Perspectives on immigration and integration in Austria in 2015 and 2016: building policies on strategic intelligence

Dramatic growth rates in mass displacement from conflict have caused increased arrivals of refugees and migrants in Europe since 2015, challenging the European Union's asylum system. Meanwhile, migration and integration policies have been extensively discussed from a variety of perspectives. As a basis for strategic policy-building, this article examines five different actors in the field based on a literature review and practical insights. Finding a consensus was partly supported by an interdisciplinary negotiation game called Surfing Global Change at Graz University and further advanced according to the most recent developments. The article analyses the potential of strategic intelligence for policy-building and emphasises the need for good communication, coordination and networking between relevant actors. A fruitful combination of a whole-of-government approach and adaptation possibilities according to regional circumstances is needed to ensure long-term strategies and successful policies.