2013 George C. Marshall Visit to Austria examines dynamics of skilled labor and innovation

From September 3-6, 2013, a group of nine delegates from prominent U.S. governmental and non-governmental organizations met with stakeholders in Vienna and the Linz region for a program titled "Advanced Manufacturing: Access to Innovation, Securing the Talent Pipeline." The program involved meetings with key governmental, educational and industrial organizations, as well as company visits to firms with strong apprenticeship programs, including Starlim/Stemer, Rosenbauer and Anger Machining.

Delegates, including experts from the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Aspen Institute, a former manufacturing policy advisor to President Barack Obama and representatives from key industry and educational associations such as the National Association of Manufacturers, explored the strengths of the Austrian eco-social market economic system and gained insight into the Austrian hallmark comprehensive dual education model.