Mission Statement | Social Innovation Responsibility

We live in a world affected by innovation. It is the driving force behind growth and prosperity.

But innovation does not happen in isolation from society. It is part of a complex interplay that requires responsibility, understanding and trust. Science and technology affect our daily lives, our knowledge, our relationships, our ethics, our emotions, our communication, our decisions and therefore our future.

It is up to us to pave the way for our society’s ability to innovate. It is about Social Innovation Responsibility.

In Europe, particularly in Austria, the most precious resources of our age are bold ideas and visionary thinking. Our history and present alike are defined by a wealth of innovators and pioneers, whose brilliance has never been in short supply. Yet what we often lack is not ingenuity, but rather the bridges that connect it to society: the understanding, visibility, and dialogue between technology and the public, between research and industry, that could transform inspiration into action and momentum into progress.

How can we ensure that innovative breakthroughs that change our world are used for the benefit of all? How can we mitigate the support for the visionaries behind these achievements? How can we make science and its findings more accessible and engaging in order to generate public interest and appreciation? How can we address misunderstandings and alleviate fears? How can we inspire and promote enthusiasm about discovery among young people?

The Circle of the Wilhelm Exner Medal Foundation is dedicated to these questions. Since 1921, it has been awarding the Wilhelm Exner Medal to outstanding researchers who have moved the world with their developments and discoveries and continue to do so – of the more than 240 recipients of the medal, 25 have also been awarded the Nobel Prize.

Innovation is the miracle of our age. We know very well that excellence in education and research fuels sustainable development, leading to new businesses, start-ups, jobs, investments, and opportunities. Whether we invest in foundational knowledge, basic research or applied science, the output exceeds the effort by far.

The Exner Circle creates an awareness of Social Innovation Responsibility. By personal invitation, we bring together researchers and entrepreneurs with a passion for innovation to actively support the Foundation. This unique initiative at the interface of science, technology, entrepreneurship and society is strengthened by all those who actively contribute – ideationally, financially or energetically.

It´s about you. Let’s make the future visible together!