City profile

Vienna, Austria's capital, is a historical yet dynamic EU metropolis renowned for its high quality of life. The city has a population of over 2 million and a high GDP per capita of approximately US$57 thousand. It is a bustling centre of commerce and industry, producing over half of Austria's capital goods and nearly half of its consumer goods. Key sectors include machinery, electrical products, chemicals, and metal products, along with traditional Viennese crafts​. The city is also a pivotal trade hub, hosting major international fairs that draw global participants, enhancing its business environment​​. Vienna also attracts millions of visitors to its iconic cultural sites annually​.

Vienna excels in Urban Management and Governance and Liveability and Loveability, and has commendable performances in Assets and Infrastructure and Investor Attractiveness.

Renowned for its efficient public services and high-quality urban infrastructure, Vienna's urban management practices are considered a benchmark in sustainable city planning. The city's commitment to green energy and waste reduction initiatives underscores its dedication to environmental sustainability.

In many indices Vienna constantly takes top place for Liveability and Loveability due to its unparalleled quality of life, characterized by extensive green and walkable spaces, comprehensive healthcare, and abundant cultural offerings. However, challenges to Investor Attractiveness remain linked to a lack of sufficient supply of skilled labour and lower levels of achieved innovation due to lack of private investments. War in Europe has exposed supply chain and energy vulnerabilities that the city will need to address to secure resiliency.

Insight

In Vienna, Mariahilfer Strasse was redeveloped into a pedestrian-friendly shared space with a central ‘car free’ zone, specifically designed paved surfaces, street side furniture and trees. From 70 years of practice, Arup recognises that a walkable city is a better city and that the more we walk, the better the city in every respect. Cities Alive: Towards a walking world highlights the significant social, economic, environmental and political benefits of walking. Informed by specialist insight and multidisciplinary expertise from across our global offices, we highlight 50 benefits of walking explored through 16 distinct indicative themes, and list 40 actions that city leaders can consider to inform walking policy, strategy and design.
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