ECONOMIC INNOVATIVENESS OF AUSTRIA AND GERMANY AS A DETERMINANT OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

The article examines the role of economic innovativeness in strengthening national and international security, with a particular focus on Austria and Germany as highly integrated European economies. The subject of the study is the relationship between the innovative capacity of national economies and their ability to maintain economic resilience, competitiveness, technological capabilities, and strategic autonomy under conditions of global transformation. The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing importance of technological development, research and development, digitalization, and innovation capacity amid geopolitical uncertainty, disruptions in global value chains, and growing competition for technological leadership. The purpose of the study is to identify the key dimensions of economic innovativeness in Austria and Germany and to assess their significance for national economic security and the broader international security environment. The research is based on a comparative methodological approach that combines comparative analysis, systematization, statistical analysis, and synthesis. The empirical basis of the study includes international and European innovation indicators, particularly data from the European Innovation Scoreboard, as well as selected indicators reflecting research and development activity, business innovation, technological capabilities, and the integration of national innovation systems into the European economy. The study also applies a conceptual approach to interpreting economic innovativeness as a multidimensional strategic capability rather than merely a source of economic growth. The results of the study demonstrate that both Austria and Germany possess strong innovation systems, although their structural characteristics and individual strengths differ. Germany benefits from a powerful industrial and technological base, substantial business research and development activity, and strong integration into international value chains. Austria demonstrates a high level of innovation performance supported by effective cooperation between business, research institutions, and public-sector actors. At the same time, both economies face challenges related to technological competition, changing global value chains, and the need to strengthen their strategic technological capabilities. The analysis indicates that economic innovativeness contributes to security by strengthening competitiveness, supporting technological capabilities, reducing certain forms of critical external dependence, and increasing national economies' capacity to adapt to external shocks. The conclusion is that economic innovativeness should be regarded not only as a driver of economic growth but also as a strategic component of national and international security. The comparative analysis of Austria and Germany demonstrates that sustained investment in research, technology, human capital, and innovation ecosystems can strengthen economic resilience and strategic capacity while contributing to the stability of the wider European economic environment.