ÖBB Annual Report 2023

Group Management Report 138 Österreichische Bundesbahnen-Holding Aktiengesellschaft Consolidated Financial Statements | Group Management Report 93 Further development of frameworks | The ÖBB Toolbox and the Purchasing Manual were optimised and expanded to include additional sustainability information. AI in the supply chain | A pilot on artificial intelligence (AI) in the supply chain was conducted to further develop ÖBB’s data management with regard to sustainability requirements. Railsponsible minimum requirements for audits and equivalence of self- assessments | In 2023, working groups defined minimum requirements that should apply to sustainability audits. Work was also undertaken on the development of specific requirements for self-assessment so that self-assessments can be recognised in award procedures in the future. UIC project “Planning / Performing of International Audits” | Joint project between the International Union of Railways (UIC) and some European railway companies such as Rail Cargo Group, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) for better monitoring of suppliers. G.7. Innovation and Technology Management approach The ongoing further development of the overall system of mobility, logistics and infrastructure plays an important role in the ÖBB Group. As one of the largest technology users in Austria, the ÖBB Group is committed to demand-orientated R&D activities. They are intended to increase the productivity, capacity and quality of the railway system and make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation and the achievement of national and international climate targets. The ÖBB Group distinguishes internally between the areas of asset/technology innovation and product/service innovation in the area of research, technology and innovation. The ÖBB technology strategy adopted in 2020 serves as a strategic framework for the former. This set out the R&D priorities on the one hand and the understanding of R&D roles on the other. Part of this understanding of roles is the simplification and harmonisation of operating processes, a stringent impact and needs-oriented approach and the constant consideration of migration planning in all technology developments. Objectives – ÖBB aims to use innovative and digital technologies to increase the capacity, quality and productivity of the rail system, thereby enabling a further shift of traffic to rail and enhancing the competitiveness of the rail system. – ÖBB wants to use innovations to increase customer satisfaction, attract new customers and achieve cost savings and revenue increases. – ÖBB aims to identify relevant innovation options through regular market monitoring and to test and prioritise them with the help of structured validation. – ÖBB not only wants to develop innovative products and services, but also new business models. The focus is on the needs of users and collaboration with start ups. – ÖBB wants to communicate successful innovation projects even more strongly to the outside world and further institutionalise and expand the “Community creates Mobility” network. Projects must take into account the premises of application and use-case orientation, the European approach with ensuring a positive impact on the entire European railway system and the migration planning of technology development in order to achieve these aims. | MR93