Estonia - Research and Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship strategy 2021-2035

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia has adopted the Research and Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship strategy 2021-2035. The general objective is to increase the well-being of Estonian society and the productivity of the Estonian economy, by providing competitive and sustainable solutions for the development needs of Estonia and the world.

The overall objective is underpinned by three strategic goals:

1. Research system is high-level, effective and diverse.

• Directions of action:
  • Maintaining a high level of scientific excellence, ensuring the development of research institutions and the scientific community
  • Ensuring the quality and availability of research infrastructure
  • Providing opportunities for international research cooperation

2. Knowledge transfer relies on research-based and innovative solutions.

• Directions of action:
  • Increasing the knowledge transfer capacity of research institutions and enterprises
  • Increasing the social and economic impact of research, development and innovation
  • Developing an ecosystem for research and technology intensive start-up entrepreneurship

3. Business environment encourages entrepreneurship and the emergence and growth of knowledge-intensive enterprises, the creation and export of higher value-added products and services, and investments in all regions of Estonia.

• Directions of action:
  • Developing a competitive and smart business and consumer environment
  • Increasing the capacity for higher value added and exports
  • Fostering technology and development intensive investments

General impact of the Strategy

• Research system - A high level of scientific excellence and coherence with the needs of society, including the economy, will create the preconditions for increased knowledge, better education and more effective and relevant policies. Through a research-based approach, the causes of problems will be better understood and more effective solutions will be found. This will increase positive impacts and reduce negative impacts in all areas.
• Knowledge transfer - development and innovation will lead to new and innovative solutions which, on the one hand, address society’s needs with fewer resources, and on the other hand, offer opportunities to improve the quality of products and services, and improve the functioning of society, economic competitiveness, sustainable development and overall well-being.
• Business environment - developing the business environment will create the conditions for economic development through higher productivity and increased added value. Estonian enterprises will generate more revenue from high value-added products and services; entrepreneurs will be competent, enterprises will be well-managed and efficient; the Estonian economy will be internationally integrated and innovative.

Actions to promote knowledge transfer

• Increasing enterprises’ research, development and innovation intensity and knowledge transfer capacity.
• Increasing the knowledge transfer capacity of research institutions and higher education institutions.
• Strengthening the societal and economic impact of research, development and innovation.
• Developing an ecosystem for research and technology intensive start-up entrepreneurship. 

The Strategy contributes to all five strategic objectives of Estonia’s long-term development strategy Estonia 2035 and to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Education and labour issuesrelated to the Strategy are addressed in the Estonian Education Strategy 2021-2035 and the Welfare Development Plan 2023-2030.