Transformation Researcher Frank Neffke Awarded the 2025 netidee SCIENCE grant
Software companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple are among the largest and most valuable companies in the world today. Although software development is theoretically possible anywhere in the world, the globally dominant software companies are located in only a few regions such as Silicon Valley or Bangalore, and with them their ICT specialists.
In his research project “Skills and the geography of software start-ups,” Frank Neffke, whose research focuses on economic transformation and growth, is investigating why software development is concentrated in just a few regions despite numerous global collaboration options. The study is also looking at the effects of this development on regional value creation, location policy, and the labor market in the digital sector.
The research team is analyzing extensive data from platforms such as GitHub and Stack Overflow to gather information on the programming skills of millions of developers and link them to the success of young software companies. The results are intended to illustrate the dynamics of the digital industry and define the prerequisites that locations and regions must meet in order to attract digital economy investors and establish themselves as innovation locations.
“This study not only offers new insights into the geographical distribution of software development, but also into the dynamics of companies and their employees and the opportunities available to different regions worldwide to be competitive in this sector,” explains business and transformation researcher Frank Neffke from the Complexity Science Hub.
“Supporting projects like Frank Neffke’s is a key part of our mission to strengthen digital expertise and innovation in Austria. By better understanding the geographical and economic dynamics of software development, we can make a targeted contribution to establishing Austria as a leading location in the digital economy and promoting Europe’s technological sovereignty,” says Andreas Schildberger, CEO of the Internet Foundation.
“Frank Neffke’s research shows the factors that influence where talents go and where they concentrate. These findings are crucial to understanding each region’s economic opportunities and how to specifically influence and support these opportunities. The Complexity Science Hub and Frank Neffke are very pleased to have received this award,” congratulates Stefan Thurner, President of the Complexity Science Hub.
“This year's netidee SCIENCE project combines digitalization aspects with economic and location policy issues. In light of the goal of strengthening Europe’s digital competencies and technological sovereignty, the project’s results will be relevant for Austria and all of Europe,” says Ursula Jakubek, FWF Executive Vice-President. “I would like to congratulate the winner and thank the Internet Foundation for funding this project,” concluded Jakubek.
Philanthropy for science and research
With the nonprofit alpha+ Foundation, the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) offers philanthropically inclined individuals and organizations the opportunity to support forward-looking research projects throughout Austria. In addition to the netidee SCIENCE funding, further grants currently being financed with private donations include the Zero Emissions Award in the field of climate research and the WE&ME Award in the field of medicine. The FWF handles the administration of the research awards based on its well-established review process.
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