Parliament

The Austrian Parliament consists of two chambers: National Council and Federal Council. The National Council enacts - together with the Federal Council - the legislation of the Republic of Austria.

It is a fundamental principle of parliamentary procedure that, prior to a formal vote on any topic by the plenary assembly of the National Council, it is first discussed at the committee stage. The purpose of this step is to ensure that well-informed representatives have the opportunity to discuss the issues in a smaller group where they are not under time pressure; experts may also be invited to participate in such discussions. The final decision is still taken by the plenary assembly of the National Council. However, this seldom differs from the decision reached in committee, since the political composition of the committees reflects the political composition of the plenary assembly.

In Austria, two parliamentary committees deal with research-related issues: The Science Committee and the Comittee for Research, Innovation and Technology.

An annual report on federally subsidised research, technology and innovation in Austria has to be submitted to parliament.

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