The Council for Research and Technology Development is the central advisory body of the Austrian Federal Government for education, science, research and innovation policy affairs. On a legal basis, the Council works out precise, implementation-oriented recommendations for specific policy areas in its scope of responsibility. Its main task consists in systematically, independently and thoroughly consulting the Austrian Federal Government in all issues of research, technology and innovation policy.
The Council has also been commissioned to compile an annual report on Austrias scientific and technological performance capability. The main goal of its work is to provide an essential contribution to a future-oriented RTI policy. In doing so, the Austrian Council sees itself as central node in the network of the broad technology and research landscape, as coordinator and amplifier of the diversified activities, as bridge between actors, as filter, and most of all as setter of priorities.