Research and Innovation background
R&I Background
The structure and basis of operation of Estonia's research and development (R&D) system are established in the Research and Development Organisation Act (RDOA).
The Government of the Republic:
- prepares national R&D development plans;
- submits them to the Riigikogu (parliament);
- approves national R&D programmes;
- ensures the cooperation between the ministries and enacts legislation.
The primary documents guiding Estonia's research and innovation strategy are:
- The "Estonian Research Infrastructure Roadmap” deals with investments of national importance. It is compiled every 3-4 years by the Estonian Research Council and contains a list of new national important research infrastructure units, or of those in need of modernisation.
- Estonia 2035: A long-term strategy aimed at ensuring Estonia’s global competitiveness, focusing on digitalisation, innovation, and sustainable development
- The Research, Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy 2021-2035 (RDI Strategy): This document outlines Estonia’s commitment to creating a knowledge-based society through innovation, increased R&D investments, and strengthening collaboration between academia, government and industry.
- Digital Agenda 2030: This strategy supports Estonia’s vision of becoming a global leader in digital solutions. It focuses on fostering digital innovation, including in the transport and mobility sectors, by leveraging Estonia’s advanced digital infrastructure.
- Strategic Planning for 2021-2035: The goal of this document is to create a long-term plan to ensure that:
- Estonia has a favourable environment for creating, acquiring, and using knowledge;
- people can engage in lifelong learning;
- people can be creative, have an entrepreneurial and open mind, and contribute to the advancement of a cohesive and democratic society.
The Republic of Estonia Transport Administration was formed in January 2021 and is the central government organisation for all modes of transport aiming to provide a safe, comfortable and fast traffic environment. Key documents relevant to Transport policy include:
- Transport and Mobility Strategy 2021-2035 : Part of the broader infrastructure strategy, this document focuses on developing sustainable and smart mobility solutions. It highlights the role of innovation in achieving more efficient transport systems and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with European Green Deal objectives.
- Road Safety Programme 2016–2025 : Estonia’s comprehensive plan to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries. It aligns with the Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate serious road accidents by implementing safety measures and fostering a safety-conscious culture.
- The Future of Passenger and Goods Transport in Estonia : A forward-looking strategy document aimed at transforming Estonia’s transport systems to meet future needs. It focuses on developing sustainable, efficient, and digitalised transport solutions for both passengers and freight.
Institutional framework of transport research
Framework
The responsibility for research and innovation policy in Estonia is divided among several key organisations:
- Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications: The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing research and development activities within national technology and innovation policy related to business, and transport policy. Specific administrative bodies in the Ministry (Civil Aviation Administration, National Road Administration, Railway Inspectorate and Maritime Administration) are responsible for formulating long-term strategies, outlining policy priorities, and planning major investments in the transport sector.
- The Research and Development Council: An advisory body to the Government of the Republic and makes the final expert decisions on all major R&D matters and policy documents.
- Enterprise Estonia (EAS): EAS focuses on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, providing grants and support for businesses engaged in R&D activities, including those in the transport and mobility sectors.
- Ministry of Education and Research: The Ministry of Education and Research implements national research policy, organises the financing and evaluation of the activities of R&D institutions and coordinates international research cooperation at the national level. The Ministry is also responsible for the planning, coordination, execution and monitoring of research policy related to the activities of universities and research institutes. The Ministry is advised by the Research Policy Committee. The Ministry governs the following research and development institutions:
The instruments of financing Estonian research and development activities are:
- base financing;
- research grants;
- national science programmes;
- financing of centres of excellence doctoral schools;
- covering the expenses of research and development infrastructure
All information about Estonian R&D is available on the Estonian Research Portal, which is the public section of The Estonian Research Information System (ETIS). This is a national register which incorporates information on R&D institutions, researchers, projects and research results. At the same time, ETIS is also used as a medium for the submission applications and reports as well as the revision and approval thereof.
The Estonian Research Council is the main research funding agency for Estonian research and is responsible for institutional and personal research funding in Estonia and providing support for participation in Horizon2020 and other EU programs. In order to achieve common goals there is also the Estonian Academy of Sciences Membership which includes Estonian scientists, research associations, societies and institutions. Research libraries are designated by the Government of the Republic. The task of research libraries is to collect, store and process research information as well as to make it accessible for research purposes.
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Funding & Support
Transport research in Estonia is supported by a mix of national programmes, European Union funding, and public-private partnerships. Key funding sources and programmes include:
- Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications: The main source of funding for transport research, along with its agencies such as the Estonian Transport Administration which oversees infrastructure and mobility-related projects.
- Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Education and Research: These ministries also contribute funding to transport-related research, though to a lesser extent.
- European Union: International funding primarily comes from EU programmes, supporting research aligned with EU-wide initiatives, such as sustainable mobility and digital innovation.
- Public funding: Available through programmes like the Competence Centres Programme, this funding supports applied research and business-led projects without prioritising specific research areas.
- Enterprise Estonia (EAS): One of the largest institutions for supporting entrepreneurship, EAS offers financial assistance, collaboration opportunities, and training. It supports transport research through grants and by promoting innovation among businesses and research institutions.
- Estonian Science Foundation: Individual research grants are financed by the Estonian Science Foundation in order to support high-level initiative research, new ideas and studies.
- National and regional programmes: These additional funding sources are available to support transport-related projects.
For transport research, funding is mostly allocated to projects on infrastructure assessment, which should be considered more as consulting projects and feasibility studies.
Estonia has several active national programmes aimed at enhancing various aspects of transport, research, and infrastructure. Here are the key programmes currently in place:
- National Road Traffic Safety Programme (2016–2025): This programme focuses on improving road safety and reducing traffic-related fatalities. It includes measures to enhance road infrastructure, increase public awareness, and implement new technologies to prevent accidents.
- Programme for Cohesion Policy Funds (2021-2027): This programme encompasses four EU funds and aims to support climate and digital goals, job creation, economic competitiveness, and overall quality of life in Estonia. It includes specific initiatives to promote green and sustainable transport solutions, contributing to Estonia’s climate targets and advancing its transport infrastructure.
- Road Safety Programme (2016-2025): Complementing the National Road Traffic Safety Programme, this programme is dedicated to improving road safety through accessible, convenient, fast, safe, and sustainable transport systems. It seeks to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries by enhancing both infrastructure and safety measures.
- Applied Research in Smart Specialization Growth Areas (NUTIKAS): This programme aims to drive growth in research-intensive areas by supporting applied research in key sectors identified as strategic for Estonia’s economic development. It focuses on fostering innovation and enhancing the impact of research activities.
- RITA: Managed by the Estonian Research Council, RITA supports socio-economic applied research that aligns with the needs of the Estonian state. Its goal is to strengthen the strategic management of research and increase the capacity of R&D institutions to conduct research with significant societal relevance.
- TeaMe+ Programme: Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, TeaMe+ aims to popularize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. It involves partnerships with the Estonian Academy of Sciences and the Estonian Newspaper Association to encourage interest and participation in STEM disciplines.
- National Environmental Monitoring Programme: This programme focuses on developing and improving tools for the administration, publication, and use of environmental monitoring data. It ensures that data is effectively managed and meets user needs, supporting better environmental management and decision-making.
International research and development cooperation programmes and partnerships of the European Union relevant to Estonia are:
- Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI)
- Contractual public and private sector partnerships (cPPP);
- Joint programmes based on Article 185;
- Joint Programming Initiatives (JPI);
- European Research Area cooperation Networks (ERA-Nets);
- European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST);
- Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME)
- Knowledge and Innovation Communities.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)