TU Austria brings together the three universities of technology in Austria: TU Wien, TU Graz and Technical University of Leoben. As a part of this collaboration The Techno-Economics Forum was also established. A key objective of this initiative is to raise the profile of the link between technology and the economy and to further promote cooperation in research and teaching.

On 21 April 2026, the Techno-Economics Colloquium (TÖK) took place at TUtheSky. TÖK is a key doctoral colloquium of the Forum and offers researchers from the three universities a platform to discuss current topics at the interface of technology and economics. 

The event opened with a welcome address by Prof. Fazel Ansari (Chair of the Production and Maintenance Management (PIM) Research Unit at TU Wien), followed by a video message from the Rector of TU Wien and President of TU Austria, Prof. Jens Schneider. The message you find below. Prof. Christian Bauer, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, then introduced TU Wien and the Faculty’s research, education and transfer portfolio.

The colloquium focused on the PhD students, who were able to present their research to an academic audience through concept and results presentations. A total of seven doctoral theses from various fields of techno-economics were presented: ranging from data-driven optimisation methods in the metal industry, through sustainable financial management and ESG integration, to socio-material perspectives on care technology, as well as questions of identity and inclusion in hybrid working environments. The abstracts for the respective presentations, as well as the agenda, can be found in the booklet below. 

The breadth of topics impressively highlighted the interdisciplinary focus of the colloquium, in which technical, economic and social issues are given equal consideration, and facilitated fruitful discussions among the participants.

For the TU Wien, the TÖK is a key component in strengthening interdisciplinary exchange and specifically preparing students and researchers for the integration of technical and economic skills.