The research clusters (RC1-3) are supported by three strategic enablers (SE): Long-Term Research (SE1), the IGF Data Platform (SE2), and the IGF Living Lab (SE3).
- SE1 – Long-Term Research and Monitoring
The IGF’s long-term observation and research programs are being maintained and further developed to record and analyze changes in mountain regions (RC1). The goal is to continue long-term observation of biodiversity, vegetation, glaciers, permafrost, and land-use and cultural landscape dynamics, to generate socially relevant evidence for theory development and modeling, and to use this for comparative analyses and scenario development (RC3). This creates a scientifically sound foundation for assessing future developmens and supporting evidence-based decisions (RC2).
- SE2 – IGF Data Platform
Standardizing IGF data management is a key strategic goal of the IGF. Through the BRIDGE project—Building Research Insights with Data and Graph Exploration (funded by the State of Tyrol, flagship project; Partners: IGF/ÖAW and the University of Innsbruck), an AI-supported research data platform for heterogeneous data from various disciplines is being developed. It combines technologies for the intelligent linking of data (graph databases), semantic technologies, and LLMs to make research data at the IGF more discoverable, accessible, inter-operable, and reusable. The IGF data platform is thus a strategic enabler, primarily based in RC3, and processes data generated in RC1 and RC2.
- SE3 – Living Lab (IGF LL)
The IGF LL serves as a common framework for the IGF’s research clusters: as an observation space for changes in mountain systems (RC1), a real-world laboratory for adaptation and transformation pathways (RC2), and a testing ground for innovative methods, monitoring, and data integration (RC3). Through its integration into national and international networks, it also enables comparative research beyond the region.