Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)
Role in URBAN-EU-CHINA
Lead of WP3 and Task 1.2; Co-Lead of Task 3.1; Contributor to Tasks 1.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2
Short description of the organisation
The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) is the national funding agency for industrial research and development in Austria. As a “one-stop shop” offering a diversified and targeted programme portfolio, the FFG gives Austrian businesses and research facilities quick and uncomplicated access to research funding. International cooperation is an integral part of FFG´s objectives and strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Austrian companies and R&D entities.
The tasks of the FFG are stipulated follows:
- To manage and finance research projects in the business and science sectors, impulse programmes for the economy and research facilities, and networks fostering cooperation between science and industry.
- To manage cooperative programmes and projects with the EU and other European and international partners.
- To represent Austria”s interests at relevant European and international institutions on behalf of the Austrian government.
- To provide consultation and support to intensify Austria”s involvement in European programmes, especially in the EU Framework Programme for Research, Technology and Innovation and the Framework Programme for Competitiveness and Innovation.
- To provide support and strategy development services for decision-makers in the Austrian innovation system.
- To improve public awareness of the importance of R&D.
Key Staff in URBAN-EU-CHINA
Ralf KÖNIG holds a degree in physics. He was Head of Unit of International Cooperation and Mobility (2005-2013) at FFG’s Division European & International Programmes and FP7 National Contact Point for International Cooperation and Research Potential as well as Austrian expert in the FP7 INCO & Regional Programme Committee. He is currently working as senior expert on international STI cooperation and is Austrian expert in the Horizon 2020 Programme Committees „Strategic Configuration” and „Europe in a Changing World” as well as Horizon 2020 NCP for „Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation”. He is nominated Austrian expert for the SFIC Plenum as well as for the SFIC working groups on China and Russia and has been involved in a number of EU funded coordination and support actions since FP6 targeting countries/regions such as New Member States, Western Balkan Countries, Danube Region, Russia, EECA, USA and China. Ralf.Koenig@ffg.at
Johannes Riegler is an Urbanist and Geographer. He started working with the JPI Urban Europe Management Board in 2012. More specifically, he has contributed to the co-creative process steering and thematic development of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda of the JPI Urban Europe and functioned as a national network coordinator in the FP7 funded SEiSMiC project. Johannes holds a B.Sc. in Geography and Regional Science as well as a MA in the UNICA 4cities Urban Studies programme. He conducted his studies in Brussels, Vienna, Copenhagen, Madrid, Budapest and Klagenfurt. Johannes is employed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG. In the URBAN-EU-CHINA project he leads the work package on Brokerage of City-Industry-Science Partnerships and furthermore ensures the exchange and communication between JPI Urban Europe and the project. Johannes.Riegler@ffg.at
Elli B. TZATZANIS-STEPANOVIC received her MSc of Commerce from Vienna University of Economics and Business. She has been working as project manager at FFG’s Division European & International Programmes since 2004, currently at the Unit of ERA Monitoring and International Cooperation. She is certified senior project manager (IPMA) since 2013. She is leading the Project Management training module of the FFG Academy, offering trainings to Austrian research project proposers in Horizon 2020. Her experience in coordinating several FP7 projects and managing the H2020 DRAGON-STAR Plus project, targeting China, will contribute to the successful implementation of the project. Elli.Stepanovic@ffg.at
