About us

FAQs

Good to know: ZAB at a glance

Would you like to know who is behind Zukunftsagentur Bau, how we support Austrian construction companies as an initiative of the Federal Guild of Construction (Bundesinnung Bau), or how you can benefit from our research initiatives and studies? In our FAQs, we have compiled the most important questions and answers about our organisation, our focus areas (digitalisation, circular economy, construction innovation) and practical opportunities for cooperation.

FAQ

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

On behalf of the Federal Guild of Construction, ZAB Zukunftsagentur Bau carries out key innovation and future-oriented projects. We help Austrian construction companies actively tackle challenges such as digitalisation, sustainability and the shortage of skilled workers, and stay fit for the future.

ZAB was established as a non-profit limited company (gemeinnützige GmbH) on the initiative of the Federal Guild of Construction. It sees itself as a strong partner and driving force for the entire Austrian construction industry, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Our projects arise directly from the current needs of the Austrian construction industry and the strategic priorities of the Federal Guild of Construction. We work closely with renowned research service providers, universities, universities of applied sciences and specialised technology partners. We are also involved in EU projects, so that Austrian SMEs can benefit from innovations worldwide.

As a network and innovation partner, we operate throughout Austria, with locations in Salzburg and Upper Austria. Thanks to close ties with the regional guilds (Landesinnungen) and regional construction academies (BAUAkademien), we stay close to the companies we serve.

SERVICES AND TARGET GROUPS

Our main focus is on Austrian construction companies, with particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In their day-to-day operations, they often have less capacity for major leaps in innovation.

Our research projects give companies practical recommendations and guidelines, insights into real pilot projects, and concise knowledge they can put to use straight away on site or in the office. We bring this knowledge to companies through the online platform BAU.Live, online courses, field trips, articles in trade journals and more.

Absolutely, we welcome it! We invite all companies to get in touch with suggestions for industry topics that ZAB could work on, or to share best-practice examples. Together, we can make the innovative strength of the Austrian construction industry visible.

Our main pillars are research & innovation, digitalisation, sustainability & circular economy, and education & communication.