Klagenfurt praised by OECD as a leading innovation and green industry hub

An OECD study released in July 2026 identified the Austrian city of Klagenfurt as having strong potential to become a self‑contained hub for innovation and economic growth. The report highlighted the city’s Lakeside Park, the local university, the nearby Wörthersee and the planned Koralmbahn rail link as assets that can attract skilled workers and support the development of green industry clusters.

Mayor Christian Scheider welcomed the findings, saying, “The OECD study confirms that Klagenfurt has excellent conditions to establish itself as a modern innovation, business and living centre.” Vice‑Mayor and city planning representative Ronald Rabitsch added that the city will align science, innovation and urban planning to become a regional node for environmental technologies.

Local business commentators, however, have voiced criticism, describing Klagenfurt’s regulatory environment as “business‑hostile” and overly bureaucratic, a stark contrast to the OECD’s positive assessment.