Vienna Development Knowledge and Learning Center

Austria has been a long-standing partner of the World Bank Group (WBG). Over the years, Austria has supported numerous knowledge programs covering a wide range of subjects, including financial sector reform, investment climate, urban development, climate change, and water management. In recent years, the Austrian government has supported the expansion of the WBG Vienna office into a major operations hub for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, now hosting over 300 staff.

During the 2024 WBG-IMF Annual Meetings, the Austrian authorities and the World Bank signed a partnership agreement to establish the Vienna Development Knowledge and Learning Center. This agreement elevates the existing cooperation on knowledge sharing and further integrates Vienna's role as an operations and development knowledge hub.

The Center's core focus will be a Development Knowledge Exchanges Series, underpinned by the expertise generated by both the ECA and global teams. In addition to hosting knowledge activities at the WBG Vienna office, the Center will facilitate field visits, and experience-sharing with Austrian institutions, private sector entities, and civil society organizations. Some knowledge exchange activities may also be organized in developing countries.

Key design features and principles of the Knowledge Center include:

Target Audience. The Center will primarily serve public and private sector representatives from throughout the ECA region. When relevant and feasible, World Bank client countries from other regions may be selectively invited to broaden the sharing of development experiences.

Thematic Focus. While multi-disciplinary in nature, the Center will concentrate on a select few thematic areas most pertinent to ECA countries like economic governance or nature-based solutions.

Activity Format. The Center will offer a variety of engagement formats, including technical deep-dive workshops, field visits, product-specific labs, and collaborative learning sessions with WBG teams, etc.

Expertise. The Center will leverage the expertise of WBG staff based in Vienna and the ECA region while systematically mobilizing global knowledge and linking with the WBG Academy. Knowledge work of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) will be included in relevant knowledge activities.

Partnership Synergies. The Center will actively tap into the resources and knowledge of WBG partners, particularly the European Commission and other European institutions.

To ensure strategic focus and relevance, annual plans of the Knowledge Center will be developed and agreed among ECA management in consultation with the Austrian Ministry of Finance. This collaborative approach aims to maximize the impact of the Center's initiatives and foster innovative solutions to development challenges in the ECA region and beyond.