The volume provides an overview of the Austrian innovation system, characteristic company histories, and development patterns of high-tech industries since the late 19th century. Based on comprehensive long-term quantitative and qualitative evidence, it explores the developmental aspects that have led to the current framework conditions and innovation practices. The extensive time series included may be of particular interest for further research. In the current debate about the Austrian innovation system, there is often criticism of the relatively low share of so-called high-tech industries, and historical reminiscences frequently contain myths about Austrian inventors' fates. The historical perspective shows that successful centers of industries had already emerged at the beginning of the 20th century.