Studies on medium-sized global market leaders ("hidden champions") clearly show that their above-average investment in research and development (R&D) is the basis for their international market success.

The aim of the qualitative study, which was carried out on behalf of the Austrian Association of the Machinery and Metal Goods Industry (FMMI) and the Industry Division of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, was therefore primarily to determine how Austria's hidden champions proceed in the areas of R&D and innovation management, in terms of organisation, personnel and structure.

In addition, the value creation of the Austrian hidden champions was analysed and the support that these internationally successful companies would like to receive from politicians and interest groups in the areas of R&D and innovation management was investigated.