Showcasing Innovation: Posters by CNTF Students and Researchers

Exploring Innovation, Scaleups, and Talent Across Europe

This article presents recent research on European scaleups, AI startups, and the crucial role of universities and knowledge ecosystems in fostering innovation and competitiveness. Drawing on data from over 26,000 startups and hundreds of universities, it highlights which cities are leading in scaleup performance, AI development, and talent-driven growth. The research was showcased through posters at the 16th CogInfoCom Conference, displayed at Vienna’s Modul University and during the MCC panel discussion on April 11th.

György Szabolcs Papp – The Robotics Revolution in the Automotive Industry

This study investigates the role of industrial robots in the automotive sector, with a focus on Europe. Employing ARIMA time series analysis and regression models, it examines how robotization, the innovation ecosystem (including patents and STEM universities), and knowledge-intensive factors influence vehicle production volumes. The findings reveal a strong correlation (0.89) between robot deployment and vehicle manufacturing, highlighting that a robust innovation background is essential for a thriving automotive industry. Looking ahead, the shift toward electric vehicles presents both new challenges and opportunities for robotization.

Dávid Nagy T. – Catalysts of Change: Innovation and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in Europe

This study analyzes 14 European countries to explore the relationship between green energy innovation (R&D expenditures, patents, and scaleup companies) and the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) market. The results indicate strong positive correlations: green energy patents (r=0.92), scaleup companies (r=0.41), and corporate R&D activities (r=0.39) are all linked to PPA capacity. Advanced innovation systems facilitate the adoption of PPAs, which in turn reinforce clean energy ecosystems. The study suggests that PPAs should be considered as integrated instruments of industrial policy.

Gellért Banai – How Much for a Child? A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hungary’s Family Housing Support Programme (CSOK)

This research evaluates the demographic and fiscal impacts of Hungary’s CSOK program from 2004 to 2021 using the Synthetic Control Method. The analysis shows that CSOK contributed to a 13% increase in fertility compared to control countries, although much of this effect is attributable to timing (tempo) factors. Fiscal returns are relatively low (ROI: 0.06–0.17), but the program provided short-term stimulus to the construction sector and GDP. The study concludes that lasting demographic benefits would require housing support to be complemented by comprehensive family policy measures.

Marcell Kovács – Global Financial Market Reactions to U.S. Semiconductor Industrial Policy

This study examines how U.S. industrial policy, including the CHIPS and Science Act, affected global semiconductor stock prices. Using an event study combined with LSTM neural networks, it analyzes 18 companies across the microchip supply chain and finds that fabless and equipment manufacturers benefited most, while Chinese firms faced heightened risks. The results highlight that industrial policy produces uneven, cross-border effects, and LSTM models better capture delayed, non-linear market reactions.

Szabolcs Dudás – Growth Dynamics of Scaleups in Europe: Which Scaleup Cities Dominate, and Which Struggle to Grow?

This study analyzes the growth dynamics of European scaleups (startups raising over €1 million) and their city-level ecosystems between 2021 and 2024. Using a unique database built from Dealroom.co data covering 123 cities, scaleups were classified into growth categories (e.g., new entrants, survivors, absolute survivors). Key findings show that global hubs like London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm concentrate 40% of scaleups and 50% of total funding, while top European cities (Amsterdam, Dublin, Munich, Zurich) account for 10% of scaleups. Absolute survivors increased their funding by 68% over the period. The results highlight risks of overconcentration and suggest that data-driven frameworks can help policymakers and ecosystem stakeholders identify trends and tailor innovation strategies.

Zoltán Cséfalvay, György Papp, and Zalán Horlik – Competitiveness and Knowledge: Artificial Intelligence Scaleups in European Cities

This study examines the geographical distribution and knowledge base of AI scaleups (startups raising over €1 million using AI technology) across Europe in 2024. Using data from Dealroom.co and clustering 117 Functional Urban Areas, the analysis finds that AI scaleups and their funding are heavily concentrated in a few global and top European cities (e.g., London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Dublin, Munich, Zurich), while Central and Eastern Europe lags behind. Cities with world-class universities, particularly in Western and Northern Europe, perform especially well relative to population and economic output. The study highlights a strong correlation between AI scaleup success and patent activity, suggesting that knowledge-intensive ecosystems will shape future competitiveness and pose challenges for lagging regions.

Zoltán Cséfalvay and Zalán Horlik – Startups and Talent: How Access to Locally Available Talent at Universities Influences the Startup Performance of European Cities

This study investigates how access to university-derived talent affects startup performance across European cities in 2024, analyzing over 26,600 scaleups and 1,428 universities. Using K-means clustering of 122 Functional Urban Areas, the research finds that startup founders are highly concentrated in cities with top universities, revealing a strong West-East divide. A linear regression shows a strong correlation (0.798) between the Scaleup Performance Index and access to local talent, though notable outliers exist. The study highlights that universities play a key role as “breeding grounds” for startup founders, and combining talent availability with value creation potential provides guidance for innovation policy and ecosystem development.