Innovation in the COVID-19 Crisis

WIFO economist Famira-Mühlberger talked about the economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis: "The latest WIFO-Konjunkturtest reveals massive problems for investment activities. This is a vicious circle because investment activities drive innovation, improve productivity and ultimately have a significant impact on economic growth. Many, especially larger companies, have postponed or cancelled investment projects."

In the panel discussions, the experts agreed that in order to cope with the current and future crises, investments in research and development, especially in basic research, Health In All Policies, flexibility and digitisation are needed. In the education sector, there was a need for stronger links between professional competence and 21st century skills.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the third "innovation.network.talk" took place for the first time digitally via livestream in cooperation with Brutkasten and 4Gamechangers. It is the finale of the third cycle of the "innovation.talks" discussion series, in which high-ranking women from business, science and politics exchange views on innovative topics. The Female-Only format was jointly launched in 2017 by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi and the former Minister of Health and Women's Affairs and now President of Club alpha, Maria Rauch-Kallat.