On May 2, 2024, Dr. Roland Waldner started his work in the Carinthian Economic Development Fund.
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee (OTS) – Roland Waldner replaces Sandra Venus, who held the position of KWF board member for more than eleven years. Since the decision of the KWF Board of Trustees in December 2023, it has been clear that Dr. Roland Waldner takes over the leadership of the KWF as sole director and career changer. The politically independent and non-directive institution KWF has been in existence for 31 years and provides important impetus for the development of the business location.
After completing his diploma studies in plastics technology at the University of Leoben, Dr. Roland Waldner works as a university assistant. He then started as a product developer at PHILIPS consumer Lifestyle in Klagenfurt and stayed with the group for another 30 years. Most recently, he was head of research and development for front-end innovation at PHILIPS and the group’s Versuni unit and was responsible for the research locations in Klagenfurt and Shanghai. In addition to his full-time job, he was involved in teaching, including at universities and technical colleges, but also in non-sector social institutions such as Lebenshilfe Kärnten. Through his membership on the board of the IV-Carinthia and as head of the “Team Innovation” working group in the IV, he was able to acquire a lot of knowledge about Carinthia as a business location.
Roland Waldner gives insight into his attitude as the new board member of the KWF: »Innovations do not only occur in industry. It is important to me that we think across industries and not small, but big. I am also convinced that there must be room for failures and that they should be used for good development.«
Funding accompanied him throughout his entire professional career. As a former customer of the KWF and other funding institutions, he knows very well what the needs of the market are and what customer orientation means in this segment. Why did he apply for the role of KWF board member? »I would like to make a difference in Carinthia and contribute my experience and knowledge so that the KWF can take advantage of current opportunities for the business location as a bridge builder.«
The development of a strategy for Carinthia as a business location is the first challenge he will face. In any case, this will include “cooperation” as an attitude and as a business model. It is in line with Roland Waldner to give preference to solution orientation and commonality over confrontation.
Questions & Contact:
KWF | Carinthian Economic Development Fund
Dr. Marliese Fladnitzer-Ferlitsch
Head of Marketing & Communications
E fladnitzer-ferlitsch@kwf.at
T 0664 83 99 318