Gemischter Satz meets Grünen Veltliner – Vienna and Lower Austria are jointly advancing digitalization.
(from left to right): The organizers were pleased: Michael Leitner (Head of Digitalization and AI, Urban Innovation Vienna), Lukas Reutterer (Managing Director, House of Digitalization), Juta Löffler (Managing Director, UIV Urban Innovation Vienna), Claus Zeppelzauer (Managing Director, House of Digitalization)
(January 29, 2026) – The evening focused on three current topics: digital administration, satellite data as infrastructure, and digital sovereignty. Experts from Vienna and Lower Austria presented concrete applications and discussed challenges as well as opportunities for cooperation. Vienna Airport served not only as the venue but also as a symbolic link between the two federal states and their economic and social digitalization agendas.
"Digitalization is particularly successful when it is understood as a shared responsibility – across regions, departments, and areas of expertise," emphasized Lukas Reutterer and Claus Zeppelzauer, Managing Directors of ecoplus House of Digitalization. Last night was a successful start "to productively use existing interfaces and to initiate new forms of cooperation".
Shared challenges – shared solutions
The event was deliberately designed not as a traditional lecture series, but rather focused on substantive exchange on equal footing. Ideas from both federal states were brought together in three tandem sessions – for example, on the use of AI in public administration, on application areas of satellite data, and on strategic questions of digital sovereignty. The diversity of perspectives was also reflected in the format: expert input, discussion, and personal conversations flowed seamlessly into one another.
"The challenges of digital transformation are similar – whether in Vienna or Lower Austria," emphasizes Jutta Löffler, Managing Director of UIV Urban Innovation Vienna. "This makes it all the more important that we learn from each other, pool resources, and understand digitalization as a shared opportunity for sustainable development," adds Claus Hofer, Managing Director of UIV Urban Innovation Vienna.
Symbolism with Depth
The deliberately chosen title of the event – Gemischter Satz meets Grüner Veltliner – represents more than just regional wine varieties. It alludes to cultural diversity, regional identity, and the ambition to productively combine different approaches. Values such as openness, dialogue, and mutual respect, which both Vienna and Lower Austria represent in the digital sphere, were made tangible throughout the evening.
Outlook: Concrete Projects Planned
The organizers announced that they will be tackling initial joint projects in the coming months – including in the areas of municipal applications, data spaces, and innovation formats for companies. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive: The combination of in-depth content and a personal atmosphere created an environment that fosters a desire for further collaboration.