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The European Manufacturing Survey (EMS) 2026 has started. The nationwide survey examines how companies are modernising their production processes, which technologies and innovations they are adopting, and what challenges they face. Its findings provide an important evidence base for strengthening the competitiveness and future resilience of Austria’s industrial sector.
How is industrial production changing? What role do digitalisation, automation and new production technologies play? And how well prepared are Austrian companies for the challenges of structural change? The European Manufacturing Survey (EMS) addresses these questions by examining current developments in the manufacturing sector.
The 2026 survey focuses on the modernisation of production processes, the use of new technologies and digital solutions, changes in work organisation, as well as innovation and competitiveness. By systematically capturing these developments, the survey provides a comprehensive picture of how Austrian manufacturing companies are responding to technological and economic change.
Reliable Data for a Competitive Industrial Location
The EMS results provide an important knowledge base for companies and policymakers. They reveal where Austrian industry stands in modernising its production processes, which technological and organisational developments are gaining importance, and where further action is needed. In doing so, the survey supports evidence-based innovation and industrial policymaking and helps identify opportunities to improve productivity, flexibility and competitiveness.
The European Manufacturing Survey has been conducted since 2001 by an international network of research institutes and universities. Its common survey methodology enables international comparisons and highlights developments and differences between companies, industries and countries. The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology has been involved in the survey since 2003. The Austrian survey is coordinated by the AIT Center for Innovation Systems & Policy.
Austrian Companies Invited to Participate
The 2026 survey is aimed at companies and establishments in the manufacturing sector (ÖNACE 2025, divisions 10–33) with at least 20 employees. Participation takes place online via a personal survey link sent to invited companies by email.
Companies can make a valuable contribution even if they do not currently use all the technologies or measures covered by the survey. All responses are treated confidentially and published exclusively in aggregated form. No conclusions can be drawn about individual companies.
Companies interested in participating but who have not received an invitation or can no longer find their personal survey link can request one by contacting ems(at)ait.ac.at.
Further information: European Manufacturing Survey – 2026 Survey
Mag.a Beatrice Fröhlich-Rath MA
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
Marketing and Communications
Center for Innovation Systems & Policy
T +43 (0)50550-4508
beatrice.froehlich-rath(at)ait.ac.at | www.ait.ac.at