Austrian Rail Summit @InnoTrans 2026

The Rail Industry one of the strong and steadily growing sectors in Austria and No. 1 in the world per capita in the sub-industry “Rolling stock and associated equipment”.

With an raising export surplus "Made in Austria" rail products and services are exported to more than 90 countries around the globe.

Austria continues to be Europe’s No. 1 exporter per capita with a figure of $179, ahead of the Czech Republic ($134) and Slovakia ($132).

In absolute terms, Austria has an export volume of around 1.5 billion euros, an export rate of 68% and is No. 7 when it comes to the export of rolling stock and rail-bound transport technology and equipment worldwide.

See futher information at the Austrian Rail Industry - fact & figures and the ARI Austrian Association of the Rail Industry

all images and texts on this side: © ARI Austrian Rail Industry

The Austrian rail supply industry is disproportionately strong and innovative in international comparison.

In 2025, Austria once again retained its position as Europe´s leading innovator in the construction of rolling stock - and it is committed to constantly improving. R&D expenditure of 16.5 euros per capita means that Austria is still number one in the EU, well ahead of the Czech Republic with 7.4 euros and Germany with 3.6 euros.

Also the patent situation is very strong: with around 90 patent applications per annum, Austria remained in third place in the EU in 2025 behind Germany and France. In view of the relatively small size of the market, this clearly demonstrates the innovative energy of Austria’s rail industry.

The rail industry is one of Austria’s strongest exporting sectors. Products include rail vehicles in Berlin, metro in London and trams in the Australian Gold Coast Region.

From high speed routes, to urban public transport, or regional railways in rural areas: before a train can move at all it requires far more than just rails and a locomotive.

Austria is a market and technology leader in many areas:

• Infrastructure: from tracks and switches to overhead lines and state-of-the-art energy supply systems—our companies form the backbone of the rail network.

• Safety engineering: Train control and command systems, signaling systems, and control and communication technology ensure that trains run safely and efficiently.

• Rolling stock & high-tech components: We supply energy-efficient power units, lightweight components, and smart rolling stock engineering— from regional trains to high-end trams.

• Digital mobility: From digital interlocking and real-time information to e-ticketing or autonomous driving—we are bringing railways into the digital age.