In an interview with “Standard”, the head of the Chamber of Commerce Harald Mahrer identified three main reasons for the current bad mood among entrepreneurs: high energy prices, bureaucratic barriers and lack of staff. The days when everything went smoothly are over, he warns against complacency. He warned that companies could leave the location and invest abroad.
Mahrer cites the ranking of the private business school IMD, according to which Austria is in 24th place among the most attractive places in 2023. Bold decisions to secure space will be missing. He warns: “So far we have received a very high level of loyalty from Austrian companies.” But that’s starting to change, he continues. “This should raise alarm bells.”
With the 2024 elections in mind, Mahrer advises against “populist ideas” such as reducing working hours and warns of increasing competitive pressure from “hungry” countries.
