aws Green Frontrunner programme
About this good practice
Problem Addressed: Many SMEs struggle to finance and implement sustainable innovations due to a lack of expertise, funding, and market readiness. The aws Green Frontrunner program aims to bridge this gap by providing targeted financial support and consulting services to facilitate the adoption of green technologies and sustainable business practices.
How Objectives are Reached: The aws Green Frontrunner program was originally launched in 2013 to support Austrian companies in achieving market and technological leadership with a focus on sustainability. The program was renewed in 2021 to continue fostering sustainable innovation and was further updated for the period 2024–2026.
The program provides non-repayable grants of up to EUR 1 million to support investment projects and research & development (R&D) initiatives. These projects focus on developing products, processes, or services that create positive environmental impacts for end-users.
Stakeholders: Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH (aws), Federal Ministry for Labour and Economy (BMAW) and Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK).
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The aws Green Frontrunner program has a total budget of EUR 19 million.
- Maximum grant per project: EUR 1 million.
- Minimum project cost: EUR 300,000.
- Legal basis: Grants awarded under EU General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) (Articles 14, 17, 25, 36, 38, 41, and 47).
Evidence of success
The aws Green Frontrunner initiative has successfully promoted sustainable innovation. In 2021, 12 projects were supported with a total investment volume of EUR 70 million, including EUR 3.3 million in direct grants.
One example is BioG GmbH, which produces biomethane from residual materials, leading to increased energy efficiency and a reduction in CO₂ emissions. The supported projects actively contribute to climate and environmental goals, aligning with the European Green Deal.
Potential for learning or transfer
The aws Green Frontrunner initiative serves as a model for other regions, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.
Key success factors include:
-Clear environmental goals: Ensuring alignment with sustainability policies.
-Robust project management: Maximizing impact and efficiency.
-Strong stakeholder engagement: Facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
-Financial incentives: Encouraging participation from the private sector.
However, regulatory compliance, resource allocation, and scalability must be addressed to successfully transfer the program to other regions.
For example, the program has been implemented in Upper Austria (NUTS-2 region) by organizations such as Voestalpine, demonstrating its adaptability and potential for broader application.
By integrating these elements, other regions can learn from the aws Green Frontrunner program and adapt it to their specific contexts to promote sustainable development and innovation.
