ABOUT US

RTDS Association develops and applies social and economic sciences to support  innovation research, tools and methods to optimise academia-industry collaboration and maximise the societal, economic and scientific outcomes and impact of EU-funded project results.

RTDS Association is listed in the Austrian Association Register (Zentrales Vereinsregister, ZVR Number 465699086) located in Vienna, with a validated PIC number 929551583.

Our Story

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1996

FP4 & FP5: Early Days

Shortly after Austria joined the EU in 1995, RTDS Founder, Stephen Webb, began managing EU projects in joined an SME based in FP4 including CAEMIS – Computer Aided Environmental Management Information Systems focused on industrial environmental performance. In FP5, he worked with AVL List on vehicle emission reduction projects, laying the foundation for RTDS Group’s long-standing focus on sustainability.

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2003

FP6: RTDS Established

In 2003, Stephen Webb co-founded RTDS, one of Austria’s first EU project consultancies. Based in Vienna, RTDS supported universities and SMEs in shaping research and innovation strategies. During FP6, the team expanded and co-launched a major EU food safety project with a €12.3 million budget.

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2007

FP7: Focus on Impact

Across FP6 and FP7, RTDS participated in 11 projects, including its first role as Coordinator.  The Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Research recognised RTDS as the leading Austrian SME in FP7. During this period, RTDS strengthened its focus on policy, socio-economic impact, linking scientific excellence to real world outcomes.

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2015 - Today

H2020 & Horizon Europe: Focus on Innovation Research

The RTDS Group brand was established as an umbrella for two entities:

  • RTDS e.U. – providing consulting services
  • RTDS Association – a non-profit institute advancing applied social and economic sciences to support academia-industry collaboration.

Our Role in Projects

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As a social and economic sciences partner in Horizon projects, RTDS brings together  a range of disciplines to support co-creation, stakeholder engagement, multi-actor approaches, citizen science and policy analysis. These activities may be integrated into a comprehensive Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication (DEC) work package.

As an independent, non-profit partner, social sciences partner, RTDS does not pursue ownership of technical results. We co-define stakeholder needs, manage engagement and deliver strategies for dissemination, open science communication and intellectual property including business models & exploitation plans.

RTDS can also serve as Coordinator, managing contractual implementation, amendments and relations with the funding agency. We support governance alignment and help build strong innovation ecosystems, including convening an External Experts Advisory Board when relevant.

OUR Areas

Reducing Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Transitioning away from fossil fuels requires more than technical innovation, it calls for systemic transformation. Increasing energy production from renewable sources is essential to reduce global warming and improve the management of demand and supply while exploring business models and policy frameworks that accelerate the adoption of clean technologies.

Fossil dependency across value chains, including energy-intensive construction materials (cement, steel) and petrochemical-based products used in insulation, interiors, consumer goods and furniture is still a major challenge. Even if technically feasible alternatives are available, fossil-free products still lag in upscaled production and thus, economies of scale. We study how production scaling, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based policy can drive the shift toward a truly fossil-free economy.

Reference Projects: SUSHEATFUELGAE, BIOBUILD, SUSBOARD, SUSBIND, PEAKAPP, DRYFICIENCY

Strengthening Global Food Security

Food, agriculture and public health are deeply interconnected in today’s global economy. Consumers are better informed and more conscious of the origin, safety and ecological footprint of everyday products. Bio-based nutrient coatings, bioremediation technologies and integrated pest management are some of the key options currently available to restore soil health and improve yield quality.

The socio-economic and policy dimensions of biodiversity, agro-ecology and climate resilience are also key in creating more sustainable food systems. By combining social and economic research to develop effective implementation strategies, RTDS helps shorten the path from scientific discovery to stakeholder acceptance and market-ready food security innovations. These efforts support more resilient food systems that contribute to Europe’s broader socio-economic transition.

Refrence Projects: AVANT, SAGROPIA, SUSFERT, MIBIREM, BIOVEXO. VIRTIGATION, UNTWIST, PHAntastic, MONIQA, HEALTHBREAD

Mastering the Digital Transformation

Digitisation is key to transformation across all sectors. Guided by the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, Digital infrastructure (secure & sustainable), skills development and data governance frameworks can enable a secure, interoperable and digital future.

Our projects explore the application of AI, data analytics high-performance computing, photonics and quantum technologies to scientific collaboration, industrial innovation and public services. RTDS contributes to building ecosystems where new technologies are integrated safely, ethically, and effectively to accelerate Europe’s triple transition by linking digitalisation with sustainability and societal benefit.

Reference Projects: CAELESTISREcAL, QuaLIFY, FNS-CLOUD, Tech4Effect

Advancing Healthcare

Health and wellbeing are shaped by interconnected systems from nutrition and environment to digital health technologies and preventive medicine. Advancing preventive and data-driven healthcare approaches  can address the societal and economic burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). AI, big data, and biotechnology can enhance disease prevention, diagnosis, and personalised care. By bridging life sciences, technology, and policy, RTDS contributes to a holistic approach to healthcare innovation, thus improving quality of life while ensuring long-term system sustainability. This ensures that healthcare innovation contributes to inclusive, resilient and sustainable societal transitions.

Reference Projects: SOLNATIDE, FNS-CLOUD, SATIN, PERFORMANCE, MedResIn,

Achieving Circularity

A circular economy keeps products and materials in circulation for as long as possible, minimising waste and reducing pressure on natural resources. Resource-efficient production, second-generation feedstocks, and end-of-life recovery processes are key in this regard, as well as understanding the economic and behavioural drivers of circular adoption.

We co-develop new business models with industry and consumers that make circularity both sustainable and competitive, fostering collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation. Ultimately, the circular transition is not only an environmental goal.  It is an economic and societal necessity that supports Europe’s long-term resilience.

Reference Projects: CELLFIL, RecAL, SUSTAINair, SUSBOARD, SUSBIND, BIOCONCEPT

Our Team

Dr. Stephen Webb MBA, LLM (IPR)

Founder & Chairman

Stephen holds degrees in engineering, business and law, including an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the University of Turin. He completed his PhD from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) as part of an FP6 project.

With over 20 years of experience since his first EU project in FP4, Stephen is a recognised expert in EU-funded research and innovation across Austria and Europe. He is a regular conference speaker and has served as a Panel Vice Chair for H2020 evaluations for the European Commission.

Roxana Weiss-Anton, MSC

CEO & Head of Project Management Team

Roxana holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from the Open University (UK) and a MSc. in Petroleum Technology and Crude Oil Chemistry. She brings over 20 years of experience in project management and product development across diverse industries.

As CEO and Head of the Project Management at RTDS, Roxana leads the company’s strategic development, planning, and execution. She also oversees financial management, controlling, and personnel development, ensuring operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

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Mag. Marianne Webb

Business Administrator

Marianne holds a degree in Sports Science and a postgraduate diploma in from the Vienna University of Economics and Business. She has over 10 years of experience in health, pharmaceutical management and marketing.

At RTDS, she serves as the Business Administrator, focusing on strategic planning and financial management. She also contributes to dissemination activities, particularly in graphic design including logos, printed materials, and project identities.

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Cliò E. Agrapidis, Ph.D.

Head of AI Strategy

Cliò holds a PhD in Physics from the Technical University of Dresden and has over 10 years of research experience in theoretical solid-state physics, including work at IFW Dresden and the University of Warsaw. She also holds a Master’s in Communication of Science and Innovation and a certification in intellectual property from WIPO.

At RTDS, she works on exploitation of results, business strategies, and dissemination and communication activities. She also supports proposal development, with a focus on AI and quantum technologies.

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Nouhaila Bouhout, MA

Head of Communication and Dissemination Team

Nouhaila holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Jacobs University and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Central European University. She brings extensive experience in communication and knowledge management from various EU-funded programmes.

At RTDS, she is Head of Communication and Dissemination, leading outreach and engagement across Horizon Europe projects. She specialises in translating complex research into accessible content and fostering collaboration across Europe.

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David Donnerer, MA

Head of Proposal Team

David holds a BA in Journalism and Media Management from FH Vienna and an MA in International Studies from Aarhus University. He is a certified CAPM and has over five years of experience as a freelance journalist for Austrian and European media.

At RTDS, he is Head of Proposal Development, leading proposal writing and strategy. He also contributes to project and communication management across EU-funded projects.

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Juan-LUIS RODRIGUES, LLM (IPR)

Head of IP Management & Exploitation Planning Team

Juan-Luis is a qualified solicitor and holds an LL.M. in Intellectual Property from WIPO and the University of Turin. He is a recognised IP expert, contributing to initiatives such as Horizon IP Scan and serving as a vetted expert for the European Innovation Council.

At RTDS, he leads the IP and innovation management team. His work focuses on exploitation strategies, IP frameworks, and facilitating agreements to enable effective technology transfer.

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Ana BabiĆ, MA

Ana holds Master’s degrees in European Affairs and English & American Studies from the University of Vienna and is a certified IPMA Project Manager. She has experience in international political affairs, having worked with the OSCE and a diplomatic mission to the OSCE and the UN.

At RTDS, she is involved in project management, dissemination, and communication across EU-funded research projects.

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Tristan Tiefenbacher-Bath, MA

Tristan holds a degree in Media from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Central European University in Vienna. He brings over a decade of experience in communications, including conservation, consulting, journalism, and digital marketing.

At RTDS, Tristan leads dissemination, exploitation, and communication activities for EU-funded projects, ensuring research outputs reach stakeholders effectively.

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Klementina Gjuta, MSC

Klementina is a certified IPMA Associate Project Manager with an MSc in Education and a BA in British and American Studies. She is pursuing an MA in Business with a focus on EU Studies and Managing EU Projects and has extensive experience in youth training and NGO-led EU projects.

At RTDS, Klementina works in Project Controlling and Optimisation, ensuring efficient management, strategic alignment, and financial oversight across research and innovation projects.

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Marianna Granatier, Ph.D.

Marianna holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Aalto University, Finland, with a focus on biorefineries. She has experience in the Deep Tech startup ecosystem, serving as COO of a biotech startup producing microbial pigments, with expertise in industrial biotechnology, lignocellulosic materials, and textile applications.

At RTDS, Marianna contributes to EU proposal development, project management, exploitation and business strategies, as well as dissemination and communication activities.

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Francine Martin, MA

Francine holds a joint Master’s degree in Global Studies from the University of Vienna and the University of Wroclaw, and an MBA in Foreign Trade from Fundação Getulio Vargas. She has over a decade of experience in EU-funded projects, including Erasmus+, H2020, and Horizon Europe, and industrial sector management.

At RTDS, Francine oversees project management and contributes to dissemination, exploitation, communication, and proposal activities, ensuring effective execution across the project portfolio.

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Daniela Negruti, MA

Daniela holds a Master’s degree in Multilingual Professional Communication from the University of Antwerp, with a focus on business strategies. She brings experience in EU-funded projects focused on economic and financial issues, future generations, youth participation, democratic engagement, and civic action, with a strong interest in projects contributing to positive social impact and a sustainable future.

At RTDS, Daniela supports EU project management and leads dissemination, exploitation, and communication activities, helping research and innovation outcomes reach relevant audiences and create lasting impact.

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Filoklis Pileidis, MSC

Filoklis holds a degree in Chemistry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postgraduate studies in Green Chemistry, Sustainable Industrial Technologies, and Materials Sciences at the University of York and Queen Mary University of London. He has more than 10 years of experience in the bio-based economy and biorefineries.

At RTDS, Filoklis manages dissemination, exploitation, and communication activities for ongoing projects, supports project management, and contributes to proposal writing.

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Vedran Pribilovic, MA

Vedran holds a Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication Studies from the University of Sarajevo and a Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce certificate. He has over 14 years of experience in digital marketing and communications, including a role as Online Communications Officer at OSCE.

At RTDS, Vedran manages project website development, maintenance, and SEO. He also provides IT support and assists other team members with technical needs across projects.

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