Comment: Austria’s lack of commitment in AI research
"Minister has failed at his job": Heavy Criticism of Austria’s AI Policy
In a recent interview with brutkasten, Clemens Wasner, co-founder and board member of AI Austria, leveled sharp criticism against Science Minister Martin Polaschek and the current state of artificial intelligence support in Austria. The core of the critique is a perceived lack of political will and strategic foresight, which experts warn is turning Austria into an "AI developing country."
Key Points of the Criticism:
The "Cluster of Excellence" Snub: The primary trigger for the outcry was the recent selection of "Clusters of Excellence" by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the Ministry of Science. Despite the global AI boom, not a single AI-focused project was selected for this major funding initiative.
Direct Criticism of Minister Polaschek: Wasner did not mince words, stating: "A Science Minister who sets no accents in the AI field in 2023 has either failed at his job or lives in the past." He emphasized that neither scenario bodes well for Austria as a location for research and business.
Lack of Public Funding: While international frameworks like the ELLIS Units (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems) exist in Austria (e.g., in Linz and Vienna), they lack the necessary domestic financial backing. Requests for nationwide funding for these units have reportedly gone unanswered by the ministry.
Missing Strategy and Talent Drain: Experts like Günter Klambauer (JKU Linz) described the situation as "alarming." The absence of an internationally recognized AI strategy and sufficient local opportunities is leading to a talent drain, where top-tier AI researchers and specialists find no suitable positions within the country.
Outdated Political Understanding: The article highlights a fundamental gap in how AI is perceived by policymakers. While the world treats AI as a transformative cross-sectional technology, Austrian politics often still views it narrowly as a niche field of basic research.
Economic Consequences:
The lack of investment and strategy is not just a scientific issue but an economic one. Wasner warns that "missing out on an AI strategy costs money." Without a clear commitment to fostering a local AI ecosystem—comprising business, science, and research—Austria risks falling further behind its international peers.
The Path Forward:
The AI community is calling for a "Digital Austria Act" that does more than just promise updates. It requires concrete funding, the creation of a dedicated AI authority, and a mindset shift that prioritizes AI as a pillar of Austria’s future competitiveness.