We share the general thrust to undertake coordinated R&D activities in key segments and to reduce fragmentations. We would like to point out that the Austrian rail industry with 8,100 employees, an annual turnover of EUR 2.6 billion € and an export rate of 71 % may potentially benefit from this EU plan. This can also be applied to SMEs and suppliers, as the already established Founding Members Siemens and Bombardier have competency centres in Austria.