Smart grids are intelligent system solutions that can make a decisive contribution to evolve sustainable energy systems. National and international activities for research and technological development in the field of smart grids provide the basis for a sustainable energy supply system. At the same time, remarkable opportunities open up for Austrian technologies and strategies in international markets and for strengthening Austria as a business location. Austria‘s strategy finding process Smart Grids 2.0 and accompanying research into smart grids actively support this development.