The publication presents the Austrian system of research, technology and innovation (Forschung Technologie Innovation System, FTI) through political science. The author focuses on four key issues. The first refers to public policies, the development path and the influence of historical and social factors. The second takes into account the strategies for the development of higher education, connected with technologies, innovation, intellectual property and bioeconomics. The third is related to the institutions supporting the FTI system. The final issue concerns evaluation, which is referred to the domestic “evaluation market”, institutions and the national system of research, development and technological transfer. In the author’s opinion, Austria maintains an integrated research and technological policy, which takes into account national potential and interest, at the same time taking advantages of its membership in the European Union.