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How can companies successfully export to growth markets – and how can financing and risks be optimally managed along the way? This was the focus of the Export Academy “Export Financing & Risk Management in Growth Markets” held on April 29, 2026 at ICS.
13 participants took the opportunity to gain compact, practice-oriented insights into financing and hedging strategies for international projects – ranging from initial market entry considerations to the implementation of concrete export projects.
To kick things off, project manager Lisa-Maria Katholnig introduced the DiGEM project and guided participants through the program. Marion Kikinger (ICS) then demonstrated how companies are specifically supported in entering new markets through “go-international”.
The event focused on how export projects in growth markets can be made financially viable: Manfred Schmid (OeKB) explained the role of export guarantees as a key instrument for risk hedging and improving access to financing. Lisbeth Kronsteiner and Maria Berger (OeEB) added further insights into financing structures as well as the assessment and hedging of project risks from a banking perspective.
Another key focus was on international cooperation: Gottfried Traxler (ADA) showed how companies can tap into new markets through partnerships while contributing to sustainable development at the same time.
Wolfgang Nestler, Managing Director of Christof Systems GmbH, rounded off the event with practical insights from a corporate perspective.
Conclusion: The Export Academy made clear that successful activities in growth markets require a well-founded combination of financing, risk hedging, and strategic preparation. This opens up major opportunities for Styrian companies in particular – provided the right instruments and partners are brought on board early on.
Would you like to apply for the Digital Gateway Emerging Markets funding program?
Take the Fit Check now and get in touch with us:
Lisa-Maria Katholnig | DiGEM Project Manager
T +43 316 601 417
E lmk@ic-steiermark.at
