Competitiveness and Growth – Christian Sadleder at the CIRA Annual Conference 2026

02 Nov 2026

How can Austria strengthen its business location and foster long-term growth? These key questions took center stage at the CIRA Annual Conference 2026, held on October 14 in Vienna. Christian Sadleder from STRABAG Energy Infrastructure joined the panel discussion, offering the company’s perspective on Austria's economic future.

Austria’s Economy at a Pivotal Crossroads

Under the banner "Austria’s Economy Stagnates – Looking Ahead: Where Growth Happens," the conference focused on Austria’s economic development and the challenges surrounding the country's competitiveness as a business hub. Key discussion points included productivity, investment activity, and the structural frameworks required to spark new momentum for growth.

These topics hold particular significance for companies in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Efficient infrastructure, reliable regulatory conditions, and a strong readiness to invest in forward-looking solutions are essential pillars of a competitive economy.

Shaping the Future Through Investment and Innovation

Energy supply and the transition toward a resilient economy are equally critical to Austria's future. Expanding renewable energy, building robust energy infrastructure, and advancing innovative technologies open up vital opportunities to boost competitiveness and unlock long-term growth potential.

The exchange at the CIRA Annual Conference provided a valuable platform to gather diverse perspectives from across business and industry, fostering dialogue on the preconditions for sustainable growth.

Austria holds great economic potential. To fully unlock it, we must enhance our competitiveness, facilitate investments, and drive innovation. For the energy and infrastructure sectors in particular, it is crucial to lay the groundwork today for tomorrow’s resilient growth.

Christian Sadleder
Technical Division Manager and Member of the Board, STRABAG AG

Through its participation, STRABAG underscored the importance of cross-industry dialogue on Austria’s economic path forward and the framework conditions needed for future-oriented growth.

Link to the panel presentation here.