A single red line loops and curves smoothly on a light gray background, forming a large loop near the center before continuing off the right edge.
Illustration einer lächelnden Frau mit Brille und Creolen, die eine echte „KundenderKreativen“ verkörpert, während sie auf ein leuchtendes Glühbirnen-Symbol zeigt, in dem sich ein Copyright-Zeichen befindet.

Our Cluster ManagementCreative Industries Ecosystem

As a nationwide cluster organization, KAT coordinates, orchestrates, and develops the innovation ecosystem of the creative industries as part of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and as a long-standing partner of the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Tourism as part of the Austrian Creative Industries Strategy and the “Creative Industries 2030” innovation program launched by the BMWET and WKÖ.

We

  • connect stakeholders,
  • build skills,
  • initiate collaborations,
  • convey innovation,
  • tap into European opportunities,
  • provide guidance and knowledge,
  • and continue to develop the ecosystem’s framework.

Our cluster activities follow a clear logic of impact:

Four boxes with red symbols and German text—“Connecting stakeholders,” “Initiating collaborations,” “Enabling innovation,” and “Increasing value creation”—each paired with a corresponding symbol—illustrate the key pillars of a thriving creative industries ecosystem.

This leads to new partnerships, innovation projects, business models, and access to national and European networks.

We don’t leave networking to chance. We organize it.

A striking, red capital letter “K” on a white background symbolizes the dynamic spirit of the creative industries and their innovative power.

We organize the ecosystem

A high-performing innovation ecosystem requires spaces where exchange, coordination, and cooperation take place on an ongoing basis. That is why we organize Austria-wide networking among the creative industries, coordinate exchanges between stakeholders, and raise awareness of relevant opportunities, networks, and support structures.

A red outline drawing of a coffee cup, a pencil holder with pencils, and an open laptop—with a document icon visible on its screen—all set against a plain background, perfectly capturing the essence of a thriving creative industry ecosystem.

Creative Industries Forum

The Austria-wide networking and coordination platform for creative industries organizations. More…

Through the Creative Industries Forum, we facilitate regular dialogue among creative industries organizations, regional development agencies, chambers of commerce, funding agencies, educational and research institutions, and other partner organizations.

Every six weeks, current developments, challenges, and opportunities are discussed, activities are coordinated, and new collaborations are initiated.

The Creative Industries Forum lays the groundwork for: Austria-wide knowledge transfer, cooperation between regions and organizations, joint initiatives, the pooling of resources, and the further development of the Austrian creative industries ecosystem.
Getting to Know Each Other
Ein roter Herzumriss, in dessen Form sich ein stilisiertes „M“ und ein „V“ befinden, symbolisiert die Innovationswirkung der Kreativwirtschaft – das Ganze vor einem hellgrauen Hintergrund.

KAT Membership

Our members form the institutional backbone of KAT. More…

They connect companies and industry organizations with universities, research institutions, chambers of commerce, business development agencies, and public institutions.

Twice a year, our members gather for the General Assembly. In addition to addressing statutory matters, the assembly provides an opportunity for personal interaction, the establishment of new partnerships, and the development of joint projects and initiatives.

As a member, you can help shape KAT’s work, bring your own ideas to the table, and work with us to further develop the creative industries in Austria.
Become a Member
A red outline map of Austria with three interconnected dots forming a triangle in the center, set against a light gray background—symbolizing the innovative impact and dynamic network of the creative industries at the heart of the country.

KAT Map

The digital infrastructure of Austria’s creative industries ecosystem. More…

The KAT Map illustrates how the various stakeholders in Austria’s creative industries ecosystem are interconnected and what expertise, services, and support structures are available within the network. The KAT Map features industry organizations, advocacy groups, universities and educational institutions, as well as research and innovation institutions, business development agencies, regional creative industry organizations, and funding and support agencies.

Inclusion in the KAT Map

We develop expertise, partnerships, and innovation projects

Innovation does not happen by chance. It arises when people with different skill sets are brought together in a targeted manner. That is why we strengthen the creative industries’ capabilities in innovation, transformation, and collaboration, and support the development of new partnerships and innovation projects.

A red, circular badge with the white outline of C3 in the center and the lettering CREATIVE INDUSTRIES EXPERT CERTIFICATE on the outer edge, highlighting your status as an expert in the creative industries.

Certified Creative Industries Experts

We develop and foster innovation skills. More …

Through our programs C³ and we:transform, we equip creative professionals with the skills needed to serve as innovation and transformation partners for the business community. The Certified Creative Industries Experts form a nationwide network of qualified creative partners. We highlight their expertise and actively connect them with companies, transformation processes, and innovation projects. In this way, we forge new links between the creative industries and the business sector and facilitate the emergence of innovative collaborations.

Coming soon: Individual certification and a map of experts throughout Austria.
Become a Creative Industries Expert
Find Creative Industries Experts
A red outline of two hands shaking hands inside a circle, symbolizing collaboration in the creative industry. One hand is wearing a wristwatch, while lines above the handshake emphasize the action and the impact of innovation. The background is white.

Co-Creation, Competency, and Collaboration Programs

We initiate partnerships and support innovation projects. Learn more…

Through C³ and we:transform, we facilitate collaborations within the creative industries. We bring together creative professionals from various disciplines in a targeted manner, guide the development of shared ideas, and support the implementation of collaborative projects. Currently, over 75 creative professionals are collaborating on more than 20 supported collaborative projects. This gives rise to new business models, new markets, and new forms of collaboration.

Discover Network Programs
A red line drawing of an eye inside a circular measuring instrument, with a magnifying glass below it. The curved lettering “INPUT AND INSPIRATION” reflects the lively curiosity and innovative spirit that form the heart of an ecosystem in the creative industries.

wewant2know Online Workshops

Knowledge that drives innovation. More…

With wewant2know, we provide easy access to the latest insights on innovation, transformation, and entrepreneurship.

The workshops combine skill-building with Austria-wide networking and make new developments immediately applicable to the creative industries.
Register for the next workshop
A red outline of two speech bubbles, one of which reads “1+1>2.” Surrounding them is a circular text that reads “Added Value in the Creative Industries.” The design highlights the added value generated by collaboration in the creative industries and visually illustrates the potential for synergy within a thriving creative industries ecosystem.

Austria-wide Creative Community

We develop sustainable innovation networks. More…

Collaboration doesn’t end when a program does. That’s why we bring creative professionals together in a long-term, Austria-wide community. More than 600 creative professionals exchange knowledge, build on existing collaborations, and find new partners for projects and innovation initiatives. At the annual networking event, new connections, collaborations, and project ideas emerge across state and industry boundaries.

Become Part of the Creative Community

We bring innovation to the business world

The creative industries are a source of innovation for the entire economy. That is why we facilitate collaboration between companies and experts in the creative industries and proactively establish new innovation partnerships.

A collage of smiling young professionals working in the business and creative sectors, such as photography, design, and coaching. The text above the image reads: Creative Transformation for the Self-Employed.

Creative Transformation Processes

We develop solutions for business challenges. More …

Through our Creative Transformation processes, we connect companies with selected experts from the creative industries.

Through open innovation processes, companies work with selected experts from the creative industries to develop new approaches to the design of new products, services, communication, digitalization, sustainability, and market development—all aimed at advancing and transforming their businesses. We have already built up transformation expertise across more than 35 industries and systematically integrated it into innovation processes.

Learn About Creative Transformation
Split image: On the left, a young woman with curly hair smiles as she holds a camera indoors. On the right, an older woman with glasses and gray hair smiles outdoors, her arms crossed, in front of a blue building at the Creative Transformation Summit.

Creative Transformation Summit

We bring the creative industries and the business community together. More…

The Creative Transformation Summit is Austria’s largest networking platform for innovation driven by the creative industries. Here, we bring companies and creative industries experts together and highlight the added value of creative services. With approximately 700 participants at the last summit, it ranks among the most important forums for exchange between the creative industries and the business community. A central element is the Creative Fair: In interactive sessions, companies connect directly with experts from the creative industries, discover new approaches to problem-solving, and find potential partners for future projects.

Discover CTS
Illustration of a smiling man with dark hair, a beard, and red glasses, wearing a light blue shirt. He is giving a thumbs-up with his right hand, reflecting the positive attitude often found in the creative industry and the business world.

KreativKarl – AI-Powered Matchmaking

We make creative expertise practical and accessible for businesses. More…

KreativKarl is our AI-powered referral and matchmaking tool for businesses. It was developed based on the knowledge we’ve gained through collaboration with the creative industries in transformation processes across more than 35 sectors. KreativKarl helps companies structure their challenges, identify appropriate creative solutions, and highlight the added value that creative services can bring to their specific situation. Based on this, it recommends suitable Certified Creative Industries Experts to implement these solutions.

Ask KreativKarl

We provide access to knowledge, support, and Europe

A strong innovation ecosystem requires guidance, knowledge, and international connectivity. That is why we connect Austria’s creative industries with national and European opportunities.

A red outline of five books—three standing upright, two leaning against each other—against a white background. The arrangement subtly symbolizes the interconnectedness of an ecosystem in the creative industries, with the book on the far right featuring a diamond on its spine.

Cluster Intelligence

We highlight the impact of the creative industries. More…

A strong innovation ecosystem requires a shared, fact-based knowledge base. That is why, for more than 20 years, we have been compiling and initiating the Austrian Creative Industries Reports and a wide range of studies on innovation, competitiveness, internationalization, regional development, and the crossover effects of the creative industries. These findings provide guidance for companies, intermediaries, funding agencies, and policymakers. They highlight the impact of the creative industries and form the basis for programs, innovation projects, funding instruments, strategies, and the further development of the Austrian creative industries ecosystem.

Explore Reports on the Creative Industries
Against a white background, a simple red outline of a potted plant with a stem, three leaves, and a pointed tip is visible—symbolizing growth within the ecosystem of the creative industries.

Support Routing and Orientation

We make opportunities visible. More…

We help people navigate the Austrian and European support ecosystem. Through our newsletter, KAT Map, magazine, and partner networks, we highlight funding opportunities, programs, and relevant contacts.

Discover Grants
A red globe surrounded by four circular arrows on a light gray background, symbolizing global interconnectedness and the dynamism of the creative industries, as well as the worldwide impact of innovation.

Access to EU Innovation Networksn

We connect Austria to the European creative industries ecosystem. More…

As a partner of EIT Culture & Creativity—the largest European innovation community for the cultural and creative sectors and industries—and as the host organization of CLC SEA (South East Alps), based in Vienna, we connect Austrian stakeholders with European partners, initiatives, and development opportunities. Through our quarterly EU newsletter, our LinkedIn community, and our community management efforts, we provide timely information on relevant EU calls for proposals and support Austrian stakeholders in finding project partners and forming consortia.

Subscribe to the EU Newsletter
Become part of the EU community