Henna Virkkunen's Vienna Visit to Boost EU Innovation
Vienna, Thursday, 11 September 2025.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, is in Vienna engaging with key stakeholders to advance Europe’s technological sovereignty and competitiveness, emphasizing EU collaboration for sustainable growth.
Engagement with Key Stakeholders
On 11 and 12 September 2025, Henna Virkkunen, the Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, is visiting Vienna to engage in crucial discussions with Austrian researchers, innovators, and government ministers. The primary focus is on advancing Europe’s technological sovereignty and boosting competitiveness within the innovation sector [1].
Visit to the Austrian Institute of Technology
During her visit, Virkkunen will explore the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), where she will witness a presentation on the AI Factory initiative, AI:AT. This initiative is pivotal for integrating AI technologies into Austria’s manufacturing industries. Additionally, Virkkunen will visit the AIT Quantum lab, a key player in the EU Quantum Flagship initiative, which aims to transform research into commercial applications [1].
High-Level Meetings and Technology Talks
On the morning of 12 September, Virkkunen will attend a presentation on Austrian high-tech innovation projects. She is scheduled to meet with several Austrian ministers, including Peter Hanke, the Minister of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, and Eva-Maria Holzleitner, the Minister for Women, Science and Research. Later, Virkkunen will participate in the ‘Technology Talks Austria’ conference to deliver an opening speech emphasizing the importance of key technologies and innovation for Europe’s competitiveness [1].
Strategic Discussions on Digital Sovereignty
Concluding her visit, Virkkunen will join an informal roundtable with Europe’s ministers responsible for digital policy. This session will focus on building a unified strategy to enhance Europe’s digital sovereignty, addressing the challenges of technological advancement and global competitiveness in the digital era [1].