The federal state of Salzburg is one of Europe's most dynamic economic regions. Rooted in small and medium enterprises, its economic structure has proven to be a crisis-resistant stability factor. Two-thirds of businesses are involved in trade, tourism and business services. Thanks to its location, Salzburg is also home to a number of national and multinational corporate headquarters.

As a member of the European Union, Austria will find itself at the center of the community after the EU expansion into central and eastern Europe. This will give Salzburg an even more important role as an economic hub between north and south, east and west. In fact, Salzburg's central geographic location makes it an ideal place from which to do business in the new EU member countries.

Research is highly regarded in Salzburg, with its long tradition as a university city. Over 17,000 students are enrolled at the University of Salzburg. The Mozarteum University is an internationally renowned center of education in music and the performing arts. The Paracelsus Medical University further broadens the spectrum. In addition, Salzburg also boasts a number of universities of applied sciences and technologies and the non-university state research institute Salzburg Research, with a clear focus on new media.

And very often Salzburg increases the sum or offers an additional or complementary subsidy.