The 2025 activity plan for the Vienna Development Knowledge Center covers four thematic areas: Economic Governance, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Competitive and Livable Cities, Human Capital and Productive Aging.
Economic Governance
Strong market institutions are essential for effective economic governance, enabling growth and job creation. They play a crucial role in attracting investment, fostering finance access and innovation, particularly in sectors vital for the green transition, and enhancing the international competitiveness of firms in Europe and Central Asia. The activities of the Vienna Development Knowledge Center under this area seek to support the strengthening of these institutions through knowledge exchanges and analytical tools.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation
The Climate Resilience and Adaptation theme of the Center showcase best practices in sustainable water, land, and air management, emphasizing support for vulnerable communities. It addresses social equity and climate issues, focusing on the involvement of at-risk groups. Key areas of knowledge exchanges include water management, nature-based solutions, circular economy, climate-smart agriculture, just transition, and pollution management—fields where Austria has significant experience and best practices.
Competitive and Livable Cities
Achieving more competitive and livable cities in Europe and Central Asia requires a robust business environment, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, efficient public transit, and affordable, energy-efficient housing. Drawing on Vienna’s experience as the world's most livable city and its innovative urban and energy practices, the technical deep dives focus on operational, practical “how-to” solutions sharing regional and global best practices.
Human Capital and Productive Aging
With a complex demographic transition underway, countries in Europe and Central Asia need strategies to enhance human capital through lifelong learning and improved labor market integration. The Center will focus on two key areas: exploring how digital technologies can transform education systems and addressing incentives while removing barriers for individuals with disabilities and caregivers to ensure inclusive access to jobs.
