crossborder mobility of the workforce, such as:
• The Jobtour FREE allows for the cross-border comparisons the professions, the training and
qualifications behind. In addition the platform provides information regarding the way of
practicing professions in the two countries as well as regarding the employment of people
from neighboring countries.
• The future of the border region (IGR, Zukunft im Grenzraum) project aims at informing
employees of Burgenland and western Hungarian border area regarding cross-border
employment issues.
• ISA - Integration of underprivileged pupils in the labour market.
1.2.2.4
Conclusions
There is an increasing need for the economic co-operation and network building in the border
regions, especially in the following areas: automotive and mechatronic, IT development,
(renewable) energy, logistic, wood processing, local products and wellbeing –- thermal spa tourism.
Wien plays a dominant role in the structure of the labour market with a high number of commuters
both from Austrian and Hungarian surrounding areas. As the number of the Hungarian workers
working in Austria increases, the border regions will become increasingly at risk of experiencing a
shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors (e.g. in tourism-related and health-related services,
construction or engineering) and put a constant upward pressure on the wage level in the Hungarian
counties. As a consequence, in these counties lack of available skilled workforce has been
identified as one of the most serious obstacles of accelerated development of these sectors. This
will have an especially strong negative impact on the Vas and Zala counties as they struggle against
the high unemployment in which more than the half of the unemployed persons are now considered
to be long-term unemployed (more than 180 days out of the labour market).
1.2.3
EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The prime location for high-quality education and research facilities within the entire AustrianHungarian border region are the cities of Wien and Graz.
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Map 5: Universities in the Austrian-Hungarian border-region
Five universities and three academies of arts are located in Wien, six universities and polytechnics
in Graz. In Hungary, two universities have the head offices and the central campuses in the region:
the Széchenyi István Egyetem in Győr and the Nyugat-Magyarországi Egyetem in Szombathely and
Sopron. Further university faculties are located in Mosonmagyaróvár and Keszthely. Universities of
applied sciences are located in Wiener Neustadt, Eisenstadt, Pinkafeld, Stadtschlaining and
Szombathely. Additional higher education units work in the larger cities Nagykanizsa, Zalaegerszeg,
Mödling, Kőszeg and Weiz. The following table shows the connection between the cluster areas in
the region and the faculties of the Universities.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
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Table 7: Clusters and universities
Education at the universities
Key cluster areas
GyőrMosonSopron
Automotive and
mechatronic
IT development
Renewable energy
Logistic
Wood processing
Local products
Wellbeing - thermal
tourism
Source: own collection
Vas
Steier- NiederBurgenmark österreich
land
Zala
Wien
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
The highest proportion of the tertiary educated people is in Wien (26,9%) which provides a good
basis for the higher value added economy. Burgenland and Wien have the highest proportion of
persons who possess only a lower secondary level of education within the region. Compared to the
EU-27 average, the different educational system is clearly visible.
Figure 2: Education 2011
Persons aged 25-64 with education attainment
(%), 2011
lower secondary education
upper secondary education
tertiary education
100%
90%
17,2
15
26,9
17,2
17
66
68,2
26,8
80%
70%
60%
50%
66,2
65,3
55
46,6
40%
30%
20%
19,7
18,1
16,8
14,8
Burgenland
Wien
Niederösterreich
Steiermark
26,6
16,6
Nyugat-Dunántúl
10%
EU-27
0%
Quelle: mecca
Source: mecca
The size of the research and development expenditure shows great differences at Member State
level. According to 2010 Eurostat data R&D spending in terms of % of the GDP was 2,76 in Austria,
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which is almost 40% higher than EU27 average (2,00%), while in Hungary spending was below 60% of
the EU average, staying as low as 1,16%.
Breaking down R&D expenditure by sector, the business enterprise sector in Austria with 1,88%
spending is among the best performing among Member States in this respect (almost 150% of the
1,23% EU 27 average), while Hungary, with 0,69% is clearly in the lower half of the EU 27 Member
States (less than 60% of the EU 27 average). Government spending, however does not show that
sharp of a difference (0,15% for Austria and 0,21% for Hungary). Data for the Higher Education
sector shows that the sector is more active in R&D in Austria (0,72 % GERD), less in Hungary (0,23%
GERD). EU 27 data again indicates that Austrian investment is above average while Hungarian
investment lies below the average (0,49% EU 27).
Austria’s stronger position is also clear in terms of researchers in full time equivalents (FTE):
whereas in Hungary the total number FTE researchers is 21 300, in Austria it is 35 900. The former
constitutes 235, the latter 438 researchers per 100 000 inhabitants.
Figure 3: R&D Expenditures % of GDP 2009
R&D expenditures % of GDP 2009
EU-27
2,02
Nyugat-Dunántúl
0,6
Steiermark
3,9
Burgenland
0,8
Niederösterreich
1,4
Wien
4,0
0,0
1,0
2,0
3,0
4,0
5,0
Source: Eurostat
In the border regions, the total internal R&D expenditures (Eurostat, 2009) show great local
differences too. Wien has a prominent position with gross domestic expenditure on R&D as high as
4,0%, Steiermark follows with a very strong 3,9%, whereas Burgenland stays with a 0,8%, by far the
lowest amount in national comparison, followed by the Hungarian West- Transdanubia region’s
0,6%, which is also the second lowest R&D investment rate in Hungary. R&D capacities in Hungary
are heavily concentrated in the Central Hungary region (the capital area), where almost the half of
the Hungarian research posts are situated.
Number of patent applications (to the EPO) show dramatic differences on the two sides of the
border: while in the West- Transdanubia region, the number of applications per million inhabitants
in 2009 was 5,72 (being the highest in Hungary, including the Central Hungary region!), it was 40 in
Burgenland, 61 in Wien and Niederösterreich and 91 in the Steiermark. The following map shows
the patent applications by NUTS 3 regions, available for 2008:
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Map 6: Number of patent applications (to the EPO), 2008
The relatively good economic performance of the Hungarian border area is very fragile. The results
are based rather on the relative low labour costs then the good innovation performance of the area
which has very low capacities in research and development (R&D) and even this low capacity is
unequally distributed. Total expenditure on R&D is the relatively high in Győr-Moson-Sopron (cca.
35,5 MEUR) and remarkably low in Vas (cca 7,0 MEUR) and Zala (3,6 MEUR!) counties (CSO,
Hungary, 2010). The same tendency is also shown by the number of researchers (CSO, 2012): while
in Győr-Moson-Sopron the number of active research personnel was 1 476, his figure in Vas was 407
and as low as 230 in Zala.
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The expenses for research and development are however also unevenly distributed on the Austrian
side: besides the two cities of outstanding R&D performance (Wien and Graz), especially
remarkable is the low difference between the values of Burgenland and the West-Transdanubia
region, in spite of the considerable differences at the national level.
Over the last decade the region has started to plug the gaps in regional innovation systems. Centres
for innovation and applied research on the Austrian side have been established in Eisenstadt,
Güssing, Jennersdorf, and Wiener Neustadt and on the Hungarian side in Győr, Sopron and
Szombathely. According to the Lisbon strategy, co-operation between the universities and industry
on R&D is evolving. Economic clusters also play an important role In the knowledge transfer
between R&D, innovation and technology centres and the industries.
According to the Innovation Union Innovation Scoreboard, Austria is classified under the “Innovation
Follower” group whereas Hungary is in the group “Moderate Innovator”. In regional terms (Regional
Innovation Scoreboard 2012) the Hungarian counties are in the group of “Modest Innovators” which
is the lowest-ranked category (although in the sub-group with “high” marks), whereas Wien,
Burgenland and Niederösterreich belong to the best performing group (Innovation Leaders) and
Steiermark is an Innovation Follower (second-best group) in the sub-group marked “high”.
1.2.3.1 Conclusions
Education, research and development will play a stronger role in cross border co-operation. In
general a good and diverse supply of education and research & development exists within the whole
region, with a strong dominance of Wien, relatively good performance of Győr in Hungarian
comparison and some gaps in the southern part, that might be filled in by the extension of the
programme area to Graz. The established co-operations will be continued and extended both
among the educational institutions as well as the industry and R&D sectors. Thematic focus of
cooperation on R&D in the area is concentrated on: mechatronics, nature management, renewable
primary products, logistics, eco-mobility and sustainable tourism. Beside the R&D activity, higher
education must be linked to the needs of the key economic branches and clusters.
Networking will be used as a tool to bridge the innovation gap between Austria and Hungary, by
strengthening the cooperation of innovation poles of Wien and Graz with Hungarian institutions and
universities. Special emphasis is placed on strengthening links of the southern parts of the region Zalaegerszeg and Szombathely-based universities and businesses with the innovation pole Graz. This
cooperation is essential for these towns, as they lack critical size both in terms of economy and
inhabitants necessary for becoming attractive agglomerations separately.
1.2.4
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
1.2.4.1 Environment/Protected areas
The region is formed by a broad variety of different landscapes with:
• the Wiener Becken and its edges, e.g. in the West the hilly and mountainous zones of the
Wienerwald and in the East the semi-alpine zones of the Alps - including the eastern
foothills of the Central Alps, e.g. the Leitha Mountains (up to 484 m), the Rosalien and
Sopron mountains (up to 606 m) as well as the Landseer and Kőszeg Mountains
• the Alps with the Schneeberg (Klosterwappen, 2.076 m) as the highest point of the region
• Alpokalja - the ‘fingers’ of the Alps reaching Hungary.
• the hilly lands in Oststeiermark and the Südburgenland and the basin of Graz
• the Danube and its alluvial forests
• the lowlands of the Nordburgenland (the flat of Parndorf, Seewinkel) and the basin of
Oberpullendorf which opens to the Hungarian Small Plain (Kisalföld)
• the Kisalföld between Alps, Carpathians and Bakony
• the hilly lands of the Zala and Vas regions;
The region with the Lake Neusiedl and Lake Balaton, the largest lake of central Europe, offers two
famous steppe lakes with a rich natural and cultural heritage.
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The great variety of ecosystems and the rich natural heritage is responsible for a number of nature
parks and national parks (NP) such as the NP and world heritage site Neusiedler See/Fertő, sensitive
areas, Natura 2000 and protected areas. See the following map for the Natura 2000 Habitats
Directive and Bird directive areas in the region.
Map 7: Natura 2000 network
Together with the richness of cultural heritage and the geologic conditions for spas on both sides of
the border the region offers favourable conditions for environmental forms of sustainable tourism.
Most of the nature and landscape conservation areas are located at a distance from the main
settlement and development areas. A key measure in the field of cross-border nature conservation
was the establishment of the national parks Neusiedler See-Seewinkel and Fertő-Hanság, which
encompasses the South-Eastern shore of Neusiedler See/Fertő, more than half of the lake itself and
the adjacent reeds and meadows. Central Europe’s only steppe-lake national park covers an area of
about 20.000 hectares, 10.000 of them situated in Burgenland. In an effort to protect and develop
cross-border nature parks, two nature reserves – Geschriebenstein-Írottkő and Raab-Őrseg-Goričko –
were established.
In 1993 the national park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel gained international reputation as an IUCN
Category II preserve. Finally in 2001 the cross-border region Neusiedler See/ Fertő were accepted
as a cross-border UNESCO World Heritage Site. A joint management plan has been developed to
foster the sustainable development of the sensitive area. It includes the general vision, short and
medium term objectives and an action plan for landscape protection, protection of cultural assets,
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sustainable agriculture, especially wine culture, townscape and village protection, a new building
culture, sustainable transport, education and public awareness. It was established within a regional
participation process and approved by the regional and national authorities as well as the UNESCO
in 2003/2004.
The ongoing project PaNaNet supports the networking of nature parks in Burgenland and Western
Pannonia and shall foster environmental tourism in the regions.
1.2.4.2 Energy
The following diagram shows the gross final energy consumption by energy sources in 2010:
Figure 4: Gross final energy consumption by energy sources in 2010
Renewable Energy has become a main focus of Austrian climate policy within the last years.
If measured on the entire end use consumption, Austria (in 2011) provided for nearly 30% of its
total energy needs with renewable energy sources. It ranks high in renewable energy production
mainly due to its high share in hydropower, wind power and biomass and was among the four EU
countries with the highest share of energy from renewable sources in gross final energy
consumption. By sector, this means 65% renewable electricity (mainly out of water and wind
power), 46% renewable heat (mainly from biomass and some heat pumps, solar thermal and
geothermal units), but only 7% of renewable fuels at the transport sector.2
Burgenland in the electricity sector will be energy self-sufficient within 2013; it is the aim of the
federal state to get a 55% share of total energy by renewables by 2020 and total autonomy by 2050.
Niederösterreich shall become energy self-sufficient in the sector of electricity by 2015 and a 50%
share of renewables regarding total energy by 2020.
Whereas several improvements and savings in the sectors of households and the industry show the
importance of fostering renewable energy and energy efficiency, the opposite trend in the
transport sector will be an important challenge for the next years.
In Austria, nearly 100 model regions have been built to foster energy autonomy, most of them
funded by the Climate and Energy Fund of the federal government. Climate and Energy Model
Regions are key instruments to reach the Austrian Government’s target of becoming energy selfsufficient by 2050. A large network of well-established, interlinked and coordinated model regions
is a suitable approach for this target. There is a strong focus of the regions in Niederösterreich and
Steiermark.3
2
3
Source: Statistik Austria, 2012.
Source: http://www.klimaundenergiemodellregionen.at
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Lighthouseprojects like the European Center for Renewable Energy Güssing (EEE) with the “Model
Güssing” in Burgenland have gained an excellent international reputation in the fields of research
and development and project management concerning renewable energy projects.
In Hungary, fossil fuels and nuclear energy play a dominant role in the energy sector. Though
renewable energies saw significant growth during the last years, they have still only achieved about
8% of the gross final energy consumption. West- Transdanubia has good potential regarding wind
power, geothermal energy and agricultural biomass.
CO2-emissions use per capita in Austria is higher (8.306 kg/cap in 2009) compared to 5.101 kg/cap
in HU The same trend exists for energy use with Austria consumeing 4.127 kgoe/cap compared to
2.598 kgoe/cap in Hungary. Both countries import about 60% of their energy needs. The energy
intensity is higher in Hungary.4
The cross-border Energy Strategy PANnonia – ESPAN set itself the aim of dealing in multiple ways
with the sector of the sustainable development of energy at regional, communal and private level
within the bilateral and interregional collaboration of Austrian and Hungarian regions. A long-term
objective will be the effort aimed at a full independence from imported (namely fossil) energies.
1.2.4.3
Conclusions
The high ecological awareness in Austria and the increasing interest in Hungary will continue to
play an important role for cross-border cooperation in the fields of environment protection and
renewable energy. Know-how-transfer and institutional cooperation will be facilitated through
existing networks in those topics.
While Austria has more experience in the fields of environmental protection and renewable energy,
Hungary has enormous agricultural potential. Both countries have experience in common nature
management.
1.2.5
INFRASTRUCTURE AND MOBILITY
The condition of international and intraregional transport networks varies widely within the region.
The northern part (Wien-Győr) is easily accessible by all means of transport. The southern part
faces comparative disadvantages in terms of accessibility. The improvement of connections is a key
factor to foster economic coherence. This should be accompanied by an increasing concentration
on sustainable forms of mobility.
1.2.5.1 Road Transport
The northern area (Wien, Wiener Umland Südteil, Nordburgenland and Győr region) has a dense
high-grade road network (Austria: A2, A3, A4, A6, S1, S4, S31; Hungary: M1, M15. Austria has one of
the densest motorway systems in the EU, serving also rural areas.
There are distinctive regional disparities regarding motorization in the region: Wien (394 cars/1.000
inhabitants)5, having had the highest motorization in Austria in the 1970s, today due to an excellent
public transport has the lowest, while Burgenland (599), Niederösterreich (592) and Steiermark
(550) are among the highest motorized regions in Austria and the EU. The motorization in Hungary
is significantly below the Austrian and EU average, but the counties Zala (314), Vas (318) and GyőrMoson-Sopron (328) are highly motorized when compared to other Hungarian regions.
On the Hungarian side the traffic has increased significantly due to the emergence of the new
north-south (Baltic-Adriatic) corridor. This new corridor, together with the growing road capacity
problems emphasizes the importance to develop the north-south axis within the West Pannon
Region (M9). The two northern branches of this axis, the first one on the Bratislava-CsornaSzombathely line and the other one through Wien-Sopron-Bük-Szombathely are meeting at
Szombathely; the first links the Baltic and Adriatic area, while the second one heading via
Zalaegerszeg and Nagykanizsa toward Zagreb acts as a new nodal and distribution point towards the
Balkans.
4
5
Source: Eurostat; Actuality: 2009
Source: Statistik Austria, 2011; Hungarian Statistical Office, 2011.
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The M7 motorway in the southern part of the Hungarian project region, finished in the last years, is
an important link between Hungary - Croatia and helped begin to close a gap, that is still visible
between the M4 and M7 motorways. Further work is needed to connect the remaining large parts of
the Hungarian project region with no link to the high rank road system. Several improvements in
the road network in Western Hungary are planned within the next years. Another focus is the
reactivation of road connections for the local border traffic.
Expansion projects concerning the programme area (road transport until 20306):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
S7 A2-Hungarian border: new construction
M8 Austrian border-Vasvár: new construction
M86 Mosonmagyaróvár:-Szombathely: new construction
M9 Szombathely-Vasvár-Zalaegerszeg: new construction
I/86 Szombathely-Körmend: upgrading
M85 Csorna-Kapuvár: new construction
M85 Csorna-Győr: new construction
M85/M84 Kapuvár-Sopron-Austrian border: new construction
A3 Eisenstadt-Hungarian border: new construction
S31 Operpullendorf-Hungarian border: new construction
M87 Szombathely-Kőszeg-Hungarian border: new construction
I/8: Körmend-Austrian border: upgrading
M9 Nagycenk-Nemesbőd: new construction
6
Source: INAT: Strategic Framework for the Transport and Infrastructure Development in the centrope region
as approved by the Political Board of centrope Brno 21.6.2012
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Map 8: Transport Infrastructure and Vision 2030: Roads
1.2.5.2 Railway Transport/Public Transport System
In the last years several improvements to the rail system upgraded routes of regional and
interregional importance. To improve the accessibility of Eisenstadt by rail, the line NeusiedlWulkaprodersdorf completed an electrification project in 2009. To improve the north-south-axis,
electrification and modernization of the railway line between Sopron, Szombathely and
Szentgotthárd has been finished, bringing the mid-part of Western Transdanubia closer to the
agglomeration of Wien.
Around the Neusiedler See/Fertő tó and in other protected or sensitive areas, the concept of
integrated transport rail-bus-bike facilitates accessibility to the region via sustainable transport.
EuRegio trains and tickets have become a great success in the last years, connecting several towns
across the borders. While in Austria several regional railways were closed in the last years, leaving
especially large parts of the Mittelburgenland and Südburgenland with no rail link, Hungary still has
a dense railway network. Most of the lines in Western Transdanubia are now operated by GYSEV and
were upgraded in the last years.
In Austria a bus network of variable quality and micro systems (e.g. municipal busses) supplement
the rail network. In Hungary nearly every community is accessible by public buses. Beside the main
links, public transport is still not able to compete with individual transit when it comes to travel
times.
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Figure 5: Competitiveness car transport-public transport on selected routes
There are few cross-border public transport links beside the railway lines:
• railway Wien-Győr-Budapest
• railway Wien-Ebenfurth-Sopron
• railway Wiener Neustadt-Mattersburg-Sopron-Deutschkreutz
• railway Neusiedl am See-Pamhagen-Fertőszentmiklós
• railway Graz-Szentgotthárd-Körmend-Szombathely
• bus link Wien-Győr-Budapest
• bus link Neckenmarkt-Oberpullendorf-Szombathely-Bük (only 4 buses a year per direction!)
• bus link Wien-Oberwart-Szombathely-Bük-Sárvár (only 1-2 buses a day per direction!)
Mobility management on all levels (region, communities, companies) has become a focus of
transport policy in Austria within the last years. The Mobilitätszentrale Burgenland was one of the
pioneers in Austria in that field, dealing with multimodal transport issues.
Lighthouse projects like GREMO Pannonia were essential to foster sustainable transportation across
the borders. One of the achievements of this project was the founding of the first mobility center
in Hungary, located in Sopron.
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Multimodal
information
systems/route
planners
like
www.anachb.at
or
http://www.utvonalterv.hu/ are trendsetting tools, but they currently lack a cross-border
perspective. A pilot project was started in the context of GREMO Pannonia to address this issue.7
Expansion projects concerning the programme area (rail transport until 20308):
• Vienna-Budapest: high-speed rail
• Rajka-Hegyeshalom: upgrading
• Vienna-Ebenfurth-Wiener Neustadt (Pottendorfer Linie): upgrading
• Gloggnitz-Mürzzuschlag (Semmering Basistunnel): new construction
• Wiener Neustadt-Gloggnitz: upgrading
• Wiener Neustadt-Sopron: electrification
• loop line Ebenfurth: new construction
• loop line Eisenstadt-Müllendorf: new construdtion
• Neusiedl-Parndorf-Kittsee: extented connection possibility
• Körmend-Zalalövő: upgrading
• Hegyeshalom-Csorna-Szombathely: electrification
• Szombathely-Zalaszentiván: electrification
• Szombathely-Kőszeg: extension towards the city centre of Kőszeg
• Győr-Sopron: double-track-upgrading
• Győr – Pér – Kisbér: new railway line
• Győr – Pápa – Celldömölk – Porpác: upgrading
•
A current vision is the rebuilding/upgrading of the railway line Oberwart-Szombathely to
ensure the linkage of the Südburgenland to the north-south railway axis on the Hungarian
side which is part of the SETA9 corridor Adriatic sea-Baltic sea.
7
Source: http://efa.vor.at/gremo/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=de
Source: INAT: Strategic Framework for the Transport and Infrastructure Development in the centrope region
as approved by the Political Board of centrope, Brno 21.6.2012
9
South East Transport Axis
8
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Map 9: Transport Infrastructure and Vision 2030: Railways
1.2.5.3 Other Means of Transport
The Danube’s potential in the intermodal transport flows has been improved considerably. In the
cross-border region, the port of Wien with a total volume of 1,7 Mio. tons10 has already established
its role as an international harbour, while the doubling of the Győr-Gönyű port’s capacity and the
railway connection to the Wien-Budapest line should contribute to the increased potential. The
Győr port has a total volume of ca. 280.000 tons.11
Due to the growing importance of international transport links, the airports within the region are
gaining more relevance. The Wien International Airport (VIE) has become increasingly important for
the cross-border region as a whole due to continuous efforts to develop its position as an
international hub especially for Eastern Europe. Aside from the airport in Bratislava for the
northern parts of the region, important gateways for the southern part of the region are the
regional airports with passenger traffic in Graz and Sármellék (Hévíz-Balaton Airport).
The establishment of a bicycle network and building cross-border connection points increases the
tourist attractiveness of the region. The inter-regional cycling network has been improved over the
last decade. The network on the Hungarian side still needs to be improved and important Cross10
11
Source: http://www.danubeports.info, 2007
Source: http://www.danubeports.info, 2010
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border links between the two sides of the border are also missing. 12Further efforts have to be
dedicated to organise common services and marketing of this network.
1.2.5.4 Telecommunications and Public Utilities
The number of households with broadband internet accessibility has increased by 32% from 53% to
69% from 2008 to 2011 in the region. The number of private internet connections has increased by
34% in West Transdanubia which had a comparatively low internet connectivity of 40% in 2008
(Austrian regions had about 60%). The usage of internet at least one time a week has only increased
by 14% in the last four years13.
A detailed analysis of the broadband internet accessibility from 2008 to 2011 showed that the
Hungarian region Western Transdanubia increased the amount of people with access by 52%. The
Eastern regions in Austria improved by 30% (Burgenland: +18%, Niederösterreich: +42%, Wien: +20%,
Steiermark: +28%) from 57% to 74%. However West- Transdanubia had only 40% access in 200814 and
managed to move that up to 64% in 2011. Hungary rapidly increased its broadband internet quality
in the last years. The average speed of connection is about 5.1Mbit/s, which is in the top 10 in
Europe15.
In 2011 in West- Transdanubia, about 66% households used private broadband internet (increase by
34.7%) and 65% use it at least one time a week, which increased by 14% compared with 2008) . In
the Austrian regions the usage of internet (at least one day a week) is about 75%, which is an
increase by 12%. About 70% of the households have a private broadband internet connection in the
Austrian regions. Niederösterreich had the strongest increase by 17% whereas the other regions had
an average value about 5%. About 74% of the Austrians use the internet more than one day a week
which is an increase of 13.5% from 2008 to 201116.
In Austria the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology plans to implement a high
speed broadband internet accessibility initiative all over the country to achieve connections about
100Mbit/second. According to the Wifo about 40.000 jobs could be generated per 1 billion Euros
invested in such a project. The project costs are estimated at 5 billion Euros17.
The Austrian regions have an overall good water supply and waste water management as well as
one of the most reliable recycling systems in the EU. Due to the distinct awareness of the people
for environmental issues the waste separation is relatively widespread.
Hungarian regions have started from another level, but have improved the water services, the
waste water management and the recycling systems during the last years with many EU-funded
projects. Improving the situation is a high Hungarian government priority.
1.2.5.5 Conclusions
The improvement of connections is a key factor to foster economic coherence. Multimodal
transport nodes and links to the high-ranking transport network will be necessary for the
competitiveness of the regions. This will be accompanied by an increasing concentration on ecomobility in the future. With reduced travel times along the south-north axis SzentgotthárdSzombathely-Sopron (which is also part of the TEN-T-network), this could become an attractive rail
link to the Wien region not only for Hungary but also for the Südburgenland and Mittelburgenland
regions.
Due to continuing high costs for commuting alternatives to the individual car, traffic remains an
important issue within the region. Further mobility management and awareness raising for
sustainable transport as “soft measures” will be challenges both in Austria and Hungary. Especially
in Hungary it is important to maintain the public transport network, which is still very close-knit.
12
Source: Cross-border Masterplan Bike Traffic Burgenland –Westungarn 2009/10, Quality Check, Eisenstadt
2010
13
Source: Eurostat 2011
14
Source: Eurostat 2011
15
Source: Diplomacy & Trade Journal Online 12.8.2011
16
Source: Eurostat 2011
17
Source: Die Presse Onlinearchiv 27.11.2012
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Still, border crossings between neighbouring settlements are lacking or of bad road-quality, which
hinders local traffic and causes unnecessary road traffic and congestion on more developed trunk
roads. Therefore the upgrading and rebuilding of small scale connections is furthermore necessary.
Broadband internet initiatives for the rural areas could create job opportunities outside of the
metropolitan areas.
1.2.6
TOURISM AND LEISURE
Tourism plays an important role in the region. The border region is rich in natural (e.g. hills, lakes,
rivers, landscape and great variety of ecosystems, thermal water and spas) resources and common
cultural heritage (e.g. castles, music, festivals). These attractions and their combination generate
tourism, especially nature tourism which has very good occupancy rates e.g. in the Neusiedler See /
Fertö to area. Several joint cross-border actions, mainly based on national & nature parks and
cultural heritage, have been executed in order to leverage those strengths over the last 15 years.
The region offers an enormous density of thermal spas as one of the distinctive features of its
tourism offer. The larger centres offer congress facilities and a great variety of cultural sights.
Castles, gardens, festivals, cycling and sporting complete the tourist attractions. In the region
tourist infrastructure as well as tourist offers are rather heterogeneously developed, although
considerable development has taken place in the past 10 years.
Being a word-calls destination, Wien plays an outstanding role in the tourism of the region as well.
In regional comparison it accounts for 20% of the bed-places offered by the border region and
almost one fourth of the places on the Austrian side. The city is also one of Europe’s most
important congress locations. From the total of 33,8 million overnight stays within the border
region in 2010, 11,4 million were reported from Wien, which is more than 2,5 times more than the
nights reported on the Hungarian side of the border region. Also, apart from Wien, the tourism is
more important in terms of visitor numbers, on the Austrian side: in terms of bed-places the
Hungarian counties account for 21% of the total regional offer (without Wien), whereas in terms of
overnight stays the Austrian region’s share (excluding Wien) is 80%.
Table 8: Number of bed places and overnight stays total and per 1000 inhabitants, 2011
bed places
overnight stays
overnight
per 1000
pro 1.000
stays
inhabitants
inhabitants
Mittelburgenland
2.274
59,6
289.098
7.705
Nordburgenland
18.166
118,5
1.587.491
10.605
Südburgenland
7.959
80,2
1.055.445
10.805
Niederösterreich-Süd
13.710
54,2
1.266.828
5.006
Wiener Umland/Südteil
11.357
36,7
1.638.177
5.134
Wien
57.148
34,6 11.400.046
6.651
Graz
10.882
26,6
1.371.367
3.394
Oststeiermark
22.117
82,4
2.941.518
11.017
Győr-Moson-Sopron
11.949
25,7
1.071.722
2.382
Vas
13.146
54,1
1.363.503
5.291
Zala
25.965
80,5
2.120.317
7.387
Wien
57.148
34,6 11.400.046
6.651
Niederösterreich
66.540
40,2
6.021.715
3.736
Burgenland
28.399
97,6
2.607.258
9.152
Steiermark
95.170
80,2
9.286.510
7.671
Nyugat-Dunántúl
51.060
48,9
4.351.246
4.374
Source: Eurostat, NSO in Hungary, Austria
bedplaces
There are several common points of interest in tourism: besides the significant impulses expected
from the further development of a common thermal spa network and the national and nature parks
in the area (Neusiedler See-Fertő for the regions of Nordburgenland and Győr-Moson-Sopron County,
Geschriebenstein-Írottkő Nature Park in middle, and Raab-Őrseg-Goričko Nature Park in the south),
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
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the rich variety of ecosystems and the existence of cultural heritage sites also offers a huge further
potential for nature tourism in the vicinity of the metropolitan areas. The following topics are
important for the future of tourism in the region: spa & wellness, health, active and nature tourism
(hills, rivers, lakes, nature- & national parks), culture and wine. Conference tourism is
concentrated mainly in Wien. Sopron has good potential in this field of tourism as well, although on
a much smaller scale. The southern region (Südburgenland, Zala County) is concentrating on
expanding environmentally and socially compatible forms of tourism. On the Hungarian side, the
expansion of the spa-related tourism has been the clear trend of the past 5-10 years that has had a
positive impact on the growth of all three Hungarian counties and gave rise of the quick expansion
of some new resorts alongside the traditional places such as Héviz, Sárvár, Bük or Zalakaros.
Additionally, the eastern part of Zala has a shoreline of Lake Balaton and these factors contribute
to Zala county having the biggest share of the tourism industry, in terms of the sector’s
contribution to the GDP, in Hungary.
Graz offers excellent potential for nature-related tourism activities and also provides a very strong
offer in cultural tourism (Tourism Capital of Europe in 2003, UNESCO heritage sites, as Historic
Centre and Schloss Eggenberg and the recent awarding of UNESCO’s “City of Design”).
1.2.6.1 Conclusions
The development potential of tourism rests upon the spas, rich natural resources and cultural
heritages in the region, as well as having well developed tourism services. Continuous innovation,
creative coordinated marketing activities and well developed tourism services are necessary to
keep up with new trends (e.g. health awareness lifestyle, widespread use of IT solutions).
1.2.7
SOCIAL SERVICES AND HEALTH CARE
Healthcare expenditure data show great differences between the neighbouring countries: in Austria
total (private and public) spending per inhabitant reaches EUR 3 500 PPS18 (over 10% of the GDP), in
Hungary the expenditure is more moderate: it slightly exceeds EUR 1000 PPS and its share of the
GDP is just above 7% (based on Eurostat, 2009 data).
Table 9: Health infrastructure
Wien
Niederösterreich
Burgenland
Steiermark
Nyugat-Dunántúl
Austria
Hungary
Source: Eurostat
Hospital beds per
Physicians or
100 000
doctors per 100 000
inhabitants, 2010
inhabitants, 2010
791
664
708
429
567
353
886
463
708
215
763
478
718
287
According to Eurostat data in 2010, the number of hospital beds per 100 000 inhabitants is
somewhat higher in Austria (763) than in Hungary (718). In Hungary, the restructuring process
currently on-going in the health care sector may have further reducing effect on this figure. The
restricting will see medical activity in the smaller hospitals (e.g Kapuvár, Celldömölk, Sárvár)
reduced and the hospitals in the large centres (Győr, Szombathely, Zalaegerszeg, Sopron) will be
developed in order to provide higher level medical care. There are smaller medical institutions in
Hévíz, Sárvár and Balf which provide rheumathology therapy based on the medical effects of the
thermal water.
The Austrian regions have a dense network of health care institutions, and nearly every region is
well served by hospital locations. Spas and medical baths are located in Niederösterreich,
18
Purchasing power standards: artificial currency unit; Theoretically, one PPS can buy the same amount of
goods and services in each country.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
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Burgenland and Steiermark. Regarding the number of physicians the HU programme region is even
much below the comparatively low HU average.
Map 10: Hospital Locations
The proportion of each of the age groups is similar in all regions, but the number of the elderly
people (above 65) has increased in all regions from 2005 to 2011, whereas the age group 0-14
decreased in all regions. This means that the demand for the health and social services will grow in
the future. The demographic change will be one of the main challenges of the regions during the
next years.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Figure 6: Age groups 2005
Age groups, 2005
21%
18%
19%
17%
16%
15%
16%
17%
15%
16%
16%
17%
65%
67%
67%
67%
68%
70%
70%
67%
70%
69%
69%
67%
14%
15%
14%
16%
16%
15%
15%
17%
15%
15%
14%
16%
Südburgenland
Niederösterreich-Süd
Wiener
Umland/Südteil
Wien
Graz
Oststeiermark
Győr-Moson-Sopron
Vas
Zala
EU-27
65+
Nordburgenland
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
15-64
Mittelburgenland
0-14
Source: Eurostat
Figure 7: Age Groups 2011
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1.2.7.1 Conclusions
To secure the high level of health and social services in the region, stronger cooperation and
specialization of the facilities will be necessary, especially regarding the numerous hospitals in the
programme area.
The demographic change will be one of the main challenges of the regions during the next years.
Therefore initiatives and strategies are necessary also in a cross-border perspective.
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
1.3
01
Regional Analysis/SWOT
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengthening Research, Technological Development and Innovation
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Strong universities, especially Wien and
Graz
Innovative branches (strong growth in
Wien/Graz, emerging in Győr)
Similar interests in AT/HU regarding the
sectors: wood, energy, mechatronic,
automotive, food
Existing university cooperation in the field
of agriculture (poultry farming)
High density of clusters (38)
Weak capacities in high education and research
& development in the south
Lack of Cross border cooperation regarding
universities and enterprises
Southern part (except Graz) is weak in
innovation (few persons are employed in R&D)
OPPORTUNITIES
Financing the administrative costs of research
institutions
No harmonized R&D strategies
No cross-border cooperation networks
THREATS
Graz stimulates southern program area Uncoordinated development of strategy in
(Zala)
research & development
Southern part of the region could be High administrative burdens
connected more to the centers, clusters
and research institutions
Opportunities for R&D in Győr as a possible Power imbalance between partners
centre
Improve cooperation between companies &
research
Key Message:
• improve the linkage between clusters, universities and R&D institutions
• distribute the innovation effects to the whole region
• improve research and innovation infrastructure
02
Enhancing access to and use and quality of information and communication technologies
(ICT)
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
High share of broadband access in the
centers
E-government: well developed nationally
(AT)
Public sector supplies access to broadband
internet
Different levels of access to ICT infrastructure
in rural areas
Low internet literacy
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Broadband internet for development of
companies / enterprises in rural areas
Content development
Improvement of e-government
Development
of
common
marketing
platforms in tourism and for regional
products
Common/Further development of new
application of e-government: e-health, elearning, e-business
Key Message:
• Distribute best practice examples
• Important task on national level
E-gov: local level rather weak
E-government and internet supplies developed
on/for national levels
Digital divide
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
03
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Enhancing the Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
High share of SME: SME's as stabilizing
factor of the regional economic system
(crises-proof)
Supporting infrastructure for SME's
Insufficient involvement of SME's in research
and development activities and insufficient
access of SMEs to results of R&D
HU: companies are dependent on international
markets
Little administrative experience with SMESupport in CBC-Programmes
Ineffective support system in Hungary for new
companies
Cross border cooperation of enterprises
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Highly qualified labour force
Mobility of labour force as threat for Hungary
Mobility of labour force as opportunity for Highly qualified people leave peripheral
Austria
regions
Develop infrastructure in the neighbour Demographic change: shortage of labour force
countries
Ageing people as a resource
Define a common market for cross border
products and services
Increase the interest in local and
traditional products
Key Message:
• Define a common, international market for cross border products and services
• Develop joint market innovations
• Respect the European competition law
• Mobility of labour force as an advantage for Austria, but disadvantage for Hungary
04
Supporting the Shift towards a Low-Carbon Economy in all Sectors
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Favourable conditions for production of
renewable energy - wind, biomass,
geothermal energy
Energy Model Regions in AT
Vienna as a pioneer in the field of Smart
Cities
AT: lot of companies working and
researching renewable energy
Existing cross border energy strategy
(ESPAN)
Transport is 1/3 of energy consumption transport sector is not yet green, transport is
not identified as an energy issue by the regions
Air pollution in some parts of the region
HU: subsidy system is not working well
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Legal conditions in HU are weak for
implementing renewable energy
HU: slow adaption process concerning the use
of energy efficient technologies
Cooperation in the field of energy model Power grid/access points not sufficient for
regions (smart city/smart region approach) larger amounts of renewable energy
Potential for green jobs
Improvement of energy efficiency
Stronger political support in HU
Increase the share of renewable energy
production and use
Key Message:
• Smart city and smart region approach
• Increasing share of renewable energy supports economic development of regions
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
05
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Promoting Climate Change Adaption, Risk Prevention and Management
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Well developed risk management system
(danube)
Good cooperation between the fire brigade
AT-HU,
common
education
centre
regarding rescue/ emergency
Great number of natural reserves that
stabilize the local climate
Weak cross border rescue services / system
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Different institutional structures
Decreased accessibility to rescue services in
the rural parts of the programme region
Common data, GIS, use of ICT (information Parts of the border region are affected by
and communication technology)
floods and other risks of natural disasters
Key Messages:
• Strengthen the current rescue service situation
• Support the nature reserves that stabilize the local climate and reduce vulnerability
towards natural hazards
• Reduction of natural risks by cooperation in the fields of protective water management and
freshwater ecology (also regarding the EU Flood Directive and the EU Water Framework
Directive)
06
Protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
High share of natural protection areas and
existing networks
Waste
water
treatment
facilities
are
insufficient especially in small Hungarian
villages
Low share of ecological re-use
Disparities in technological levels (low-carbon,
energy efficiency…)
Rich cultural and natural heritage
Research and development institutions in
Austrian part
Common management structures (natural
protection)
High share of eco-farms in AT
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
High ecological awareness in Austria and
increasing in HU
Tourism
(nature,
wellness,
wine),
Renewable energy, energy efficiency
All kind of recycling (recycling by
handicapped people)
Increasing awareness and market for ecofarms / eco products in HU
A lot of cooperating institutions
Decreasing number of farms (landscape
cultivation)
Different
legislative
and
institutional
framework of environment protection
Increasing land use for settlements and
settlement related infrastructure
Parts of the border region are affected by
floods and other risks of natural disasters
strongly integrated groundwater bodies and
border-crossing watercourses
Key Message:
• Develop model regions for sustainable tourism and the common utilization of cultural
natural heritage
• Support sustainable land use activities to reduce urban sprawl, increasing land use for
settlements where soil quality is not conducive to other forms of utilization
• Monitoring and cooperation in the field of water management, enhancement of waste
water treatment (also regarding the EU Flood Directive and the EU Water Framework
Directive)
• Improving and preserving of high quality of protection and sustainable utilisation of the
nature, natural resources and landscape
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
07
Promoting Sustainable
Infrastructures
Transport
and
Removing
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Bottlenecks
in
Key
Network
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Pilot projects regarding cross border
mobility (GREMO Pannonia and VKM)
Weak accessibility of the southern part of the
regions (both countries), centres cannot be
accessed easily
Weak cross border public transport links
especially in the South
Regional railway lines closed in Austria
Railway service improved on some lines
Northern areas: well developed public
transport system
Public transport network (railway/buses)
still rather close-knit in Hungary
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Consensus and preliminary work for the Structure of settlements / increase of urban
Centrope region (CC INAT) as a basis for sprawl
cross-border activities
Multimodal transport nodes
Reduction of public transport
Increase number of border crossings
Develop new technologies
Mobility management
upgrading and rebuilding of small scale
connections
Key Message:
• Shift of modal split to environmental friendly means of transport
• Better coordination of planning in the field of transport and mobility
• Further development of integrated cross border transport supply
08
Promoting Employment and Supporting Labour Mobility
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Well educated labour force on both sides of
the border
Seasonal
imbalance
(tourism),
seasonal
character of significant part of economic
activities in the region (e.g. construction,
agriculture, tourism)
Brain-drain to the centers and from HU to AT
High dependency from economic centers
(commuting costs increase)
Language barrier (in Austria, increasing in HU)
High level of labour productivity
Availability of cross border labour market
information by existing projects
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
No more administrative barriers for labour
mobility
Existing labour market institutions and
exchange platforms and activities
Demographic change with negative influence
on labour force
Increasing
unemployment
in
Hungary
(economic structure is not crisis resistant) and
Austria, especially youth unemployment (HU:
>20%, Austria: >11%)
shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors
Key Messages:
• Intensify institutional cooperation in the field of the labour market institutions
• Harmonize conditions concerning labour market and improving mobility
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Promoting Social Inclusion and Combating Poverty
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Good standard of social and health services
Legal and
harmonized
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Potential
for
new
employment
opportunities in the health and social care
system
Ageing population as an opportunity:
wellness & spa
Ageing population and (selective) emigration
institutional
framework
not
Restructuring of the HU health care system
may have further reducing effect on the
infrastructure
Key Message:
• Intensify the cooperation of health and social care institutions
• Improve the cooperation between health and social care institutions with education and
research & development
10
Education, Qualification and Life-Long Learning
STRENGTHS
Relatively well and
educational system
WEAKNESSES
highly
developed
Universities – well-established basis
AT: broad network for LLL (life-long
learning)
Cross border cooperation in education
Experience of cooperation e.g. master
course renewable energy
Low flexibility of the education system and
insufficient reflection of needs of labour
market
Language barrier (in Austria, increasing in HU)
Settlement structure offers limited framework
for the educational infrastructure
Differing competencies
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Network of institution for LLL Æ not
working yet (HU)
Decreased accessibility to education in
peripheral regions due to demographic change
and closure of facilities
Brain-drain of well-educated and qualified
persons
Best practise projects
Tri-lingual education up from the
kindergartens
Key Message:
• Harmonize/adapt the educational systems (common degrees)
• Improve the coherence of the education with the needs of the regional labour market
(include elderly people – lifelong learning!)
• Develop new forms of education cooperation/markets: e.g.: learning centres, new
cooperation between schools and enterprises
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
11
Regional Analysis/SWOT
Enhancing Institutional Capacity and an Efficient Public Administration
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Well established regional management
structures
Knowledge and skills in public sector
Experience
of
local
and
regional
institutions
regarding
cross
border
cooperation in the fields of nature
protection, mobility management and
labour market
Different administration system as well as
spatial planning system
Language barrier (in Austria, increasing in HU)
Insufficient knowledge of the political system
and the institutional specifics of the
neighbouring regions
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Centropemap
and
more
common
databasesin cooperation with spatial
development
Key Message:
• Support institutional cooperation and capacity building within the field of public
administration and NGO’s
• Strengthen activities of civil society
• Support “people to people” cooperation
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ETC Operational Programme Austria-Hungary 2014-2020
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List of Figures
Figure 1: Employed persons by sector (AT-2009, HU-2011) .................................................. 9 Figure 2: R&D Expenditures % of GDP 2009 ................................................................... 16 Figure 3: Education 2011 ............................................... Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert. Figure 4: Gross final energy consumption by energy sources in 2010 .................................... 20 Figure 5: Competitiveness car transport-public transport on selected routes .......................... 24 Figure 6: Age Groups 2011 ....................................................................................... 31 List of Maps
Map 1 : General Map ................................................................................................ 4 Map 2: Population development 2001-2011 ..................................................................... 6 Map 3: Urban System ............................................................................................... 7 Map 4: GDP per capita (PPS) and Gross value added at basic prices in Mio€/per sector (2009) ....... 7 Map 5: Number of patent applications (to the EPO), 2008 ................................................. 17 Map 6: Universities in the Austrian-Hungarian border-region ..... Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert. Map 7: Natura 2000 network .................................................................................... 19 Map 8: Transport Infrastructure and Vision 2030: Roads ................................................... 23 Map 9: Transport Infrastructure and Vision 2030: Railways ................................................ 26 Map 10: Hospital Locations ...................................................................................... 30 List of Tables
Table 1: Demographic main indicators of the region .......................................................... 5 Table 2: GDP per capita and GVA ................................................................................ 8 Table 3: Clusters in the border region ......................................................................... 11 Table 4: Total employment and employment rates, 2011 .................................................. 12 Table 5: Unemployment rate, 2009 ............................................................................ 12 Table 6: Average labour costs................................................................................... 13 Table 7: Clusters and universities ..................................... Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert. Table 8: Number of bed places and overnight stays total and per 1000 inhabitants, 2011 ........... 28 Table 9: Health infrastructure .................................................................................. 29 39