20 Years of ICS – A Driving Force Behind Styria’s Export Success

“Exports are of central importance to our business location. The success of local companies in international markets secures jobs in Styria and is a key driver of prosperity in our country. Every second euro generated comes from exports. With the Internationalisation Center Styria, 20 years ago we created an institution unique in Austria to support Styria’s export economy. The team around Karl Hartleb does outstanding work and provides companies with the best possible support—both in opening up new markets and in developing existing ones. Especially in such dynamic times, it is even more important to secure additional reliable partners in international markets, thereby creating greater security for the domestic economy as well as new opportunities. We will therefore continue to provide the comprehensive services of ICS, because we must consistently invest in strengthening foreign trade in the future as well.”

“Foreign trade is the lifeblood of Styria’s economy. What happens when it is artificially blocked by tariffs is something we are painfully experiencing these days. That is why I would also like to use the 20th anniversary of our ICS as an appeal for international trade agreements such as Mercosur. Protectionism and isolation have never created greater prosperity; free trade has. We need fair and secure framework conditions on an equal footing—and more honest debates than those we have had in the past. To generate growth and thus prosperity, we need free trade. For this reason, together with our partners, we as the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) also founded ICS back then: as a one-stop shop for Styria’s export economy that supports our companies in opening up new markets.”

“Being visible and successful internationally is essential for a small country. Internationally, we showcase our vocational training concepts, and conversely we are increasingly dependent on top talent from around the world making Styria their centre of life and work. From Styria, for example, we can also help save CO2 emissions worldwide with our products. Reliable trading partners, such as those we find in the Mercosur countries, are crucial for this and would provide us with an almost cost-free economic stimulus through a corresponding agreement. Being visible and successful means, for us as industry, being open. Open to new markets, new cooperation—and not least new technologies. For 20 years, ICS has supported local companies in being active internationally and leveraging potential.”

“ICS is Styria’s service and competence centre for internationalisation. Our primary task is therefore to offer Styrian companies the best possible service for their ongoing export activities. Beyond that, we must also develop and implement programmes that address current and emerging challenges. Diversifying the export structure—both regionally and by sector—is at the top of the agenda here, as are the topics of digitalisation and skilled labour recruitment.”