Vienna, April 23, 2026. The Austrian Holding AG (ÖBAG) presents its positioning in line with its new industrial strategy. Building on the successful evolution of recent years and the owner's newly formulated location policy guidelines, ÖBAG will focus more intensively on innovation and the strength of its portfolio companies in terms of location policy, in addition to sustainable value creation and professional governance. This clear commitment to Austria's location policy interests vis-à-vis ÖBAG is defined for the first time in a dedicated owner strategy.
ÖBAG manages a portfolio with a current value of approximately €32 billion and has distributed well over €8 billion in dividends to the Republic of Austria since 2019. At the same time, ÖBAG's holdings secure around 103,000 jobs and make a significant contribution to value creation and tax revenue in Austria.
“ÖBAG and its holdings are a key strategic location factor and of substantial importance for competitiveness, prosperity, and jobs in Austria. For the first time, we are setting a clear direction and outlining expectations with an ownership strategy. The current challenging times underscore the location policy responsibility that ÖBAG and its holdings have, particularly in the area of security of supply. At the same time, ÖBAG and its holdings should be a driver of innovation for the economy and a gateway to international markets. This will elevate ÖBAG from a mere dividend payer to an even more active role,” said Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer.
“Over the past four years, ÖBAG has evolved into an active and strategic investment manager. During this time, we have made more decisions that have a significant impact on Austria as a business location than in the previous ten years. And we have made more than 100 personnel decisions – objectively, professionally, and without public debate. ÖBAG is very well positioned as an organization. To fully utilize the potential of the state holding company, the competitiveness and resilience of Austria as a business location will be the focus of our investment management going forward – in line with the priorities of the Minister of Economic Affairs,” explains ÖBAG CEO Edith Hlawati.
Clear goal & ambition: Location policy guidelines form the basis
The current Austrian Federal Government commits in its government program to the further development of ÖBAG as an industrial policy backbone and to its contribution to value creation and jobs in Austria. This clear commitment is enshrined in an ownership strategy initiated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The strategy was developed as part of a professional process that included a comprehensive review of the existing ÖBAG strategy and the individual investment strategies. These individual strategies serve as guidelines for investment management and the work of the appointed supervisory board members.
“The geopolitical challenges and upheavals do not stop at ÖBAG and its holdings. With this strategy, we are pursuing the clear goal of reacting to these changes, defining clear priorities, and making greater use of synergies within the portfolio,” explains Hattmannsdorfer.
Based on the results of the individual strategy reviews and the results of the industrial strategy, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, as the owner's representative, specified five strategic guidelines as a basis:
- Cost-efficient energy supply as a location factor
- Increased expansion of critical infrastructure
- Strengthening resilience and economic sovereignty
- Focus on innovation and research in key technologies
- Active use of international collaborations of the subsidiaries
Clear strategy: Balance between returns and location interests
At the heart of ÖBAG's strategy lies an internationally recognized, balanced objective: the combination of financial performance and regional responsibility. International best-practice analyses show that successful state holding companies pursue precisely this balance between returns, diversification of state assets, and the safeguarding of jobs and key industries.
“Our mission is twofold: We must be economically successful and at the same time make a measurable contribution to the location. This balance is not a contradiction, but our strategic core,” said Hlawati.
The strategy is based on three central pillars:
- Long-term appreciation and safeguarding of state assets
- Sustainable financial performance of the investments
- Targeted strengthening of innovation, research and economic sovereignty
ÖBAG as an innovation driver: Focus on future technologies
A particular, portfolio-wide focus of the further developed strategic direction is the active promotion of future technologies. ÖBAG, together with its subsidiaries, aims to drive innovation forward through several flagship projects.
In the field of artificial intelligence, a unique exchange platform is being created in Austria, connecting companies, research institutions, and start-ups and accelerating practical applications. This is complemented by the development of an innovation ecosystem with universities and research institutions.
“Innovation arises where collaboration succeeds. We are specifically creating platforms on which our subsidiaries will develop new solutions together with research institutions and start-ups – especially in the field of artificial intelligence,” explains Hlawati.
Security of supply & resilience: Energy, digitalization and infrastructure in focus
Another strategic focus is on Austria's energy future. Through its subsidiaries VERBUND and OMV, ÖBAG is committed to expanding the use of domestic energy sources, particularly hydropower, wind power, and solar energy, as well as modern storage technologies. This includes developing new raw material potential both domestically and internationally, and diversifying supply relationships. The goal is a stable and cost-efficient energy supply in the long term, while simultaneously increasing security of supply.
In parallel, the development of a "European Cloud made in Austria" is being pursued jointly with Telekom Austria. This aims to create an independent digital infrastructure with high European data protection standards. ÖBAG also pursues a clear strategy in the area of critical infrastructure through its holdings: the expansion of electricity grids, logistics systems, and regional infrastructure is intended to strengthen economic resilience and ensure security of supply – including in rural areas – in the long term.
“Especially in geopolitically uncertain times, it becomes clear how important resilient structures are. Our investments make a key contribution here – from energy to digital infrastructure and logistics,” said Hlawati.
Investments in the location and international networking
ÖBAG also intends to leverage its international network even more effectively. Its holdings are already active in 38 countries, providing access to global markets and partnerships. The plan is to strategically utilize this network for new collaborations, investments, and innovation projects to strengthen Austria's position as a business location – both domestically and internationally. OMV's long-standing relationship with the United Arab Emirates demonstrates the success of this approach, contributing to the internationalization of Austrian companies and raising Austria's profile as an investment destination.
“We are at a turning point: The role of state-owned enterprises has changed worldwide. It’s not just about administration, but about actively shaping the future. ÖBAG is ready to take on this role responsibly and even more strongly,” said Hlawati.
With its strategic focus within the framework of the industrial strategy, ÖBAG positions itself as a modern, internationally active state investor. The goal is to create long-term value for the Republic while simultaneously strengthening the competitiveness, innovative capacity, and resilience of Austria as a business location in a sustainable manner.
“Our aim is to combine economic success with social responsibility. ÖBAG should be an engine for future investments – in the interest of Austria,” Hlawati concluded.